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THE COUi^^ 
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kIIE greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of 
the present century, has said : "The history of a country is best told in a record of the 
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea the Portrait and Biographical 
Album of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to must}' records, and 
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our 
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their 
enterprise and industr3^ brought the count}' to a ranii second to none among those 
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life 
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli- 
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the 
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by 
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, witli limited 
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an 
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who 
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have 
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and 
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of man}', very 
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their way,'' content 
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman ijerforming a deed of mercy — "they have done what 
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the 
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's 
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace 
once more reigned in the laud. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not 
be lost upon those who follow after. 

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact 
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, aud which would otherwise be 
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible 
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them- 
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph- 
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. 

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the 
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the 
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of 
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition tiic support of the interested 
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made 
at their residence or place of busifiess. 

CHAPMAN BROS. 
Chicago, February, 1889. 





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I 





F/RST ^^RESIDENT. 



19 




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HE Father otour Country was 
horn in Westmorland Co., Va., 
'Feb. 22, 1732. His parents 
were Augustine and Mary 
(Ball) Washington. The family 
to which he belonged has not 
been satisfactorily traced in 
England. His great-grand- 
father, John Washington, em- 
igrated to Virginia about 1657, 
and became a prosperous 
planter. He had two sons, 
Lawrence and John. The 
former married Mildred Warner 
and had three children, John, 
Augustine and Mildred. Augus- 
tine, the father of George, fiist 
married Jane Butler, who bore 
him four children, two of whom, 
Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his 
second marriage, George was the 
eldest, the others being Betty, 
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles 
and Mildred. 
Augustine Washington, the father of George, died 
in 1743, leaving a Luge landed property. To his 
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on 
the f'atomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
and to George he left the parental residence. George 
received only such education as the neighborhood 
schools afforded, save for a short time after he left 
school, when he received private instruction in 
mathLMiiat'i s. His spelhu'^ v/as rather defectiv,;. 



Remarkable stories are told of his great physica. 
strength and development at an early age. He was 
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was 1 4 years old he had a desire to go to 
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, 
but through the opposition of his mother the idea was 
abandoned. Two years later he was appointed 
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In 
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier 
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. Li 175 r, though only 19 years of 
age, he was appointed adjutant with the rank of 
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for 
active service against the French and Indians. Soon 
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother 
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. They 
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence 
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter 
who did not long survive him. On her den>ise the 
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. 

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was 
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- 
tary districts, of which the northern was assignee to 
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this 
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- 
cepted, which others had refused. This was to pro- 
ceed to the French post near Lake Erie in North- 
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed 
was between 500 and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, 
and the join-ney was to be made witliout military 
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near 
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- 
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was 
then begun against the French and Indians, in which 
Washington took a most important part. In the 
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer 
of distinctior, who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock 
were disabled early in the action, and Washington 
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through 
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions 
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was 
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken 
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit 
him. 

.\fter having been five years in the military service, 
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he 
took advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the 
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
10 resign his commission. Soon after he entered the 
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he look an 
active and imjxjrtant part. January 17, 1759, he 
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy 
widow of John Parke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the port 
-if Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces 
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." 
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con • 
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- 
delphia, Sept. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- 
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
Congress re-assembled, w!ien the hostile intentions of 
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the 
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
responsible office was conferred upon Washington, 
who was still a memberof the Congress. He accepted 
ii on June 19, but upon the express condition that he 
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account 
of expenses and expect Congress 10 pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the 
fortunes and liberties of the peoi)le of this country 
were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
him under ever)' possible disadvantage, and while his 
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every 
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 17S3, Washington, in 
a parting address of surpassing beauty, lesigned his 



commission as commander-in-chief of the army to 
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
connection with public lite. 

In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously 
elected President. In his presidential career he was 
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a w^w 
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part 
of other governments; trials from want of harmony 
between the different sections of our own country' ; 
trials from the impoverished condition of the country, 
owmgto the war and want of credit; trials from the 
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His 
clear judgment could discern the golden mean; and 
while perhaps this alone kept our government from 
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to 
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter .nnd 
very annoying. 

At the expiration of his first term he was unani- 
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many 
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely 
refused a tliird nomination. On the fourth of March, 
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
his few remaining yeais free from the annoyances of 
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose 
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France 
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armies. He chose his sul - 
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his- 
home. In accepting the command he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of these preparations 
his life was suddenly cut off. December 12, he took 
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
in h's throat, produced inflammation, and terminated 
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- 
teenth his body was borne wi'h military honors to its 
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to 
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- 
miration. The more we see of the operations of 
our government, and the more deeply we feel the 
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, 
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
the reverence of all parties, and principles, and na- 
tions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
of the globe, and which we cannot but believe will 
be as lasting as the existence of man. 

The person of Washington was unusally tan, erect 
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was 
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetr\'. 
He commanded respect without any appearance of 
haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. 



I 



bEOOND PEESIDENT. 



23 



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I OHN ADAMS, the second 
®,-. President and the first Vice- 
*' President of the United States, 
was born in Braintree ( now 
k Quincy ),Mass., and about ten 
''•^- miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry 
Adams, emigrated from England 
about 1640, with a family of eight 
sons, and settled at Braintree. The 
parents of John were John and 
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
father was a farmer of limited 
means, to which he added the bus- 
iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
tion at Harvard College. John 
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
'sci.ool of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
gain iClief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
sludy of law. For this purpose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He 
had thought seriously of the clerical profession 
but seems to have been turned from this by what he 
termed " the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
cils cf dialjolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' 
of the operations of which he had been a witness in 
his native town. He was well fitted for the legal 
profeiision, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
tive j\)wers. He gradually gained practice, and in 
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, (1765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- 
tion turned him from law to politics. He took initial 
iteps toward holdin^ i town meeting, and the resolu- 



tions he offered on the subject became very [xjpulai 
throughout the Province, and were adopted word for 
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- 
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous 
and prominent advocatesof the popular cause, and 
was chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg- 
lislature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates 
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, 
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himselt 
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- 
vocated the movement for independence against the 
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved 
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonies 
should assume tlie duties of self-government. He 
was a prominent member of the committee of ave 
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
Congress in a three days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with th3 
glow of e.xcited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife 
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated 
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the 
greatest question was decided that ever was debated 
in America; and greater, perhaps, never was or wil 
be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
July, 1776, will lie a memorable epoch in the history 
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary 
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of 
'deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to Almighty 
God. It ought to be solemnized \j'nh jx)mp, shows. 



24 



JOHN ADAMS. 



games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from this 
time forward for ever. Vou will think me transported 
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of 
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to 
maintain this declaration, and support and defend 
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is 
worth more than all the means; and that posterity 
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
hope we shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
delegate to France and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in 
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money 
from the French Government. This was a severe trial 
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- 
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- 
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was again 
ciiosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
might be found willing to listen to such pioposels. He 
sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and 
formed important commercial treaties. 

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, 
toil and an.xiety through which Mr. Adams had passed 
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- 
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of 
Bath. \Vhilein England, still drooping anddesiwnd- 
ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
urging the necessity of his going to .\msterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he made the trip. 

February 24, 1785; Congress apijointed Mr. Adams 
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face 
to face the King of England, who had so long re- 
garded him as a traitor. As England did not 
condescend to appoint a minister to the United 
States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he was accom- 
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
his own country, where he arrived in June, 17 88. 

When Washington was first chosen President, John 
.\dams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President, .\gain 
at the second election of Washington as President, 
Adams was chosen Vice President. In 1796, Wash- 
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was 
elected President,though not without much opposition. 
Serving in this office four years,he was succeeded by 
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great 



French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, 
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with 
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. 
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French people 
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in tlieir 
power of self-government, and he utterly abhored the 
class of atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. 
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence or- 
iginated the alienation between these distinguished 
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- 
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies 
were with England and Jefferson led the other in 
sympathy vi^ith France. 

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more 
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the 
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party fee'ing 
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just 
appreciation which, to most men, is not accorded till 
after death. No one could look upon his venerable 
form, and think of what he had done and suffered, 
and how he had given up all the prime and strength 
of his life to the public good, without the deepest 
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar 
good fortune to witness the complete success of the 
institution which he had been so active in creating and 
supporting. In 1824, his cup of ha|)piness was filled 
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the liighest 
station in the gift of the people. 

The fourth of Jul)', 1826, which completed the half 
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the 
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the 
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is 
well known, on that dciy two of these finished the.i 
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as 
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. 
Adams had been rapidly failing, and on the morning 
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from 
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the 
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered 
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew 
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- 
ious fourth of July — God bless it — Crod bless you all." 
In the course of the day he said, " It is a great and 
glorious day." The last words he uttered were. 
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- 
signed his spiiit into the hands of his God. 

The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 
Adams were not particularly prepossessing. His face, 
as his portrait manifests.was intellectual ard expres- 
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his 
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. 
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, ncr 
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
the manners and address of TcfTerson. 





y-^?7i^ 



THIRD PRESIDENT. 



27 





HOMAS JEFFERSON was 
born April 2, 1743, at Shad- 
^■^f'well, Albermarle county, Va. 
His parents were Peter and 
Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, 
the former a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in Lon- 
don. To tliem were born six 
daughters and two sons, of 
whom Thomas was the elder. 
When 14 years of age his 
father died. He received a 
most liberal education, hav- 
ing been kept diligently at school 
from the time he was five years of 
age. In 1760 he entered William 
.end Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obode of fashion 
a. id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 
years old, lived somewhat ejipensively, keeping fine 
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet lie 
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- 
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under 
such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec- 
ond year of his college course, moved by some un- 
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, 
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen 
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for e.\- 
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- 
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and 
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished 
scholar has seldom gone forth from college halls; and 



there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a 
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued in the 
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- 
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a 
lawyer. But the times called for greater action. 
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged 
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosei 
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
ful, wealthy and highly accomplished young widow 

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there 
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected for his new 
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest ye*^ 
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon 
became the most distinguished resort in our land. 

In 1775 he was sent to the Cilonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed upon a number of important committees, 
and was chairman of the one appointed for the draw- 
ing up of a declaration of independence. This ccm- 
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams. 
Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. 
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed 
to draw up the paper. Franklin and Adams suggested 
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- 
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made 
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 
4, 1776 What mttst have been the feelings of that 



28 



THOMAS JEFFERSON. 



man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
wlio was charged with the preparation of that Dec- 
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of 
America, was also to publish her to the world, free, 
soverign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort 
i;f the mind of its author exist, that alone would be 
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. 

In 1779 JVIr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry, i.s Governor of Virginia. At one time 
the British officer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five 
minutes elapsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- 
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- 
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never 
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and 
:n the summer of 1782 she died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two yeirs later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States 
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State 
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned 
Jan. J, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- 
dent, and four years later was elected President over 
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, 
and George Clinton, Vice President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the 
tranquilily and peace of the Union; this was the con- 
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election 
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an un[.rincipled 
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our 
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
was a mere pretext ; and altliough it has not been 
generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly 
:3rty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
,ic, and all that time had been employed in offices of 
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- 
voted the best part of his life to the service of his 
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his 
declining years required, and upon the organization of 
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticelio. 

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and 
nurses, — and remained three and even six months. 
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a 
fashionable watering-place. 

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 



sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
great preparations were made in every jiatt of the 
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and 
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemniiy 
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer. 
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- 
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- 
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and 
had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
decline the invitation. 

On the second of July, the disease under which 
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants, entertained ne 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly 
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the next 
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around 
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was 
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that 
he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth 
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- 
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble 
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - 
the day which his own name and his own act had 
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the scene of bis earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the champions of 
freedom; hand in hand, during the dark and desjier- 
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and 
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a 
century they had labored together for the good of 
the country; and now hand in hand they depart. 
In their lives they had been united in the same great 
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not 
divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became 
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore- 
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and 
thoughtful. He jxjssessed great fortitude of mind as 
well as personal courage ; and his command of tem- 
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends 
never recollected to have seen him in a passion. 
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- 
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and 
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is 
discernable the care with which he formed his style 
upon the best models of antiquity. 




^2//t-0-<-^-i 



^ 



it*-^^^-^ t^K 



FOURTH FRKSIDENT. 



3» 



jg^riQEgni^Disoi). 





a, AMES MADISON, "Father 
4t of tlie Constitution," and fourtli 
^■'■■'President of the United States, 
was born March i6, 1757, and 
died at his home in Virginia, 
'*^' June 28, 1836. The name of 
James Madison is inseparably con- 
nected with most of tire important 
events in that heroic period of our 
country during which the founda- 
tions of this great repubHc were 
laid. He was the last of the founders 
of the Constitution of the United 
States to be called to his eternal 
reward. 

The Madison family were among 
the early emigrants to the New \Vorld, 
landing ujwn the shores of the Chesa- 
peake but 15 years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The f:rther of 
James Madison was an opulent 
JWf> planter, residing upon a very fine es- 

fmj tate called " Montpelier," Orange Co., 
J3J Va. The mansion was situated in 
^j|) the midst of scenery highly pictur- 
i esque and romantic, on the west side 

of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
Blue Ridge. It was but 25 miles from the home of 
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and 
political attachment existed between these illustrious 
men, from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted 
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 
rS he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. 
Hs;re he applied himself to study with the most im- 




prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but ihree 
hours' sleep out of tlie 24. His health thus became so 
seriously impaired that he never recovered any vigor 
of constitution. He graduated in 1771, with a feeble 
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
mind highly disciplined and riclily stored with learning 
which embellisheil and gave [jroficiency to his subsr 
quent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. 
This educational course, the spirit of the times in 
which he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
ciated, all combined to inspire him with a strong 
love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of 
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
his life was not to be long, he directed especial atten- 
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mmd 
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with 
almost unequalled powers of reasoning, he weighed 
all the arguments for and against revealed religion, 
until his faith became so established as never to 
be shaken. 

In the spring of 1776, wiien 26 years of age, he 
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
frame the constitution of the State. The next year 
(1777), he was a candidate for the General Assemblv. 
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and 
consequently lost his election ; but those who had 
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the 
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
and he was appointed to the E.xecutive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained 
member of the Council ; and their appreciation of his 



32 



JAMES MADISON. 



intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental 
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in 
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of 
the most conspicuous positions among them. 

For three years Mr. Madison continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential members. 
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply tlian Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- 
tional government, with no power to form treaties 
v/hich would be binding, or to enforce law. There 
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
the declaration, that an efficient national government 
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of 
Virginia, inviting the other States to apjioint commis- 
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss 
this subject. Five States only were represented. The 
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up 
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place 
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
the time appointed. Every Stale but Rhode Island 
was represented. George Washington was chosen 
president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
tution of the United States was then and there formed. 
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- 
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind, 
and the pen of James Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 81 to 79, was 
to be presented to the several States for acceptance. 
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected 
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent 
States, with but little ix)wer at home and little respect 
abroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- 
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United 
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, 
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition 
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became the 
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in 
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a 
young widow of remarkable jxiwer of fascination, 
wliom he married. She was in person and character 
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occujMed 
so prominent a position in the ver)' peculiar society 
wliich has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
Madison. 

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. 



British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and 
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiiing 
ill his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the 
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood 
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought 
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- 
ance he selects any number whom he may please to 
designate as British subjects ; orders them do\in the 
ship's side into his boat; and places them on tSie gun- 
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
battles of England. This right of search and im- 
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce 
the British cabinet to relinquish. 

On the i8th of June, 1S12, President Madison gave 
his appioval to an act of Congress declaring war 
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter 
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country 
in general approved; and Mr. Madison, on the 4th 
of March, i8i3) was re-elected by a large majority, 
and entered upon his second term of office. This is 
not the place to describe the various adventures of 
this war on the land and on the water. Our infant 
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
pling with the most formidable power which ever 
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, 
18 13, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 
coast of the United States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me 
dilator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- 
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks 
of the Patu.xet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
burg, upon Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. 
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in the White 
House, with her carriage drawn up at the doer to 
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers 
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, 
and he could not go back without danger of Ijeing 
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential 
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in 
Washington were in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on 
Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed aiGhent. 

On the 4th of March, 18 17, his second term of 
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- 
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- 
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the 
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- 
son died July 12, 1849. 





7 



^^Zl. 



FIFTH PRESIDENT. 



35 





WW& n]01]ItOE. 




AMES MONROE, the fifth 
J'residtntof The United States, 
was born in Westmoreland Co., 
Va., April 28, 1758. His early 
life was passed at the place of 
nativity. His ancestors had for 
many years resided in tlie prov- 
ince in which he was born. ^Vhell, 
at 17 years of age, in the process 
of completing his education at 
William and Mary College, the Co- 
lonial Congress assembled at Phila- 
delphia to deliberate upon the un- 
just and manifold oppressions of 
tireat Britian, declared the separa- 
tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
gated the Declaration of Indejjen- 
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly 
probable that he would have been one of the signers 
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left 
school and enlisted among the patriots. 

He joined the army when everything looked hope- 
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased 
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring 
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the 
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
who were sufficiently terrified at the prospect of con- 
tending witli an enemy whom they had been taught 
to deem invincible. To such l.)rave spirits as James 
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their 
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
ranks, and espoused the cause of his injured country, 
with a firm determination to live or die with her strife 



^m^ss^' 




.^^ 



for liberty. Firmly )et sadly he shared in the mel- 
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White 
Plains, and acconqjanied the dispirited army as it fled 
before its foes tlirough New Jersey. In four months 
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle cf 
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left 
shoulder. 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was ])ro- 
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered 
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, hcvvever, 
receded from the line of promotion, by becomin » a;i 
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- 
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Lrandy 
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued 
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his 
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a 
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed 
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. Upon 
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that period Governor, and pursued, with considerable 
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, however, 
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as avolun.- 
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 

In 1782, he was elected from King George county, 
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that 
body he was elevated to a seat in the E.xecutive 
Council. He was tlius honored with the confidence 
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having 
at this early period displayed some of that ability 
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards 
employed with unremittingenergy for the public good, 



S6 



JAMES MONROE. 



member of 



he was in the succeeding year chosen a 
the Congress of the United States. 
Deeply as Mr. MoiiioefL-h the imi)erfeitionsof theold 
Confederacy, he was opposed totlienew Constitution, 
-.hinking, with many others of 'he Republican party, 
shat it gave too much power to the Central Government, 
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- 
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm 
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition 
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member 
of the United States Senate ; which office he held for 
four years. Every month the line of distinction be- 
tween the two great parties which divided the nation, 
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more 
distinct. The two prominent iaeas which now sep- 
arated them were, that the Republican party was in 
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
Central Government as little power, and the State 
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would 
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, 
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could possibly 
authorize. 

The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
Tames Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
building up this majestic nation, which is destined 
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- 
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the 
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- 
nounced as almost a demon. 

Washington was then President. England had es- 
ix)used the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- 
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- 
tween these contending powers. France had helped 
f.s in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms 
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French 
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse 
thai; that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more 
raagnanirnous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
and noble nature. He violently opposed the_ Pres- 
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in 
magnanimity. 

Washington, who could appreciate such a character, 
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister 
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Converition 
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 



Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- 
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the 
office for three yeais. He was again sent to France to 
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining 
the vast territory then known as the Province of 
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- 
tained from Spain. Tneir united efforts were suc- 
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen 
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and 
district of Louisiana were added to the United States. 
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate 
which was ever made in all the history of the world. 
From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- 
tain from that country some recognition of ouv 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those 
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- 
land was unrelenting. He again returned to Eng- 
land on the same mission, but could receive no 
redress. He returned to his home and was again 
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned 
to accept the position of Secretary of State under 
Madison. While in this office war with England was 
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during 
these trying times, the duties of the War Department 
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- 
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient 
business man in his cabinet. Upon the return of 
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- 
tinued in the office of Secretary of State until the e.\- 
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec 
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had 
been chosen President with but little opposition, and 
upon March 4, 1S17, was inaugurated. Four years 
later he was elected for a second term. 

Among the important measures of his Presidency 
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the 
Missouri Compromise, and the "Monroe doctrine.'" 
This famous doctrine, since known as the " Monroe 
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that 
time the United States had recognized the independ- 
ence of the South American states, and did not wish 
to have European powers longer attempting to sub- 
due portionsof the American Continent. The doctrine 
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt 
on the part of European powers to extend their sys- 
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous 
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not 
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing 
or controlling American governments or provinces in 
any other light than as a manifestation by European 
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the United 
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course 
of foreign governments, and has become the approved 
sentiment of the United States. 

At the end of his second term MrMonroe retired 
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, 
when he went to New York to live with his son-in- 
law. In that city he died.on the 4'li of .T"ly, 1831 




J , <il ^ iMclojnxS 



SIXTH PRESIDENT. 



39 




i^.^O\A>^^^ 






L:^-<?^*<o-^ 




OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the 
sixth President of the United 
■-•> Stales, was born in the rural 
home of his honored father. 
Jolm Adains,in Quincy, Mass., 
oil the I Uh cf July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted 
worth, watched over his childhood 
during the ahnost constant ab- 
sence of his father. When but 
A eight years of age, he stood with 
" his mother on an eminence, listen- 
ing to the booming of the great bat- 
tle on Bunker's Hill, and gazing on 
upon the smoke and flames billow- 
ing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven years old he 
took a tearful adieu of his mother, 
to sail with his fainer for Europe, 
through a fleet ol hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where 
his father was associated with Franklin and Lee as 
minister plenipotentiary. His intelligence attracted 
the notice of these distinguislied men, and he received 
from them flattering marks of attention. 

Mr. John Adams had scarcely returned to this 
cou.-try, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
ol.A Quincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
applied himself with great diligence, for six months, 
to jtudy; then accompained his father to Holland, 
vmere he entered, first a school in .Amsterdam, then 
the University at Leyden. About a year from this 
time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen 
yea", of age, he was selected by Mr. Dana, our min- 
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. 

In this school of incessant labor and of enobling 
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 
to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the 
winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resumed 
his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence. 



in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father in 
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
with the most distinguished men on the Con'incnt; 
examining arcnitectural reinains, galleries of paintings, 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again 
became associated with the most illustrious men of 
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temporal 
themes which can engross the human mind. Afte- 
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, ana 
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 1785, 
when he returned to America. To a brilliant young 
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, 
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
residence with his father in London, under such cir- 
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive 
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- 
ferred to return to America to complete his education 
in an American college. He wished then to study 
law, that with an honorable jirofession, he might be 
able to obtain an independent support. 

Upon leaving Harvard College, at theageof twentj- 
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- 
ing then but twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
pointed by Washington, resident minister at the 
Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in July, he reachea 
London in October, where he was immediately admit- 
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, 
assisting them in Jiegotiating a commercial treat v with 
Great Brilian. After thus spending a fortnigtit in 
London, he proceeded to the Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left the Hague logo to Portugal as 
minister plenipotentiary. On his way to Portugal, 
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches 
directing him to the court of Beiiin, but requesting 
him to remain in London until he should receive his 
instructions. While wr.iting he was mairied to an 
American lady to whom he had been previously en- 
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter 
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, American consul in london; 
a lady eiidownd with that beauty and those accom- 
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the 
elevated sphere for which she w£is destined. 



4° 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, having ful- 
filled all the purposes of his mission, he solicited his 
recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
Ihe Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
from the 4th of March, 1804. His reputation, his 
ability and his experience, placed him immediately 
among the most prominent and influential members 
of that body. Esi)ecially did he sustain the Govern- 
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- 
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- 
sulting our flag. Tiiere was no man in America more 
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon 
these jxjints, and no one more resolved to present 
a firm resistance. 

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- 
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- 
ing his professorship in Harvard College, he embarked 
at Boston, in August, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- 
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and 
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the 
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to 
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he 
Kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and 
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a 
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. 
All through life the Bible constituted an important 
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five 
chapters every day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the 
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. 
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the 
i8th of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, Mr, Adams continued Secretary 
of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second 
term of office, new candidates began to be presented 
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought 
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. 
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and 
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- 
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; 
William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- 
se\fen. As there was no choice by the people, the 
question went to the House of Representatives. Mr. 
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and 
he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon 
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 
*-hp nast history of our country than the abuse which 



was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- 
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
lously and outrageously assailed. 

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
early, and taking much exercise. \N hen at his home in 
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, 
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his 
own fire and applying hitiiself to work in his library 
often long before dawn. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew- 
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- 
dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
lX)rtentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to 
Quincy and to his studies, which he jjursued with un- 
abated zeal. But he was not long [jermitted to re- 
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was 
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
years, until his deatli, he occupied the post as repre- 
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to 
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in 
the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to 
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. 1 he 
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against 
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime 
in Its moral daiing and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
with expulsion from the House, with assassination; 
but no threats could intimidate him, and his final 
triumph was complete. 

It has been said of President Adams, that when his 
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of 
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little 
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before 
he slept, the prajer which his mother taught him in 
his infant years. 

On the 2 1 St of February, 1848, he rose on the floor 
of Congress, with a paper in his hand, to address the 
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly- 
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around him. 
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- 
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and 
said " This is the end of earth ;"then after a moment's 
liause he added, ^^ I am content" These were the 
last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent." 



/7 



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SEVENTH PRESIDENT. 



43 







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NfDREW JACKSON, the 
^L\enth President of the 
United States, was born in 
\\ -ixhaw settlement, N. C, 
March 15, 1767, a few days 
after his father's death. His 
paienls were poor emigrants 
fiom Ireland, and took up 
their abode in Waxhaw set- 
tlement, where they lived in 
deepest poverty, 
Andrew, or Andy, as he was 
universally called, grew up a very 
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, his form un- 
gainly; and there was but very 
little in his character, made visible, which was at- 
tractive. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
i7Sr, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
ordered him to brush his mud-spattered boots. " I am 
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
the dauntless boy. 

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate 
Dlow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. 
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- 
ful gashes, — one on the hand and the other upon the 
head. The officer theii turned to his lirother Robert 
with the same demand. He also refused, and re- 
ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which iiuite 
disabled him, and which probably soon after caused 
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 
were finally stricken with the small-pox. Their 
mother was successful in obtaining their exchanjje. 



and took her sick boys home. After a long illness 
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother ;ooii 
left him entirely friendless. 

Andrew supported himself in various ways, s i:.h as 
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and 
clerking in a general store, until 1784, when he 
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
gave more ;tttentioii to the wild amusements of the 
times than to his studies. In 1788, he was appointed 
solicitor for the western district of North Carolina, of 
which Tennessee was then a part. This involved 
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of 
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew feiir, 
and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
witn the Sharp Knife. 

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
supposed herself divorced from her former husband. 
Great was the surprise of both parties, two years later, 
to find that the conditions of the divorce had just been 
definitely settled by the first husband. The marriage 
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- 
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. 
Jackson into disfavor. 

During these years he worked hard at his profes- 
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, 
one of which, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- 
ially disgraceful. 

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee then 
containing nearly eighty thousand inhabitants, the 
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- 
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven 
counties, .\ndrew Jackson was one of the delegates. 
The new State was entitled to but one member in 
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- 
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 



44 



ANDRE W J A CKSON. 



sesjio:i5, — a distance of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Dcmo- 
cr.itic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
Jackson took his seal, Gen. Washington, whose 
second term of office was then e.xpiiing, delivered his 
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a 
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson 
did not approve of the address, and was one of the 
twelve wlio voted against it. He was not willing to 
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been 
" wise, firm and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
of his State, which position he held f^r six years. 

When the war of 1812 with Great Britian com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron B.irr sent word to the President that there was 
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who 
would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
ferred upon him. Just at that time Gen. Jackson 
offered his services and those of twenty-five liundred 
volunteers. His offer was accej)ted, and the troops 
were assembled at Nashville. 

As the British were hourly expected to make an at- 
tack r.p'jn New Orleans, where Gen Wilkinson was 
in command, he was ordered to descend the river 
with fifteen hundred troops to aid Wilkinson. The 
expedition reached Natchez; and after a delay of sev- 
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
the men were ordered Liack to their homes. But the 
energy Gen. Jackson had displayed, and his entire 
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
golden opinions; and he became the most popular 
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his 
toughness gave him the nickname of" Old Hickory. ' 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. 
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
which a younger brother of Benton's was eijgaged, 
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
lingering upon a Ijed of suffering news came that the 
I:idians, who had combined under Tecumseh from 
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- 
.lers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- 
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with 
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in 
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- 
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
army to rendezvous at FayettesviUe, .\labama. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on 
one of the bends of the Tallauoosa River, near the cen- 
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort Strother. 
With an army of two thousand men. Gen. Jackson 
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or 
Horse-shoe, on tlie 27th of March. 1814. The bend 



of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of 
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow 
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- 
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was uticrl) des- 
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. \Vhen 
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- 
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- 
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was 
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the 
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as 
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- 
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The 
power of the Creeks was brokeii forever. This bold 
plunge into the wilderness, with its terriffic slaughter, 
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
of the bands caiue to the camp, begging for peace. 

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the 
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will 
than Gen. Jackson could have conducted this Indian 
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he 
was appointed major-general. 

Late in .\ugust, with an army of two thousand 
men, on a rushing march. Gen. Jackson came to 
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed 
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, 
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious 
assaidt. The battle was long and doubtful. At length 
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little 
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, 
was in reality a ver)' arduous campaign. This won 
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his 
troops, which numbered about four thousand men, 
won a signal victory over the British army of about 
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the 
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. 

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be men- 
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in 1824, 
he was defeated by Mr. Adams. He was, however, 
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected 
for a second term in 1832. In 1829, just before he 
assumed the reins of the government, he met with 
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of 
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has 
perhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of 
her death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most memorable 
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, 
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter 
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his 
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
he died June 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- 
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. 




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EIGHTH PRESIDENT. 



47 






'''^^:f^'-\^^m^j^:^^^-^^K\®m^j^^ 












ARTIN VAN BUREN, the 

eighth President of tlie 

United States, was born at 

Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 

1782. He died at the same 

place, July 24, 1862. His 

body rests in the cemetery 

at Kinderhook. Above it is 

a plain granite shaft fifteen feet 
*<% ^ . ■ . . . ■ 

high, bearing a simple inscription 

Yfk about half way up on one face. 

™ The lot is unfenced, unbordered 

or unbounded by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren 
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged 
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in 
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in those 
incidents which give zest to biography. His an- 
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, 
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland 
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
also of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary piety. 

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the 
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies 
in his native village, and commenced the study of 
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven 
years of study in a law-office were required of him 
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with 
a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- 
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After 
ajiending six ye.nrs in an office in his native village, 



he went to the city of New York, and prosecuted his 
studies for the seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of 
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- 
lage. The great conflict between tlie Federal and 
Republican party was then at its height. Mr. Van 
Buren v.'as from the beginning a politician. He had, 
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listenjp.ig to the 
many discussions which had been carried on in his 
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with 
Jefferson, and earnestly and eloquently espoused the 
cause of State Rights; though at thai time the Fed- 
eral party held the supremacy both in his town 
and State. 

His success and increasing ruputation led him 
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, th. 
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years 
constantly gaining strength by contending in tht 
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned 
the bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mi. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consump- 
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over 
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
In 181 2, when thirty years of age, he was chosen to 
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to 
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1S15, he was ap- 
pointed .Attorney-General, and the ne.xt year moved 
to .Albany, the capital of the State. 

'iVhile he was acknowledged us one of the most 
p omineut leaders of the Democratic twrty, he had 



48 



MARTIN VAN BUREN. 



the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that " universal suffrage" which admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of 
governing the State. In true consistency with his 
democratic principles, he contended that, while the 
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open 
to every man without distinction, no one siiould be 
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue 
and some iHoperty interests in the welfare of the 
State. 

In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
native State. His course in this convention secured 
ihe approval of men of all parties. No one could 
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the 
interests of all classes in the community. In the 
Senate of the United States, he rose a't once to a 
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to 
ihe Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the 
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof 
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
seat in the Senate. Proljably no one in the United 
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. 
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it 
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether 
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- 
g.irded throughout the United States as one of the 
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians, 
't was supposed that no one knew so well as he how 
.0 touch the secret springs of action; how to pull all 
Jie wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to 
organize a political army which would, secredy and 
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By 
these powers it is said that he outv.'itted Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
few thought then could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he 
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. "J'his 
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately 
appointed Minister to England, where he went the 
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned 



home, apparently untroubled; was nominated Vice 
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election 
of President Jackson; and with smiles for all and 
fiowns for none, he took his place at the head of that 
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination 
as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of 
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- 
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, 
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu- 
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- 
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. 
Jackson as President of the United States. He was 
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the 
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the 
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van 
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. 
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred 
upon him the power to appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting events. 
The insurrection in Canada, which threatened to in 
volve this country in war with England, the agitation 
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- 
cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- 
tributed to the management of the Democratic party, 
and brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re election. 

With the exception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 184S, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. 

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
jjatriotism, and the distinguished positions which he 
had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
4th of March, t84r, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald^ 
he still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics 
of the country. From this time until his death, on 
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he 
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of 
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healtliy old 
age, probably far more hapjrtness than he had before 
experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. 




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AINTH PRESIDENT. 



X' 




wiMMM Km mmi^ii. 





I' 



J 



I 



ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 
SON, the ninth President of 
the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harri- 
son, was in comparatively op- 
ulent circumstances, and was 
one of the most distinguished 
men of his day. He was an 
intimate friend of George 
Washington, was early elected 
a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was conspicuous 
among the patriots of Virginia in 
resisting the encroachments of the 
British crown. In the celebrated 
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
rison and John Hancock were 
l>oth candidates for the office of 
speaker. 

iVIr Harrison was subsequently 
chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
was twice re-elected. His son, 
i William Henry, of course enjoyed 

in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
ing received a tliorough common-school education, he 
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated 
with honor soon after the death of his father. He 
-hen repaired to Philadelphia tostudy medicine under 
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
signers of ilic Declaration of Independence. 

Upon the oullireak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he 
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, 
having ol^tained a commission of Ensign from Presi- 



\ 



dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. 
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank 
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
death he resigned his commission. He was then aj)- 
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This 
Territory was then entitled to but one member in 
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
position. 

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory 
was divided by Congress into two portions. The 
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
in the State of Ohio, was called '' The Territory 
north-west of the Ohio." The western portion, which 
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was a])- 
pointed by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of 
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as 
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He 
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now 
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and 
fidelity with which he discharged these responsible 
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, 
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
dent Madison. 

When he began his adminstration there were but 
three white settlements in that almost boundless region, 
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the 
tumult of wealth and traffic. Oneof these settlements 
was on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville; one at 
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French 
settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harnsci. 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. Abou' 



52 



WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON. 



the year 1806, two extraordinary mer, twin brothers, 
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of 
these was called Tecuraseh, or " The Crouching 
Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "'l"he Prophet." 
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man 
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
able perseverance in any enterprise m which he might 
engage. He was inspired with the liighest enthusiasm, 
and liad long regarded with dread and with hatred 
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- 
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was 
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored 
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which 
they dwelt. 

But the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was, 
i.i the superstitious minds of tiie Indians, invested 
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a 
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter 
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went 
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent 
by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate 
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- 
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. 
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When 
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was 
approaching them in so hostile an attitude. After a 
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- 
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with 
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- 
tations Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- 
campment, he took every precaution against surprise 
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept 
upon their arms. 

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for 
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his 
loaded musket by his side, and his bayonet fixed. The 
wakeful Governor, lietween three and four o'clock in 
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It 
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- 
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
tlie desperation which superstition and passion most 
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had been amply provided 
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
tus yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubtir.ga 
speedy and an entire victory^ But Gen. Harrison's 
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them 
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous 
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- 
fore them, and completely routing the foe. 



Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British descending from the Can - 
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but 
with their savage allies, rusliing like wolves from the 
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier 
was plunged into a state of consternation which even 
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. 
The war-wlioop was resounding everywhere in the 
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- 
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made 
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. 
Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison 
was appointed by President Madison commander-in- 
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake 
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. 

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation 
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but 
General Harrison was found equal to the position, 
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re 
sponsibilities. 

He won the love of his soldiers by ab.vays sharinp 
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while 
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
valise; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
lashed over his saddle Thirty-five British officers, 
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. 
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted 
before the fire, without bread or salt. 

Ill 18 16, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member ol 
the National House of Representatives, to represent 
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an 
active member; and whenever he s[X)kc, it was with 
force of reason and power of eloquence, which arrested 
the attention of all the members. 

In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors 
of that State, he gave liis vote for Henry Clay. The 
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. 

In 1836, the friends of Gen. Harrison lirought him 
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against 
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his 
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated 
by the Whigs, with John Tyler for the Vice President y. 
The contest was very animated. Gen Jackson gave 
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
his triumph was signal. 

The cabinet which he forn;ied, with Daniel Webster 
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most 
brilliant with which any President had ever been 
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- 
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country 
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
pleurisy-fever and after a few daj's of violent sick- 
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after 
his inauguration as President of the United States. 



r 





vriy 




TENTH PRESIDENT. 



55 





OHN TYLER, the tenth 
, Presidentof the United States. 
He was born in Charles-city 
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
was the favored cliild of af- 
fluence and high social po- 
sition. At the earlj- age of 
twelve, John entered William 
and Mary College and grad- 
uated with much honor when 
but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted him- 
self with great assiduity to the 
study of law, partly with his 
father and p.irtly with Edmund 
Kr Randolph, one of the most distin- 
guished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, ne 
commenced the practice of law. 
His success was rapid and aston- 
ishing. It is said that three 
months had not elapsed ere there 
was scarcely a case on the dock- 
et of the court in which lie was 
not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he 
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State 
Lagiflature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he 
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly the 
unanimous vote or his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 
ably with tlie Democratic party, op.ijosing a national 
bank, internal improvements by the General Govern- 



ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con- 
struction of the Constitution, and the most careful 
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress 
were so arduous that before the close of his second 
term \\i found it necessary to resign and retire to his 
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
in promoting public works of great utility. With a 
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his 
native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
cessful one. His popularity secured his re-election. 

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
United States. A portion of the Democratic party 
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, 
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient 
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. 

In accordance with his professions, upon taking his 
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opposi- 
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and 
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- 
uously opposed all restrictions upon slavery, resist- 
ing all projects of internal improvements by the Gen- 
eral Government, and avowed his sympathy with Mr. 
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. 
Jackson, by his opposition to the nuUifiers, had 
abandoned the piinciples of the Democratic party. 
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record 
in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, ho resumed the practice of 
his profession. There was a rj'lit ii the Deiv.ocralic 



56 



JOHN TYLER. 



party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- 
fersonian, gave hini a dinner, and showered compli- 
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of 
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- 
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was 
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
of law, and devoted himself to the cultme of his plan- 
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
for the better education of his children ; and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
1839. Tl>e majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disappointment ot 
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- 
thy with the Whig party in the Noith : but the Vice 
President has but very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
Democratic Vice President were chosen. 

In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States. In one short month from 
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of 
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential 
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our 
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our 
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler 
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the 
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding 
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been 
opposed tc the main principles of the party which had 
brought him into power. He had ever been a con- 
?istent, honest man, with an unblemished record. 
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should 
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- 
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own? or, 
on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those 
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
lic welfare? This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
selected to retain their seats. He reccomm^nded a 
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the 
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
his veto. He tsuasested, however, that he would 



approve ora bill drawn up upon such a plan as he 
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and 
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. 
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back 
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. 
Icis said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- 
dent into their arms. The party which elected him 
denounced him bitterly. AH the members of his 
cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
meeting and issued an address to the people of the 
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance 
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at 
an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs and 
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, 
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus 
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The 
land was filled with murmurs and vituperation, ^^'higs 
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, 
however, he brought himself into svmpathy with his 
oW friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, 
he gave his whole influence to the support of Mr. 
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
harassments of office, tothe regret of neitherparty, af.d 
probably to his own unspeakable lelief. His first wife. 
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; 
and in June, 1844, PresidentTylev wasagain married, 
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of 
many personal and intellectual accomplishments. 

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly 
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- 
est, Charles-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in 
his manners, richly furnished with mformation from 
books and experience in the world, and possessing 
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was 
the scene of unusual attractions. Witli sufficient 
means for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he 
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
storms of civil war which his own principles and 
policy had helped to introduce. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State- 
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- 
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his 
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- 
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; 
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, b" 
force of arms, the Government over which he haci 
once presided, he was taken sick and soon died. 




C.J^ 



'<>-'!^^C. 



ELEVENTH PRESIDENT. 



59 












AMES K. POLK, the eleventh 

'resident of the United States, 

was born in Mecklenburg Co., 

N. C.,Nov. 2, 1795. His [lar- 

ents were Samuel and Jane 

(Knox) Polk, the former a son 

of Col. Thomas Polk, who located 

at the above place, as one of the 

first i)ioneers, in 1735. 

In the year i3o6, with liis wife 
and children, and soon after fol- 
lowed by most of the members of 
the Polk fainly, Samuel Polk emi- 
grated some two or three hundred 
miles farther west, to the rich valley 
of the Duck River. Here in the 
midst of the wilderness, in a region 
which was subsequently called Mau- 
ry Co., they reared their log huts, 
and established their homes. In the 
hard toil of a new farm in the wil- 
derness, James K. Polk spent the 
early years of his childhood and 
youth. His father, adding the pur- 
suit of a surveyor to that of a farmer, 
gradually increased in wealth until 
lie became one of the leading men of the region. His 
mother was a superior woman, of strong common 
sense and earnest piety. 

Very early in life, James developed a taste for 
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 
a liberal education. His mother's training had made 
iiim methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- 
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty 
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his 
father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a 



sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the 
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He 
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at his 
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made 
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon 
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. AVith 
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed 
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half 
years, in the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore 
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing 
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious 
service. 

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honois, be- 
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, both in 
mathematics and the classics. He was tlien twenty- 
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this 
time much impaired by the assiduity with which he 
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of 
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the 
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk 
renewed his acquaintance with Andrew Jackson, who 
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few 
miles from Nashville. They had probably been 
slightly acquainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a Jefiersonian Republican, 
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi- 
cal faith. He was a popular public speaker, and was 
constantly called upon to address the meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that 
ho was popularly called the Napoleon of the stump. 
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial ard 



/AMES K. POLK. 



lourterus in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 

iiatu'"e in the jo) s and griefs of others which ever gave 
Kim troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
strong influence tovv^ards the election of his friend, 
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. 

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that 
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
tinuec in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
only I "lathe might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
alwnys in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever 
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any 
ambitious rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, 
and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr Polk per- 
formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 
tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
passed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of 
March, 1839. 

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was 
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- 
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, 
his term of office expired, and he was again the can- 
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Pcilk was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. The verdict of 
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted 
its influence upon Congress ; and the last act of the 
administration of President Tyler was to afiix his sig- 
ndture to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 
•jd of March, approving of the annexation of Texas to 
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and 
left tlie country, declaring the act of the annexation 
to be an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message. President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- 
ceived into the Union on the same footing with the 
other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent 



with an army into Texas to hold the country. He \"as 
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
western boundary of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
where he erected batteries which commanded the 
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on 
the western banks. 

The anticipated collision soon took place, and war 
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The 
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration 
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
called one of "observation," then of "occupation," 
then of " in vasion,"was sent forward to Monterey. The 
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement 
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. 
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
that the war was brought on. 

'To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was 
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
We now consented to peace upon the condition that 
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- 
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This 
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the 
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen 
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were 
some Americans who tliought it all right : there were 
others who thought it all wrong. In the prosecution 
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and 
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this 
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from 
office, having served one term. The next day was 
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the 
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same eveii- 
ing, with Mrs. Polk, he commenced his return to 
Tennessee. He was then but fiftyfour years of age. 
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, 
and his health was good With an ample fortune, 
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties 
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years 
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the 
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up 
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, 
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth 
year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen. 



TWELFTH PRESIDENT. 



63 





^f:^4.j[^f fj|.f%f ilg. 



iSESS:: 





ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth 
President of the United States, 
'was born on the 24th of Nov., 
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 
^« father. Colonel Taylor, was 
a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
tinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary 
was an infant, his father with his 
wife and two children, emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he settled in 
the pathless wilderness, a few 
miles from Louisville. Li this front- 
ier home, away from civilization and 
all its refinements, young Zachary 
could enjoy but few social and educational advan- 
tages. When six years of age he attended a common 
school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- 
acter He was strong, feailess and self-reliant, and 
■manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight 
die Lidians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 
childhood o;i his father's large but lonely plantation. 
\\\ 1S08, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 
the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
army ; and he joined the troops which were stationed 
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after 
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady 
Irom one of the first families of Maryland. 

Lnmediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
land, in 1S12, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been 
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort 
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above 
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- 
ness by Gen. Harrison. on his march to Tippecanoe. 
It was one of the first points of attack by the Indians, 
■jcd by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken 



company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of 
whom were sick. 

Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians, sleahhily, 
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Then 
approach was first indicated by the murder of two 
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor 
made every possible preparation to meet the antici- 
pated assault. On the 4th of September, a band of 
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fort, 
waving a white flag, and informed Capt. Taylor that 
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk 
with him. It was evident that their object was merely 
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept 
them at a distance. 

The sun went down; the savages disappeared, the 
garrison slept upon their arms. One hour before 
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips 
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of 
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 
and well, sprang to his post. Every man knew that 
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- 
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- 
ture. No pen can describe, r,o immagination can 
conceive the scenes which ensued. The savages suc- 
ceeded in setting fire to one of the block-houses- 
Until si.\ o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 
continued. The savages then, baffled at every point, 
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired. Capt. 
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was promoted to the 
rank of major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed 
in such situations that he saw but little more of active 
service. He was sent far away into the depths of the 
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on Fox River, which 
empties into Green Bay. Here there was but little 
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours as one 
best could. There were no books, no society, no in- 



64 



ZACHARY TAYLOR 



tellectual stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful 
years rolled on Gradually he rose to the rank of 
colonel. In the Black. Hawk war, which resulted in 
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor 
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in 
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in 
employments so obscure, that his name was imknown 
beyond the limits of his own immediate acquaintance. 
In the year 1836, he was sent to Florida to compel 
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
tire beyond the Mississi|)pi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
hac' promised they should do. The services rendered 
he.e secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
tc ,re rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
after, in i\Iay, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
mand of the United States troops in Florida. 

After two years of sucli wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor 
obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
^.nd was stationed over the Department of the South- 
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headquarters 
at Fort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, 
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
imposed upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river 
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico 
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by brevet 
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name 
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in 
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
forces much larger than he commanded. 

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected 
f-implicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
\\\& sobriquet of "Old Rough and Ready.' 

Tne tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
spread the wildest enthusiasm over the country. The 
name of Gen. Taylor was on every one's lips. The 
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
ful pojjularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- 
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the 
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
nouncement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
tlaring that he was not at all qualified for such an 
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, 
for forty years, he had net cast a vote. It was not 
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
'who had been long years in the public service found 
ti.iir claims set aside in behalf of one whose name 



had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
Vista. It is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine 
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- 
pared such few communications as it was needful 
should be presented to the public. The popularity of 
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- 
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — 
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. 
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good 
old man found himself in a very uncongenial position, 
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. 
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably 
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party 
was pushing its claims with tireless energy, expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was 
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery 
stood at tlie door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found 
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more 
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 
Indians 

In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but liitle 
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of 
but little over five days, died on the glh of July, 1850. 
His last woids were, " I am not afraid to die. I am 
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with 
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
description of his character: — " AVith a good store of 
common sense, Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had 
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his 
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable jjreju- 
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, 
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat 
a little on one side of his head ; or an officer to leave 
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- 
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the 
off".'nder to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 
' touch with a pair of tongs.' 

"Any allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
worth's spelling-book, on the part of one wearing a 
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, 
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- 
saving contempt for learning of every kind." 





^ jtZ^^i^^i-^x^cxru) 



THIRTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



67 




m 



J^ 



-^s- 



^'MILLftRn FILLMORE.-^ 



-g-^ 



1 1 






k^ 



t@^- 



.I-2J. 





ILLARD FILLMORE, thii- 
■f^ tcenth President of the United 
'*- States, was born at Summer 
Hill, Cayuga Co., N. Y ., on 
the 7th of January, 1800. His 
father was a farmer, and ow- 
ing to misfortune, in humble cir- 
cumstances. Of his mother, the 
daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, 
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
said that she possessed an intellect 
of very high order, united with much 
personal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
position, graceful manners and e.x- 
quisite sensibilities. She died in 
i<S3i ; having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished prom- 
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
dignity which he finally attained. 

In consequence of tlie secluded home and limited 
■neans of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- 
vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were 
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce 
£nd expensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
acter to indicate the brilliant career upon which he 
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy, 
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
and had laid the foundations of an upright character. 
When fourteen years of age, his father sent him 
some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of 
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
Neai' the mill there was a small villiage, where some 



enterprising man had commenced the collection of a 

village library. This proved an inestimable blessing 
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
ing .Soon every leisure moment was occupied v. ith 
books. His thirst fur knowledge became insatiate 
and the selections which he made were continually 
more elevating and instructive. He read history 
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- 
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more 
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- 
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
educated man. 

The young clothier had now attained the age of 
nineteen years, and was of fine personal apiiearance 
and cf gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that 
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample 
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter 
Wood, — who was struck nith the prepossessing ao- 
pearance of young Fillmore. He made his acciuain*.- 
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and 
attainments that he advised him to abandon his 
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. Tlie 
young man replied, that he had no means of hrs own, 
r.o friends to help him and that his previous educa- 
tion had been very imperfect. But Judge AV'ood had 
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
take him into his own office, and to loan him such 
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion abou*: 
a collegiate education. A young man is supposed to 
be liberally educated if he has graduated at some col- 
lege. But many a boy loiters through university hal' ; 
<*nd then enters a law office, who is by no means as 



oi 



MILLARD FILLMORE. 



well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was 
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- 
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, daring 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- 
tense mental culture. 

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he was 
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, 
his practice of course was limited, and there was no 
opportunity for a sadden rise in foitune or ui fame. 
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industr)', 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to 
enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, 
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
County. Though he had never taken a very active 
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with 
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, 
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the 
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parties, 
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
unusual degri e the respect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
the United States Congress He entered that troubled 
irena in some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
national history. The great conflict respecting the 
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was 
then raging. 

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to 
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- 
utation and success. After a lapse of two years 
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- 
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past e.xi)e- 
rience as a representative gave hun stKngth and 
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
gies were brought to bear upon the public good. Every 
measure received his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
his popularity filled the State, and in the year 1847, 
he was elected Comptroller of the State. 



Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven 
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in 
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- 
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to 
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the 
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old 
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles 
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be 
proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But 
it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
namesof Zachary Taylor ar.d Millard Fillmore became 
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for 
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was 
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1S49, 
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard 
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but 
about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- 
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- 
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which 
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 

Mr. Fillniore had very serious difficulties to contend 
with, since the opposition had a majority in both 
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate 
the South; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt 
the inadequacy of all measures of transient conciliation. 
The population of the free States was so rapidly in- 
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- 
evitable that the power of the Government should 
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The 
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. 
Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition 
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- 
more, having served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten 
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
he was mostly silent. It was generally supposed that 
his sympathies were rather with those who were en- 
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President 
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any 
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. 
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe 
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. 



FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT, 



71 



ll^%-'i^;»;''^">i)fspijispX<>*»>rf-'A-s)^^ 






•^^P#-^ ^'FRANKLIN PIERCE -^^ 









^p?5€^'*'=^ 





RANKLIN PIERCE, the 
fourteenth President of the 
' United States, was born ir. 
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
23, 1S04. His father was a 
Revohitionary soldier, who, 
with his own strong arm, 
hewed out a home in the 
wilderness. He was a man 
of inflexible integrity; of 
strong, though uncultivated 
mind, and an uncompromis- 
ing Democrat. The mother of 
Franklin Pierce was all that a son 
could desire, — an intelligent, pru- 
dent, affectionate, Christian wom- 
an. Franklin was the sixth of eight children. 

Franklin was a very bright and handsome boy, gen- 
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground 
loved him. His teachers loved him. Tlie neighbors 
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was 
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, 
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact 
which taught him what was agreeable. Without de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, 
in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he 
entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was 
one of the most i»pular young men in the college. 
The purity of his moral character, the unvarying 
courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 



genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. 
There was something very peculiarly winning in his 
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- 
gree studied : it was the simple outgushing of his 
own magnanimous and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
Woodbury, one of the most distinguisiied lawyers of 
the State, and a man of great private worth. Thi' 
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his 
father's prominence as a \)ublic man, and the brilliant 
political career into which Judge Woodbury was eri- 
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- 
nating yet perilous path of political life. With all 
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. 
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the 
practice ofdaw in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
to represent the town in the. State Legislature. Here 
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was 
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Without taking an active 
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duty, 
and ever rising in the estimation of those with whom 
he was associatad. 

In 1S37, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced 
his administration. He was the youngest member in 
the Senate. In the year 1834, lie married Miss Jane 
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beaut) and accom- 
plishments, and one admirably fitted lo adorn every 
station with wiiich her husband was honoied. Of the 



FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



three sons who were born to them, all now sleep with 
their parents in the grave. 

In the year 183S, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame 
and increasing lousiness as a lawyer, took up his 
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed 
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but 
the offer was declined, in consequence of numerous 
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos 
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the 
same time declined the nomination for governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. 
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of 
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his 
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. 
He took an important part in this war, proving him- 
self a brave and true soldier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native 
State, he was received entliusiastically by the advo- 
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- 
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, 
very frequently taking an active part in political ques- 
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery 
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
measures met cordially with his approval ; and he 
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious 
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
guished as a " Northern man with Southern principles.'' 
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carry out their plaus. 

On the 1 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been throw n 
for Gen. Pierce. Tlrcn the Virginia delegation 
brought forward his name. There were fourteen 
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly 
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he 
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all 
otlier candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was 
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with 
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- 
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their 
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 



His administration proved one of the most stormy our 
country had ever experienced. The controversy Ijc- 
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its 
culminating point. It became evident that there was 
an "irrepressible conflict " between them, and that 
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half 
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- 
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution 
of the Union were borne to the North on every South- 
ern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when President 
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term 
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- 
ated from him. The anti-slaver)- sentiment, goaded 
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all 
the intellectual ability and social worth of President 
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- 
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, 
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- 
cated those measures of Government wluch they ap- 
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped 
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two 
had died, and his only surviving child had been 
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his 
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of 
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The 
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left 
alone in the world, without wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, wiiich di- 
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. 
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he 
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to 
that pro-slaver}' party with which he had ever been 
allied. He. declined to do anything, either by voice 
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- 
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of 
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal 
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- 
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for tlie al- 
leviation of suffering and want, and many of liis towns- 
people were often gladened by his material bounty. 





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I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



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AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- 
^teenth President of the United 



States, was born in a small 
frontier town, at the foot of the 
eastern ridge of the Allegha- 
nies, in FrankhnCo., Penn.,on 
the 23d of April, 1791. The place 
where the humble cabin of his 
father stood was called Stony 
' *> Batter. It was a wild and ro- 
mantic spot in a gorge of the moun- 
tains, with towering summits rising 
grandly all around. His father 
was a r.ative of the north of Ireland ; 
a poor man, who had emigrated in 
I 1783, with little property save his 

own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, 
and, with his young bride, plunged iiito the wilder- 
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
clearing with his axe, and settled down there to per- 
form his obscure part in the drama of life. In this se- 
cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
for eight years, enjoying but few social or iatellectual 
advantages. When James was eight yeatsof age, his 
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where 
his son was placed at school, and commenced a 
course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here ho de- 
veloped remarkable talent, and look his stand among 
the first scholars in the institution. His application 
>o study was intense, and yet his native powers en- 



abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
facility. 

In the year I S09, he graduated with the Irighest 
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of 
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of 
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately 
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1S12, when he was 
but twentj-'One years of age. Very rapidly he rose 
in his profession, and at once took undis[)uted stand 
with the ablest law)ers of the State. When but 
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
cessfully defended before the State Senate 01 e of the 
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of 
impeachment. At the age of thirty it was generally 
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; ar.d 
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. 
During the vacations of Congress, he. occasionally 
tried some important case. In 1831, he retired 
altogether from the toils of his profession. V.aving ac- 
(juired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presidency, 
appointed Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The 
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 
gave satisfaction to all jiarties. Upon his return, in 
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States 
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, 
Clay, Wright and Calhoun. He advocated tl;e meas- 
ures proposed by President Jackson, of ^u ;livng repn- 



76 



JAMES BUCHANAN. 



sals against France, to enforce the payment of our 
claims against that country; and defended the course 
of the President in his unprecedented and wholesale 
removal from office of those who were not the sup- 
porters of his administration. Upon this question he 
was brought into direct collision with He.uy Clay. 
He also, with voice and vote, advocated expunging 
from the journal of the Senate the vote of censure 
against Gen. Jackson for removing the de|)osits. 
Earnestly he opposed the abolition of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, and urged the |>rohibition of the 
circulation of anti-slavery documents liy the United 
States mails. 

As to petitions on tlie subject of slavery, he advo- 
cated that they should be respectfully received; and 
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had 
no power to legislate upon the subject. ' Congress," 
said he, " might as well undertake to interfere with 
slavery under a foreign government as in any of tlie 
States where it now exists." 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of 
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed 
tervito-y was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross 
the Rio Crrande into that territory was a declaration 
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the 
account of the course our Government pursued in that 
movement 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
the party devoted to the pi^rpetuation and extension 
of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind 
to bear agjinst the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
cordial approval to the compromise measures of 1050, 
which included the fugiiive-slave law. Mr. Pierce, 
u:;on his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. 
Buclianan with the mission to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- 
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The 
political conflict was one of the most severe in which 
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of 
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- 
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
nont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
ceived 114 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
174, and was elected. The |)opular vote stood 
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On 
March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
vears were wanting to fill up his threescore years and 
ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been 
allied in political principles and action for years, were 
seeking the destruction oi'the Government, that they 
might rear upon the ruins of our free institutions a 
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. 
[n this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- 
wildered He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 



ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
their assumptions. As President of the United States, 
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws 
he could not, without perjury of the grossest kind, 
unite with those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- 
lic. He therefore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration 
nominaied Abraham Lincoln as their standard bearer 
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slavery 
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- 
trol of the Government were thus taken from their 
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking 
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
the United States. 

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the pro-slavery 
parly was such, that he had been willing to offer them 
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- 
operation of the Government to defend and extend 
the institution. 

As the storm increased m violence, the slaveholders 
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- 
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of 
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- 
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its 
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which 
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This 
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with 
his hand upon his sword hilt, he exclaimed. " The 
Union must and shall be preserved!" 

South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly 
three months before the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 
The rebel flag was raised in Cliarleston; Fort Sumpter 
was liesieged ; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals 
were seized ; our depots of military stores were plun- 
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
appropriated by the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked 
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, 
and close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- 
ance came, wUen Abraham Lincoln was to receive the 
scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with 
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his fame, 
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows 
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion. 
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. 



•/ 




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SIXTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



79 






ABRAHAM > 



■IS 






<b^ i LINCOLN. > ^ 




liRAHAM LINCOLN, the 
sixteenth President of tlie 
iji^United States, was born in 
Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 12, 
i8og. About tlie year 1780, a 
man by the name of Abraham 
Lincohi left Virgir»ia with liis 
family and moved into the then 
wilds of Keiitucky. Only two years 
after this emigration, still a yoinig 
man, while worliing one day in a 
field, was stealthily appro;:ched by 
an Indian and shot dead. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five 
little children, three boys and two 
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
boys, was four years of age at his 
father's deatli. This Thomas was 
the father of .Vljraham Lincoln, the 
President of the United States 
whose name must henceforth fo'ever be enrolled 
with the most prominent in the annals of our world. 
Of course no record has been kept of the life 
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among 
the poorest of the poor. His home was a vyretched 
lug -cabin ; his food the coarsest and the meanest. 
Education he had none; he could never either read 
or '.vrite. As soon as he was able to do anything for 
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his 
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- 
.ess, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
self out, and thus sjjent the whole of his youth as a 
laborer in the fields of others. 

When twenty-eight years of age he built a log- 
cal)in of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- 
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of 
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn 
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. 
" AH I hat I am, or hope to be," exclaims the grate- 
ful son "I owe to my angel-mother. 

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 



cabin and small farm, and moved to Indiana. Where 
two years later his mother died. 

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated 
community around him. He could not have had -j. 
better school than this to teach him to put thoughts 
into words. Lie also became an eager reader. 'I'lie 
Ijooks he could obtain were few ; but these he read 
and re-read until they were almost committed to 
memory. 

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly faniil> 
was the usual lot of humanity. There were joys and 
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister 
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
ried wiien a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr. 
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, 
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
another log-cabin. Abraham worked diligently at this 
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their 
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
he announced to his father his intention to leave 
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- 
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- 
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of 
education and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his power He saw the ruin 
which ardent spirits were causing, and became 
strictly tem|)erate; refusing to allow a drop of ir.toxi- 
cating liquor to pass his lips. And he had read in 
God's word, "Tliou shalt not take the name of th.-^ 
Lord thy (Jod in vain ;" and a profane expression he 
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
single vice. 

Young Abraham woiked for a time as a hired laborer 
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. 
In this he took a herd of swine, floated them down 
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mis- 
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham Lin- 
coln undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give 
great satisfacticn to his employers. In this adven- 



8o 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon 
his retani they placed a store and mill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he 
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He 
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew 
Jackson the appointment of Postmaster of New Salem, 
His only post-office was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
lie chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon 
made this his business. In 1834 he again became a 
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. 
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He 
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of 
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- 
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back 
o;ie hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it 
was lie first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. 
His success with the jury was so great that he was 
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. 
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, 
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became 
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's 
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- 
test in r858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most 
notable part of his history. The issue was on the 
ilavery riueUion, and he took the broad ground of 
:he Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- 
test, but won a far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
on the i6th of June, i860. The delegates and 
strangers who Crowded the city amounted to twenty- 
five thousand. An immense building called "The 
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- 
tion. There were eleven candidates for whom votes 
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame 
as a statesman had long filled the land, was the most 
orominent. It was generally supposed be would be 
tiie nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received 
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then 
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the 
bloody death, to which that nomination doomed him: 
and as little did he dream that he was to render services 
to his country, which would fix upon him the eyes of 
the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
a place in the affections of his countrymen, second 
cnly, if second, to that of Washington. 

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, 
constitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this good 



and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this 
high position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started 
for Washington, stopping in all the large cities on his 
way making speeches. The whole journey was frought 
witli much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
more had arranged, upon his arrival to" get up a row," 
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with 
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled 
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to 
take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an 
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at 
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- 
cation on the part ot the Secessionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. LincoKi 
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. 

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr Seward the Department of State, and to other 
prominent opponents before the convention he gave 
important positions. 

During no other administration have the duties 
devolving upon the President lieen so manifold, and 
the responsibihties so great, as those which fell to 
the lot of President Lincoln. Knowing this, and 
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he 
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 
trials, bo*h personal and national. Contrary to his 
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the 
most courageous of men. He went directly into the 
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, 
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had been 
made for his assassination, and he at last fell a victim 
to oneof thein, April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, 
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
was announced that they would be present. Gen. 
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
ing, with liis characteristic kindliness of heart, that 
it would be a disappointment if he should fail them, 
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth 
entered the box where the President and family were 
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died the 
next morning at seven o'clock. 

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation 
plunged into such deep grief by the death of its ruler. 
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was 
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a 
model. His name as the savior of his country vHll 
live with that of Washington's, its father; his country- 
men being unable to decide wbirU is the greater. 





^^^:^^-;^:^t5Zjj<^ 



S£ VE.V TEEN Til PRESIDENT. 








NDREW JOHNSON, seven- 
teenth President of the United 
' Slates. The early life of 
Andrew Johnson contains but 
the record of poverty, destitu- 
tion and friendlessness. He 
was l)orn December 29, 180S, 
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, 
belonging to the class of the 
"poor whites " of the South, were 
in such circumstances, that they 
could not confer even the slight- 
est advantages of education ufxin 
their child. When Andrew was five 
years of age, his father accidentally 
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a 
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by the 
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one day, 
and being unable either to read or write, was ap- 
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman 
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- 
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often 
read from the speeches of distinguished British states- 
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more 
than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he 
was inspired witli a strong desire to learn to read. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and 
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 
learned his letters. He then called upon the gentle- 
man to borrow the book of speeches. The owner. 



pleased with his zeal, not only gave hhii the book., 
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed oi. 
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours 
at work in the shop, and then robbing himself of rest 
and recreation to devote such time as he could to 
reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos 
sessed some education. Under her instructions he 
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 
in the village debating society, and a favorite with 
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- 
ganized a working man's party, which elected him 
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in political 
affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, 
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. 
He became a very active member of the legislature, 
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Tan 
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in opposition to thoSv 
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired mucl; 
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In 1841, he was elected St.ate Senator; in 1843, he 
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
elections, held that important post for ten years In 
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resi)on;>ible i)osi 
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished ab!. 



84 



ANDRE W JOHNSON. 



ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected 
United States Senator. 

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- 
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
and become merged in a population congenial to 
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- 
promise measures, the two essential features of which 
were, that the white people of the Territories should 
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they 
would enslave the colored people or not, and that 
the ""ree States of the North should return to the 
South persons who attempted to escape from slavery. 

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly origin: 
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that 
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir,'" 
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget 
that I am a meclranic ; neither do I forget that Adam 
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- 
ior was the son of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of 1 81,0, he 
ivas the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- 
irn Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
Stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery 
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- 
pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he 
established the most stringent military rule. His 
numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 

1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
he said, " The American people must be taught, if 
fhey do not already feel, that treason is a crime and 
must be punished ; that the Government will not 
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not 
only to protect, but to punish. * * The people 
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of 
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole 
administration, the history of which is so well known, 
was in utter itKonsistency with, and the most violent 



opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char- 
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In 
the beginniiig of 1868, on account of "high crimes 
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the 
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- 
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- 
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was at 
length submitted to the court for its action. It was 
certain that as the court voted upon that article so 
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced 
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- 
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- 
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against 
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty 
side would have sustained the impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, was 
but little regarded. He continued, though impotent!;", 
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name 
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. 
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the 
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was 
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- 
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a 
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home 
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in 
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting 
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- 
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- 
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special 
session convened by President Grant, on the 5 th of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the e.x-President 
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 
2 A. M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, 
with every demonstration of respect- 





/^ 



(^-^^^'^ 



EIGinJiENTH rRESIDENT. 



87 






-i# 




LYSSES S. GRANT, the 
4^ eighteenth President of the 
1|* United States, was born on 




the 29th of April, 1822, of 
Christian parents, in a humble 
w *)) home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
his father moved to George- 
town, Brown Co., O. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
received a common-school edu- 
cation. At the age of seven- 
teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
the Miliiary Academy at West 
Point. Here he was regarded as a 
solid, sensible \oung man of fair abilities, and of 
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
fantry to one of the distant military posts in the Mis- 
souri Territory. Two years he past in these dreary 
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here 
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
Resacade la Palma, his second battle. At the battle 
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful 
horsemanship. His biigade had exhausted its am- 
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along 
■1 route exposed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. 
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, 
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging u])on one 
side of the anir«vil, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. 



From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
10 aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the 
battle of Molino del Rev, he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- 
pultepec. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- 
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again 
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The 
discovery of gold in California causing an immense 
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. 
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in 
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- 
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. 
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the 
States; and having married, entered upon the cultiva- 
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but 
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
the leather business, with a younger brother, at (ia- 
lena. 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears 
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the army; though 
I have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge 
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword 
and see Uncle Sam through this war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, 
the capital of the State, where their services were 
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by 
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. 
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
volunteer organization that was being formed in the 
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of 



88 



UL VSSZiS S. GRA NT. 



Tune, 1861, Capt. Grant received a commission as 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who 
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such 
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- 
General and was placed in command at Cairo. The 
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth 
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The 
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the star and 
stripes were unfurled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determination 
and immediately began active duty. This was the be- 
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond 
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and 
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- 
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry 
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight 
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by the 
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was 
immediately made a Major-General, and the military 
district of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains. Gen. Grant knew well how 
to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the 
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the 
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an 
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty 
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- 
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most 
severe blow which the rebels liad thus far encountered, 
andonened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from 
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he 
was laid up for months. He then rushed tc the aid 
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and 
by a v/onderful series of strategic and technical meas- 
ures put the Union Army in fighting condition. Then 
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- 
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- 
ary, 1864, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. 
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 
.ind enter upon '.'if duties of his new office. 



Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of 
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National 
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal ■ 
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- 
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- 
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole 
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these 
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. 
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains 
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His 
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of 
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- 
etgy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- 
render of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

Tlie war was ended. The Union was saved. The 
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. 
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- 
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered 
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the 
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago. 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the 
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a 
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 
electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican party 
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, 
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second term 
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- 
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 
electoral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen. Grant 
started upon his famous trip around the world. He 
visited almost every country of the civilized world, 
and was everywhere received with such ovations 
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private 
as well as public and official, as were never before 
bestowed uixin any citizen of the United States. 

He was the most prominent candidate before the 
Republican National Convention in 1880 for a re-, 
nomination for President. He went to New York and 
embarked in the brokerage business under the firm 
nameof Grant & Ward.' The latter proved a villain, 
wrecked Grant's fortune, and for larceny was sent to 
the penitentiary. The General was attacked with 
cancer in the throat, but suff'ered in his stoic-like 
manner, never complaining. He was re-instated as 
General of the Army and retired by Congress. The 
cancer soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 
1885, the nation went in mourning over the death of 
' the illustrious General. 



\ 




L.^U^.(2^.oA' 



f 



NINETEENTH PRESIDENT. 



9> 




J)=s^.. 



m^ 



\,h'S'i^i^(SS>c^,^,^(^i^ei^i'-^0^i^^fmifi,'ii'm>'i^fmmii'^i^ 



m rutheri:qrb b* hayes. ^^ 






UTHERFORD B. HAYES, 
the nineteenth President of 
'the United States, was born in 
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- 
most three months after the 
'•^ death of his father, Rutherford 
Hayes. His ancestry on both 
the paternal and maternal sides, 
was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, 
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and 
Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
tains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert 
Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
nobility, owned extensive estates, 
' and had a large following. Misfor- 
tune ov-.:i<aking the family, George Hayes left Scot- 
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
George was. born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his li.'e. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
ried Sarah L-^e, and lived from the time of his mar- 
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezekiel, 
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
turer of scythe J at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
son of Ezekiel ai/d grandfather of President Hayes, was 
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, 
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, 
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
erford Hayes the father of President Hayes, was 



born. He was married, in September, 18 13, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- 
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back tc 
r635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders 
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industrious 
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me 
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a slock- 
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- 
ducted his business on Christian principles. After 
the close of the war of 181 2, for reasons ine.xplicable 
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day. 
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 
was a very serious affair. A tour of inspection was 
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- 
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
in r8T7. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malaii.il 
fever, less than three months before the birth of the 
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
reavement, found the su])port she so much needed in 
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from Ver~ 
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
some time before as an act of charity. 

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 



92 



RUTHERFORD B. HAYES. 



subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he 
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at 
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- 
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died 
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
familiar terms with the family, after alluding to the 
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
nim, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to 
him. You have got him along so far, and I shouldn't 
wonder if he would really come to something yet." 

" You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You 
■vait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
President of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy 
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
drowned, he became, if possible, still dearer to his 
mother. 

The boy was seven years old before he went to 
school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
He probably learned as much from his mother and 
sister as he would have done at school. His sports 
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- 
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings 
of others, which are marked traits of his character. 

His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
in his education; and as the boy's health had im- 
proved, and he was making good progress in his 
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- 
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he 
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the 
^Vesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- 
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, 
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 

Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow, Esq., 
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in 
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter 
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- 
mained two years. 

In 1845, after graduatmg at the Law School, he was 
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law 
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
fession. 

In 1849 he moved to Cincmnati, where his ambi- 
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
this period, had a powerful influence upon his subse- 
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss 
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Webb, of 
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- 
cinnati Literary Club, a body embracing among its 
members suck men as'^hief justice Salmon P.Chase, 



Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many 
others hardly less distinguished in afterlife. The 
marriage was a fortunate one in every respect, as 
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of our 
Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced 
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did 
more than she to reflect honor upon American woman- 
hood. The Literary Cluu brought Mr. Haye3 into 
constant association with young men of high char- 
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display t'.ie 
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and 
modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judg? of 
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- 
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office ot 
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council 
elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1 861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at 
the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the 
bar was among tlie the first. But the news of the 
attack on Fort Sunqjter found him eager to take up 
arms for the defense of his coimtry. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. In 
October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
in August, 1 86 2, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he 
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while 
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude 
that won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after 
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles 
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was 
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted 
Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished f ervices 
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In 
the course of his arduous services, four horses were 
shpt from under him,^nd he was wounded four times 

In 1S64, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from 
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- 
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
and after his election was importuned to resign his 
commission in the army ; but he finally declared, "I 
shall never come to Washington until I can come by 
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. 

Ii^ 1867, Gen Hayes was elected Governor of Ohio, 
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular Democrat. 
In t869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- 
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a 
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in 
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 
full term, not, however, with satisfaction to his party, 
but his administration was an average on.r 



<>■ 




TiVENTJETH PRESIDENT. 



95 




^7^f ^^^>77^t 



ii-s^'^-g-^ 



s»j;;;j'#>-5;:::-«>>$;Ks«'-s;:-T«<-g;g@-g:3J*^;:<T^T;;s<s»^;;;j*^;:s*-^^ 
-/il „, ,„ „, .. ^ „, , ''% 






AMES A. GARl'IELU, twen- 
tieth President of the United 
States, was born Nov. ig, 
1831, in the woodsof Orange, 
Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 
ents were Abram and Ehza 
(Ballon) Garfield, both of New 
England ancestry and from fami- 
lies well known in the early his- 
'\, tory of that section of our coun- 
try, but had moved to the Western 
Reserve, in Ohio, eariy in its settle- 
ment. • 

The house in which James A. was 
born was not unlike the houses of 
poor Ohio farmers of that day. It 
j.&% about 20 X 30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be-- 
vween the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
.lard working farmer, and he soon had his fields 
cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built, 
f he household comprised the father and mother and 
their four children — Mehetaljel, Thomas, Mary and 
Tames. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con- 
tracted in helping to put out a forest fire, died. At 
this time James was about eighteen months old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can 
fell how much James was indel^ted to his biother's 
toil and self sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
ceeding liis father's death, but undoul)tedly very 
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two si s- 
xers live in Solon, C, near their birthplace. 

The early educational advantages young Garfield 
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- 
penter work, chopped wood, or did anythiiig that 
would bring in a few dolkirs to aid his widowed 
mother in he- 'imggles to keep the little family to- 



gether. Nor was Gen. Ciarfield ever ashamed of hi^ 
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- 
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they 
ever forget him. When in the highest seats of honor, 
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
greeted as ever. The poorest laborer was sureof the 
sympathy of one who had known all the bitterness 
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, 
modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until he 
was about sixteen years old was to be a captain of 
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard 
a vessel, which his mother strongly opposed. She 
finally consented to his going to Cleveland, with the 
understanding, however, that he should try to obtain 
some other kind of employment. He walked all the 
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. 
After making many applications for work, and trying 
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with 
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal. Here- 
mained at this work but a short time when he went 
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
the meantime, and doing other work. This school 
was started by the Disciples of Christ in 1850, of 
which church he was then a member. He became 
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. 
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon 
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the 
fall of 1854, heentered \Villiams College, from which 
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- 
ors of his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram 
College as its President. As above slated, he early 
united with the Christian or Diciples Church at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where 
he happened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of 
Yale College, says of him in reference to his religion : 



96 



JAMES A. GARFIELD. 



" President Garfield was more than a man of 
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to 
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs 
of liis being, and to a more than usual degree. In 
my j.idgment there is no more interesting feature of 
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent 
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian 
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
and noble who are called' show a similar loyalty to 
the less stately and cultured Christian communions 
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
that as they step upward in social and political sig- 
nificance they step upward from one degree to 
another in some of the many types of fashionable 
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
church of his mother, the church in which he was 
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- 
larian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
Lucretia Rudolph, Nov. ii, 1858, who proved herself 
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and 
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
whom are still living, four boys and one girl. 

Mr. Garfieldmade his first political speeches in 1856, 
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three 
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
ings, and became the favorite speaker wherever he 
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great 
Rebellion broke out in the early part of tliis year, 
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had 
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- 
ceived his commission as Lieut.-Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 
14,1861. He was immediately put into active ser- 
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in action, 
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the officer 
(Humphrey M^.rshall) reputed to be the ablest of 
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given 
to the Rebellion. This work was bravely and speed- 
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- 
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him 
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had 
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years 
before, so now he was the youngest General in the 
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, 
in its operations around Corinth and its march through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a memberof the 
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- 
crans, and was assigned to the "Chief of Staff." 

The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with 



his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won 
the stars of the Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part Gei? Garfield wan 
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the 
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio 
had been represented in Congress for sixty years 
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua 
R. Giddings. It was not without a struggle that he 
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- 
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that 
body. Thers^ he remained by successive re- 
elections until he was elected President in 1880. 
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since 
tlie year 1864 you cannot think of a question which 
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a 
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which 
you will not find, if you wish mstruction, the argu- 
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance 
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by 
Mr. Garfield." 

Upon Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to 
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the 
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his 
party for President at the great Chicago Convention. 
He was elected in the following November, and on 
March 4, 1881, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 
day it grew in favor with the people, and by the first 
of July he had completed all the initiatory and pre- 
liminary work of his administration and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams 
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- 
pany with Secretary Blaine, a man stepped behind 
him, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. 
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the 
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no farther 
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was 
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never 
before in the history of the Nation had anything oc- 
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
for the moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
ten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his life, and 
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty 
days, all during the hot months of July and August, 
lie lingered and suffered. He, however, remained 
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent 
bearing was teaching the country and the world the 
noblest of human lessons — how to live grandly in the 
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- 
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J , on the very bank of the 
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The 
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the 
death of any other man who had ever lived upon it. 
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- 
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. 



T WEJSl T Y-FIRS T PRESIDENT. 



99 





HESTER A. ARTHUR, 

twenty-first PresiX-iu of the 

f!.i"United States was born in 

Franklin Cour ty, Vermont, on 

*> thefiftliSfOc'ober, 1S30, andis 

the oldest of a family of two 

sons and five daughters. His 

father was the Rev. Dr. William 

Arthur, aBaptistc''.rgyman,who 

emigrated to tb.s counti^ frotn 

the county Antrim, Ireland, in 

his 1 8th year, and died in 1875, in 

Newton ville, neai Albany, after a 

long and successful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at 
Union College, S( henectady, where 
he excelled in all his studies. Af- 
ter his graduation he taught school 
in Vermont for two years, and at 
the expiration cf that time came to 
New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and entered the office of e.x-Judge 
E. D. Culver as student. After 
being admitted to the bar he formed 
i. partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, 
Henry D. Gardiner, with the intention of practicing 
in the West, and for three months they roamed about 
in the Western States in search of an eligible site, 
but in the end returned to New York, where they 
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success^ 
ful career almost from the start. General Arthur 
soon afterward niarrpd the daughter of Lieutenant 



Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in 
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's 
nommation to the Vice Presidency, leaving two 
children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
in his first great case, ihp famous Lemmon suit, 
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had 
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior 
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Ion. 
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with 
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when 
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided 
that they could not be held by the owner under the 
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from 
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the 
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. 
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
to represent the People, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Charles O'Conor here espoused the cause 
of the slave-holders, but h.e too was beaten by Messrs 
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
the emancipation of the black race. 

Another great service was rendered by General 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. 
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride 
on their cars, and the other car companies quickly 



lOO 



CHESTER A. ARTHUR. 



followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- 
sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 

General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge- Advocate of the 
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- 
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed him Engineer- 
;n-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- 
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- 
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered 
great service to the Government during the war. At 
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the 
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. 
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney 
of New Yoik, was added to the firm. The legal prac- 
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- 
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able 
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if 
not indeed one of national extent. 

He always took a leading part in State and city 
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of 
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- 
ceed Thomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merritt. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
June, 1880. This was perhaps the greatest political 
convention that ever assembled on the continent. It 
was composed of the 'sading politicians of the Re- 
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and 
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their 
respective candidates that were before the conven- 
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- 
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur 
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the history of 
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his 
party made a valiant fight for his election. 

Finally the election came and the coui^ry's choice 
.vas Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. 
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen 
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then 
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of 
anxious suspense, vvher the hearts of all civilized na- 



tions were throbbing in unison, longing for the re- 
covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
able patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was 
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. 
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his 
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest 
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to 
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 
in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored ]xisition in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- 
field from further suffering, and the world, as never 
before in its history over the death of any other 
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of 
the Vice President to assume the responsibilities of 
the high office, and he took the oath in New York, 
Sept. 20, i88r. The position was an embarrassing 
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all 
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would do, 
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- 
lect as advisers. The duties of the oflSce had been 
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, 
and many important measures were to be immediately 
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he 
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many on 
this point. Under these trying circumstances President 
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own 
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
affairs, he happily surprised the nation, acting so 
wisely that but few criticised his administration. 
He served the nation well and faithfully, until the 
close of his administration, March 4, 1885, and was 
a popular candidate before his party for a second 
term. His name was ably presented before the con- 
vention at Chicago, and was received with great 
favor, and doubtless but for the personal popularity 
of one of the opposing candidates, he would liave 
been selected as the standard-bearer of his party 
for another campaign. He retired to private life car- 
rying with him the best wishes of the American peo- 
ple, whom he had served in a manner satisfactory 
to them and with credit to himself. 




cyii:rt£y^ C/^-i.^i^cc 



OyiyU^i 



TWENTY-SECOND PRESIDENT. 







51? CS 



rr 



\xm^tx Clewfant. 



b:«&^S;&#S:g<»S:S«^-g«&S:g#>g;g--«^'g-!#7j;?fd^;g*^;g.^^;g.,|^;g^SKi^^;^ 






TEPHEN GROVER CLEVE- 
LANDjtlietvventy-second Pres- 
ident of the United States, was 
born in 1837, in tlie obscure 
town of Caldwell, Essex Co., 
N. J., and in a little two-and-a- 
half-story white house which is still 
standing, characteristically to mark 
the huiTible birth-place of one of 
America's great men in striking con- 
trast with the Old World, where all 
men high in office must be high in 
origin and born in the cradle of 
wealth. When the subject of this 
sketch was three years of age, his 
father, who was a Presbyterian min- 
ister, with a large family and a small salary, moved, 
by way of the Hudson River and Erie Canal, to 
Fayetteville, in search of an increased income and a 
larger field of work. Fayetteville was then the most 
straggling of country villages, about five miles from 
Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour was born. 

At the last mentioned place young Giover com- 
menced going to school in the "good, old-fashioned 
way," and presumably distinguished himself after the 
manner of all village boys, in doing the things he 
ought not to do. Such is the distinguishing trait of 
all geniuses and independent thinkers. When he 
arrived at the age of 14 years, he had outgrown the 
capacity of the village school and expressed a most 



emphatic desire to be sent to an academy. To this 
his father decidedly objected, .\cademies in those 
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him to 
become self-supporting by the quickest possible 
means, and this at that time in Fayetteville seemed 
to be a position in a country store, where iiis father 
and the large family on his hands had considerable 
influence. Grover was to be paid $50 for his services 
the first year, and if he proved trustworthy he was to 
receive $100 the second year. Here the lad com- 
menced his career as salesman, and in two years he 
had earned so good a reputation for trustworthiness 
that his employers desired to retain him for an in- 
definite length of time. Otherwise he did not ex- 
hibit as yet any particular " flashes of genius " or 
eccentricities of talent. He was simply a good boy. 
But instead of remaining with this firm in Fayette- 
ville, he werit with the family in their removal to 
Clinton, where he had an opportunity of attending a 
high school. Here he industriously pursued his 
studies until the family removed with him to a point 
on Black River known as the " Holland Patent," a 
village of 500 or 600 people, 15 miles north of Utica, 
N. Y. At this place his father died, after preaching 
but three Sundays. This event broke up the family, 
and Grover set out for New York City to accept, at a 
small salary, the position of " under-teacher " in an 
asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully for two 
years, and although he obtained a good reputation in 
this capacity, he concluded that teaching was not his 



I04 



S. GROVE R CLEVELAND. 



calling for life, and, reversing the traditional order, 
he left the city to seek his fortune, instead of going 
to a city. He first thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as 
there was some charm in that name for him; but 
before proceeding to that place he went to Buffalo to 
•isk the advice of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted 
stock-breeder of that place. The latter did not 
speak enthusiastically. " What is it you want to do, 
my boy.''" he asked. "Well, sir, I want to study 
law," was the reply. " Good gracious ! " remarked 
ihe old gentleman ; "do you, indeed .' What ever put 
that into your head .'' How much money have you 
got?" '-Well, sir, to tell the truth, I haven't got 
an]!'." 

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him a 
place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at $50 a 
year, while he could "look around." One day soon 
afterward he boldly walked into the office of Rogers, 
Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and told ihem what he 
wanted. A number of young men were already en- 
gaged in the office, but Grover's persistency won, and 
ne was finally permitted to come as an office boy and 
have the use of the law library, for the nominal sum 
of $3 or %\ a week. Out of this he had to pay for 
his board and washing. The walk to and from his 
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and, although 
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his 
shoes were out of repair and his overcoat — he had 
none — yet he was nevertheless prompt and regular. 
On the first day of his service here, his senior em- 
ployer threw down a copy of Blackstone before him 
with a bang that made the dust fly, saying "That's 
v.-here they all begin." A titter ran around the little 
circle of clerks and students, as they thought that 
was enough to Scare young Grover out of his plans ; 
but in due time he mastered that cumbersome volume. 
Tlien, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleveland 
exhibited a talent for executiveness rather than for 
chasing principles through all their metaphysical 
possibilities. " Let us quit talking and go and do 
it," was practically his motto. 

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland was 
ejected was that of Sheriff of Erie Co., N. Y., in 
which Buffalo is situated; and in such capacity it fell 
to his duty to inflict capital punishment upon two 
criminals. In 1881 he was elected Mayor of the 
City of Buffalo, on the Democratic ticket, with es- 
pecial reference to the bringing about certain reforms 



in the administration of the municipal affairs of that 
city. In this office, as well as that of Sheriff, his 
performance of duty has generally been considered 
fair, with possibly a few exceptions which were fer- 
reted out and magnified during the last Presidential 
campaign. As a specimen of his plain language in 
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an iniqui- 
tous street-cleaning contract: "This is a time foi 
plain speech, and my objection to your action shall 
be plainly stated. I regard it as the culmination of 
a mos bare-faced, impudent and shameless scheme 
to betray the interests of the peopls and to worse 
than squander the people's money," The New York 
Sun afterward very highly commended Mr. Cleve- 
land's administration as Mayor of Buffalo, and there- 
upon recommended him for Governor of the Empire 
State. To the latter office he was elected in 1S82, 
and his administration of the affairs of State was 
generally satisfactory. The mistakes he made, if 
any, were made very public throughout the nation 
after he was nominated for President of the United 
States. For this high office he was nominated July 
II, 1884, by the National Democratic Convention at 
Chicago, when other competitors were Thomas F. 
Bayard, Roswell P. Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, 
Benjamin F. Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he 
was elected by the people, by a majority of about a 
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Repub-> 
lican statesman, James G. Blaine. President Cleve- 
land resigned his office as Governor of New York in 
January, 18S5, in order to prepare for his duties as 
the Chief Executive of the United States, in which 
capacity his term commenced at noon on the 4th of 
March, 1885. For his Cabinet officers he selected 
the following gentlemen: For Secretary of State, 
Thomas F. Bayard, of Delaware ; Secretary of the 
Treasury, Daniel Manning, of New York ; Secretary 
of War, William C. Endicott, of Massachusetts ; 
Secretary of the Nav}', William C. Whitney, of New 
York; Secretary of the Interior, L. Q. C. Lamar, of 
Mississippi; Postmaster-General, William F. Vilas, 
of Wisconsin ; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, of 
Arkansas. 

The silver question precipitated a controversy be- 
tween those who were in favor of the continuance of 
silver coinage and those who were opposed, Mr. 
Cleveland answering for the latter, even before his 
inauguration. 





, c>V^ 



^2>^?-^':A/t>t2i?*'-&C 



TWENTY-THIRD PRESIDENT. 



lu: 








-v>>- 



■■o*o-©^<^-o4o.. 




'sKENJAMIN HARRISON, tlie 
Cwenty-thiid President, is 
thedesceiulant of one of the 
liistoi'ical families of this 
jil^ country. The head of tlie 
, J^.rija faniil}' was a Major General 
■^Li'^^ Harrison, one of Oliver 
hyr ^ Croniwell's trusted follow- 

ers and fighters. In the zenith of Crom- 
well's power it became the duty of this 
Harrison to participate in the trial of 
Charles I, and afterward to sign the 
death warrant of the king. He subse- 
quently paid for this with his life, being 
hung Oct. 13, ICCO. His descendants 
came to America, and the next of the 
fami!3' that appears in history is Benja- 
r.:iu Harrison, of Virginia. great-grand- 
fathe:- of the subject of this sketch, and 
after whom he was named. Benjamin Harrison 
was a member of the Continental Congress during 
the years ,774-5-C, and was one of the original 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He 
was three times elected Governor of Virginia. 
Gsu William Henry Harrison, the son of tlie 



-«<-♦ 



distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a suc- 
cessful career as a soldier during the War of 1812, 
and with -a cleau record as Governor of the North- 
western Territory-, was elected President of the 
United States in 1840. His career was cut short 
by death within one month :.fter Liis in.iuguration. 
President Harrison wa^ born at North Bend, 
Hamilton Co., Ohio, Aug. ""O, 1833: His life up to 
the time of his graduation by the Miami University, 
at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful one of a coun- 
try lad of a family of small means. His father was 
able to give him a good education, and nothing 
more. He became engaged while at college to the 
daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of a female school 
at Oxford. After graduating he determined to en- 
ter upon the stud}' of the law. He went to Cin 
einnati and then read law for two years. At tht 
expiration of that time young Harrison receiviAl tt . 
only inheritance of iiis life; his aunt dying left iiiri; 
a lot valued at $800. He regarded this legacy as i 
fortune, and decided to get married at once, taka 
this money and go to some Eastern town an", be- 
gin tlie practice of law. He sold his lot, and with 
the moncj- in his pocket, he started out wita his 
young wife to fight for a place in the world. Ke 



108 



isENJAMiJM ifAKfiJSON. 



decided to go to Indianapolis, -n-hieh was even at 
Uiat time a town of promise. He met with slight 
encouragement at first, making scarcely anything 
the first year. He worked diligently, applying him- 
self closely to his calling, built up an extensive 
practice and toOk a leading rank in the legal pro- 
I'ession. He is tlie father of two children. 

In 1860 Mr. Harrison was nominated for the 
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be- 
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can- 
vassed the State thoroughl^^ and was elected by a 
handsome majoritj-. In 18G2 he raised the 17th 
Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its Colonel. His 
regiment was composed of the rawest of material, 
out Col. Harrison employed all his time at first 
mastering military tactics and drilling his men, 
when he therefore came to move toward the East 
with Sherman his regiment was one of the best 
drilled and organized in the army. At Resaca he 
especially distinguished himself, and for his bravery 
at Peachtree Creek he was made a Brigadier Gen- 
eral, Gen. Hooker speaking of him in the most 
ooraplimentarj' terms. 

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the field 

he Supreme Court declared the office of tlie Su- 
preme Court Reporter vacant, and another person 
was elected to the position. From the time of leav- 
ing Indiana with his regiment until the fall of 1864 
he had taken no leave of absence, but having been 
nominated that year for the same office, he got a 
thirty-day leave of absence, and during that time 
made a brilliant canvass of the State, and was elected 
for another terra. He then started to rejoin Sher- 
man, but on the way was stricken down with scarlet 
lever, and after a most trying siege made his way 
to the front in time to participate in the closing 
incidents of the war. 

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined :, re-election as 
j-eporter, and resumed the practice of law. In 1876 
£e was a candidate for Governor. Although de- 

eated, the brilliant campaign he made won for him 
3 National reputation, and he was much sought, es- 
pecial.y in the East, to make speeches. In 1880, 
as usual, he took an active part in the campaign, 
and wii'. elected to the United States Senate. Here 
lie served six years, and was known as one of the 
ablest men, best lawyers and sliongest debaters in 



that body. With the expiration of his Senatorial 
term he returned to the practice of his profession, 
becoming the head of one of tlie strongest firms in 
the State. 

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the 
most memorable in the history of our country. The 
convention which assembled in Chicago in .June and 
named Mr. Harrison as the chief standard bearer 
of the Republican part\', was great in every partic- 
ular, and on this account, and the attitude it as- 
sumed upon the vital questions of the day, chief 
among which was the tariff, awoke a deep interest 
in the campaign throughout the Nation. Shortly 
after the nomination delegations began to visit Mr. 
Harrison at Indianapolis, his home. TJliis move- 
ment became popular, and from all sections of the 
country societies, clubs an<l delegations journeyed 
thither to paj' their respects to the distinguished 
statesman. The popularity of these was greatly 
increased on account of the remarkable speeches 
made by Mr. Harrison. He spoke dail}' all through 
the summer and autumn to these visiting delega- 
tions, and so varied, masterly and eloquent were 
his speeches that they at once placed him in the 
foremost rank of American orators and statesmen. 

On account of liis eloquence as a speaker and his 
power as a deb.ater, he was called upon at an un- 
commonly early age to take part in the discussion 
of the great questions that then began t j agitate 
the countr3'. He was an uncompromising ant: 
slaver\' man, and was matched .ngainst some of S^e 
most eminent Democratic speakers of his State. 
No man who felt the touch of his blade desired to 
be pitted with him again. "With all his eloq-'ence 
as an orator he never'spolve for oratorical effect, 
but his words always went like bullets to the mark 
He is purely American in his ideas and is a siilec 
did tjpe of the American statesman. Gifted witl^ 
quick perception, a logical mind and a ready tongue, 
he is one of the most distinguished impromptu 
speakers in the Nation. Many of these sjjeeches 
sparkled with the rarest of eloquence and contained 
arguments of greatest weight. Man}' of his terse 
statements liaye already become aphorisms. Origi- 
nal in thought, precise in logic, terse in statement, 
yet witlial faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as 
the sound statesman and brilliiint or.ator o* the day 



a lfil'jfcy-Br^. 



-<mr- 







••o«o-r§^[V'('=^..o*o.- 







ecutive. 



HARLES ROBINSON, the 

first Governor of Kansas, 
was elected under the Wy- 
andotte Constitution, and 
upon the admission of the 
State, Jan. 2i), 18G1, was 
inaugurated as Chief Ex- 
No better man could have 
been selected to lay the foundations 
*'„»'-4\?'r* of the State, for his mind was crea- 
^TJi5^>5 tive, original and vigorous. Rarely 
&^^) working by copy, he belongs to the 
■c^o^'.yT* fl'iss who tliiuk and originate, and 
-&;^^^" "illi wiiom precedence and text-books 
•^ " have little authoritj'. At this time a 
creat State was to be formed from most incongru- 
ons elements. It required men of genius and orig- 
inality to formulate laws and a constitution, and 
to tills work the vigor-and ingenuity of Rob- 
inson were peculiarly adapted. Men of all classes, 
sorts and conditions, had rushed to this section 
upon different objects bent — some to assist in build- 
ing up a State, some to make mone}', to secure no- 
toriety and political preferment, but more, perhajjs, 
as cosmopolitans, having little interest in its repu- 
tation or its future. 

That the work before Gov. Robinson was ac- 
complished in a praiseworthy manner, a grateful 
l^eople readily acknowledge. In his course, which 
necessarily was opposed to the rough and irrespon- 
sible element, he made many enemies and was im- 
peached bj- the House, but on his trial Ity the 
Senate no evidence «as adduced to connect him 
with an}' illegal transaction, and a case of malicious 



prosecution was clearly establisheil, which left his 
good name ui;tarnishe<l. 

In reviewing the career of a prominent [lublic 
man, it cannot be cailed complete without the storj- 
of his early life. Gov. Robinson was born at 
Hurdwick, Mass., July 21, 1818, and received a 
good common-school and academic education, be- 
sides two years' drill at Amherst College. His 
father, Charles Robinson, was a pious and consci- 
entious man, who cherished an inherent hatred of 
slavery, and the latter qualitj' of his father's char- 
acter Charles inherited in a marked degree. Upon 
religious subjects, however, he was always inde- 
pendent and liberal, and is considered heterodox, 
although for the great principles of Christianity, 
which serve to improve society and make better 
men and women, ho has the highest regard. 

There is but little which is ideal or sentimental 
in the nature of Gov. Robinson, as his life has 
been spent iirincipall}- dealing with men upon prac- 
tical principles. Before completing his studies he 
•was obliged to leave college on account of ill- 
health, and his eyes failing him from hard study, 
he walked forty miles to consult a celebrated ph}'- 
sician. Dr. Twichcl, of Keene, N. II., and there 
became so sensibly impressed with both the quack- 
eries of medicine as so often practiced, and the real 
utility of the healing art as a science, that he deter- 
mined to study medicine, and after a preparatory 
course entered for a series of lectures at Wood- 
stock, Vt., and Pittsfield, Mass., and from the 
school of tiie latter he was graduated, receiving his 
diploma with the high honors of the cl.iss. Subsc- 
quentlj' he became connected wiili the celebrated 



112 



CHARLES ROBINSON. 



Dr. J. G. Holland in the management of a hospital. 
In 1849 he started out as a physician to a colony 
bound overland to California. They arrived in 
Kansas City April 10, and on the 10th of Maj' fol- 
lowing, left with ox and mule teams for the Pacific 
Slope. 

On the 11th of Majs thirty-nine yeai's ago, rid- 
ing his horse at the head of a colony of gold- 
seekers, Gov. Robinson ascended Mt. Oread, where 
now stands the State University of Kansas, whose 
Regent he has been for thirteen consecutive 
years, as well as its faithful, intelligent and gener- 
ous friend. In his note book at that time he wrote 
that if the land was opened to settlement and entry, 
he would go no further, as there seemed to be gold 
enough for all human wants in the rich soil of the 
Kaw Valley, and beauty enough in the rolling prai- 
ries beyond to meet all the aspirations of ordinary 
men. He pushed on, however, to California, and 
there followed a variet}' of occupations, being mi- 
ner, restauranteur, editor and member of the Leg- 
islature. Then he returned to Massachusetts, and 
in 1855 commenced the publication of the Fitch- 
burg Neivs, which he conducted two years. 

At the time of the repeal of the Missouri Com- 
promise, and the intense excitement coincident 
with the organization of the Territories of Kansas 
and Nebraska, Gov. Robinson w.as sent out by 
the New England Aid Society to Kansas, charged 
with saving it to freedom. In the darkest hours of 
that long struggle, as well as in its hour of victory, 
he seemed to be the one safe counselor and leader 
of the Free-State forces. His California experience 
had rounded and ripened a robust nature, and the 
perils that the hero of the squatter troubles had 
passed through in that strange combination of craft 
and cunning, fitted and schooled him for his Kan- 
s.as work. In the "Wakarusa War," when the city 
of Lawrence, only 600 strong, was besieged b}' an 
opposing force of 1,200, Ur. Robinson, as he was 
called in those days, was chosen Major General of 
the Free-State party. He constructed forts and 
rifle-pits whicli did their service, but as a negotiator 
and diplomat he excelled. Ho wanted Kansas to 
be lawfully free, and felt justified in availing him- 
self of any agency which would .assist liini in ae- 
coreplishing this. Although the recognized leader 



of the Free-State forces, it was not Robinson, but 
Lane, that the Quantrell rufHans sought when they 
massacred in cold blood 180 of the inoffensive citi- 
zens of Lawrence. 

In 1855 the Free-State men had been driven 
from the polls. Robinson was among the first to 
repudiate the authority of the bogus laws, and was 
unanimously chosen a delegate to the convention 
which met at Topeka to formulate a State govern- 
ment. From May, 185G, until September, he was a 
prisoner at Locompton, charged with treason. Af- 
ter serving his term as the first Governor of the 
State, he was, in 1872, chosen a member vf the 
Lower House of the Legislature, and in 1874 
elected State Senator and re-elected in 187G. At 
the hast election he came within fort3--three votes 
of beating his opponent for the State Senate, and 
where the party majority of the latter was about 
1,500. 

Gov. Robinson has been twice married. By 
his first wife, Miss Sarah Adams, daughter of 
a highly' respected Massachusetts farmer, two chil- 
dren were born and both died in infancy. The 
mother died in 184G. On the SOth of October, 
1851, he was married to Miss Sarah D. T. Law- 
rence, daughter of a distinguished Blassachusetts 
lawyer, and connected with the celebr.ated Law- 
rence family of that State. Of this union there 
are no children. Mrs. Robinson is a lad}' of 
hio^h literary culture, and has written one of the 
best of the many boolis which have been published 
on Kansas. Though highly accomplished, she is 
not much of n society woman, being content to 
dwell quietly at home on their farm, which lies 
five miles out from Lawrence, and is the resort 
of many friends, who meet a refined and elegant 
hospitality. 

In 1856 Gov. Robinson pre-empted a portion 
of the land which, upon his journey to Califor- 
nia, he had viewed with so much admiration. He 
now has one of the finest homes in his section 
of countr}-. where he resides in aftiuent circum- 
stances, busying himself in looking after his f.arm, 
esteemed by his neighbors, and amply honored by 
the <rreat State, in l.iying the firm foundations of 
which he rendered such efficient service over a 
quarter of a century ago. 




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^'MM:*i<i**iM^**i^A ;< 






tjHOMAS CARNEY, the sec- 
ond Governor of Kansas, 
was born in Delaware Coun- 
ty, Ohio, Aug. 20, 1824. 
His ancestry was a mixed 
one, composed of Irish and 
German. His father, James 
Carney, was of Irish descent, be- 
ing the grandson of one of the 
same name, who came to this 
country and assisted the Colonies 
ill the war with Great Britain. 
His mother was remotely of Ger- 
U^^ nia" descent, and like his father 






was born in Pennsylvania. They 
removed to Ohio the year before 
the birth of Gov. Carney. They 
were Presbyterians, in which faith Mr. C. was reared. 
The portion of Ohio in which Mr. Carney was 
r,orn was then a wilderness, and the family engaged 
in farming, the land having to be cleared first? The 
father died when the lad was but four years old, leav- 
ing the mother with four children, the eldest being 
only six years of age, the early life of young Carney 
therefore was spent in work of the hardest kind, 
from the moment he was old enough to be of any 
assistance. From the age of seven to eighteen he 
worked on the farm belonging to the family, and 
then started for himself as a farm hand for six 
months, at $10 a month. From the time he was 
eleven years of age until he left home, he was the 
teamster of the family, and carried the products of 
the farm to Newark, tliirty-six miles, his motive 
power being a yoke of oxen for most of the time. 
He attended school some during the winter 



months, and after he was eighteen went to school 
in Berkshire, Ohio, for six niontiis. After this he 
commenced a long, persistent and weary search for 
employment in a store, and was finally successful 
in Columbus, where he remained in the employ of 
a retail dry-goods house for two years, and then took 
service with a wholesale dry-goods establishment in 
Cincinnati. He obtained, while in the retail house, 
$50 a year and his board for the first year's serv- 
ice, and for the second year ^100. At the end 
of this period he was given a quarter interest in 
the firm, with his name at the head of it. A rise 
of so great rapidity is unprecedented. He resided 
in Cincinnati twelve years. 

Mr. Carney's health became impaired by his de- 
votion to business, and in 1857 he visited the "West, 
and commenced business in Leavenworth in the 
spring of 1858. In 1861 he was elected to the 
State Legislature, and in 1802 was elected Gov- 
ernor. He entered on his duties the 1st of Janu- 
ary, 1863, at a time wlien Kansas aflfairs were in 
a most critical condition. 

In 1864 he was elected to the United States Sen- 
ate, but as there was some doubt as to whether or 
not the time at which the election was held was 
the proper one, he declined the position. He was 
soon after elected Mayor of Leavenworth, and was 
re-elected. Since that period, 1866, he has occupied 
himself wholly with his private business. 

The earlier struggles of the future Governor 
were arduous and severe, but probably had their 
effect in strengthening him for the career for which 
he was destined. When he took possession of the 
gubernatorial office, in January, 186;3, he found the 
State of Kansas but litile better than a i)olitical and 



116 



THOMAS CARNF.Y 



financial wreck. A local writer referring to that 
period says, that tlie "State was in peril at almost 
every point, anti its settled jKirtions were one ex- 
tended camp. A rebel force hovered on its eastern 
and sonthern borders, while Indians were murdering ; 
and scalping in the west. Nothing short of a con- 
stant vigilance could prevent the rebel enemy 
invading the State and butchering the people." 

An appeal was made to the military authorities 
for assistance and to Gov. Carney for protection. 
It was at a time when the General Government was 
loo busy with the Rebellion to give close attention 
to matters in a new and remote State, and hence 
llie Governor was obliged to depend on his own 
resources. He was equal to the emergency. The 
State had no money, no men, no arras, no ammuni- 
tion, with which to .protect itself, but even this did 
not discourage him. He visited the menaced re- 
gions, and soon satisfied himself that something had 
to be done, or the State would be overwhelmed by 
the perils wliich threatened it. In the counties 
which were more particularly threatened, the popu- 
lation became uneasy, and removals were being 
made to places of safety by so many of the resi- 
dents that there loomed up a probability that the 
entire region would become a desert. 

After looking over the ground. Gov. Carney de- 
termined to raise a force of 150 men from citizens 
of the menaced region, and to employ them as a 
patrol along the border, so that no hostile move- 
ment could be made without detection, aud the 
people could be warned of danger in time to rally 
at tlie necessary points for defense, all being armed 
and organized into military organizations. This 
patrol was hired by the Governor for the public 
defense out of his private means. He agreed to 
pay §1 a day each, for man and horse, the United 
States Government furnishing the rations. He put 
this force in the field, and kept it in active opera- 
tion, nt a cost to himself of over $10,000. At the 
same time he was a Captain in the home guards, 
and many a night was on guard like the private 
solilier. 

Tlie little patrol put in the field by the Governor 
preserved the borders from invasion so long as it 
lasted, which was some three months. At a later 
period the Governor was notified by tlie com- 
mander of the Federal forces that he was able to 
care for the safety of the State, and thereupon the 
patrol was abolislied. Almost immediately after it 
was disbanded Qnantrell made his raid into Kansas, 
and Lawrence was attacked, burned, and its resi- 
dents massacred. Concerning this feature of the 
transaction the Governor says: "While this patrol 
was on the border the arrangements were such that 
the different members could speak with each other 



every hour, .and thus be in a position to almost in- 
stantly communicate with the residents in case of 
invasion. When the Government notified me that 
it could take care of the border I disbanded the 
patrol, and within three days Lawrence was in ashes 
and 180 people were foully murdered. The mili- 
tary was scattered in squads over a distance of 
twenty-five miles along the border, and when Qnan- 
trell moved into Kansas he had no difflculiy in 
marching between the Federal divisions. The march 
of Quantrell was entirely unknown and wholly un- 
expected. Not a living soul knew that he was in 
the State when he arrived before Lawrence. A 
man living on the route taken by the guerrillas saw 
them, and mounted a horse and undertook to carry 
the information to Lawrence. His horse fell and 
the rider's neck was broken, and thus the sole wit- 
:iess of the invasion was silenced." 

It will show the benevolent disposition of the 
Governor to state that from his own pocket he gave 
8500 to the widow of the man who undertook to 
carry the warning of danger to Lawrence. 

The entire official career of Gov. Carney was of 
the stormiest and most perplexing character, and it is 
certain that, with an official he.ad less clear and 
efficient, the embarrassments and perplexities of 
Kansas would have proved insoluble. Cool, self- 
possessed, firm, intelligent, he guided the State 
through the storms, breakei'S, whirlpools and rocks, 
which were encountered, and finally reached the 
harbor, with the vessel much battered but sound in 
frame and in all essential particulars. 

The following is a copy of a resolution passed by 
the Kansas Legislature after his terra of office had 
expired : 

"Resolved liy the House of Representatives of 
the State of Kansas, that the thanks of this House 
and the people of the State of Kansas are justly 
due to Hon. Thomas Carney, late Governor of the 
State of Kansas, for the honest, faithful and im- 
partial manner in which he discharged his executive 
duties." 

Gov. Carney is possessed of ample wealth, which 
ho uses to the best advantage. His wife was Re- 
becca Canady, of Kenton, Ohio, who has devoted 
much of her time for a number of years in caring 
for the orphaned children of the State. His chil- 
dren aje four in number, all boys. 

No man in Kansas is more honored and re- 
spected than he, and no man has done more, either 
in a public or private way, for the advancement of 
the State and its institutions. Its railroads, bridges, 
churches, school-houses, and its citizens needing 
assistance, all bear witness to his liberality and 
bounty. 








tamtcdl ,jj. QTcLUjtoTdo 







■AMUEL J. CRAWFORD, the 
tliird Governor of the State of 
Kansas, \\'as born in Lawrence 
County, Ind., April 10, r835. 
His ancestors were Scotch- 
' Irish, who emigrated to Amer- 
ica at an early jieriod in Col- 
li days. His iiaternal grandfather 
I'ed in the war of the Revolution 
as a soldier from the State of North 
Carolina, and his maternal grand- 
father was a planter in the same State. 
His father, William Crawford, emi- 
grated, in 1815, to the tiien Territory 
of Indiana, and located in Lawrence 
County, w^here he became a success- 
ful farmer. Although born, reared 
and educated in a slave State, the elder Crawford 
had imbibed unconquerable prejudice to the insti- 
tution of slavery, and as a consequence turned his 
back upon friends and kindred and sought a home 
in the Northwest Territory, in which slavery and 
involuntary servitude had been forever inhibited. 
The subject of this .sketch was reared upon his 
father's farm, and received a common-school and 
academic education. At the age of twenty-one he 
became a student at law in the office of the Hon. S. 
W. Short, of Bedford, Ind., pursuing his studies 
until the fall of 1857, wiien he entered the Law 
College at Cincinnati, from which institution he 
was graduated in 1858. 

In Marcii, 1859, he bade adieu to home and friends, 
proceeded to the Territory of Kansas, and located 
in Gai'nett, tlie count}' seat of Andei'son County. 
Here he practiced his profession of the law, and was 
elected a member of the first State Legislature, 
■which C(niveued at Topeka, March 27, 1801. 

The attack upon Ft. Sumter, following swiftly 
after the Montgomery Secession Convention, tiie 
failure of the Peace Conference, the Proclamation 
of Jefferson Davis calling for 100,000 men, and 



tiie seizure of Government i)roperty by Floyd 
and Twiggs, without protest from the Executive', 
thrilled loyal Kansas to the very core. Presiilent 
Lincoln ma<le his first call for 75,000 volunteers in 
April, 18G1. Responding to this call, i\Ir. Craw- 
ford resigned his seat in the Legislature, returned 
home, recruited a company, was chosen its C;iptain. 
assigned to the 2d Kansas Infantry, and mustered 
into the United States service. He served with the 
regiment, participating under the gallant (ien. 
Lyon in the battle of Wilson's Creek and various 
other battles of the Missouri Campaign fought 
during the summer and fall of !8G1. In the winter 
of 1861-62, the regiment was re-organized, and 
became the 2d Kansas Cavaby. Capt. Crawford 
w.as assigned to the command of Company A, and 
soon th(;reafter promoted to tlie command of a 
battalion. He participated with iiis regiment in the 
battles of Ncwtonia, Old Ft. Waj'ue, Cane Hill, 
Prairie Grove, Van Buren, and various other en- 
gagements fought by Gen. Blunt during the Trans- 
Mississippi campaign of 1862. 

It was in these engagements that Capt Crawford 
developed extraordinary ability as a cavalry leader. 
At the battle of Old Ft. Wayne he charged the 
enemy's lines and captured a battery under circum- 
stances which almost forbade the venture, and for 
which achievement lie was complimented in General 
Orders. At the battles of Cane Hill and Prairie 
Grove he acquitted himself with great credit, and 
was again comi)limented by the commanding (ien- 
eral. In March, 1863, although holding the rank 
of Captain, he was assigned to the command of the 
2d Kansas Cavalry, and led the regiment in the 
cam[)aign of that year through the Indian Territory 
and Western Arkansas, which resulted in the battles 
of Perry ville, McAllister and the Backbone Mount- 
ain, and the capture of Ft. Smith by the Federal 
arms. The 2d Kansas Cavalry covered itself with 
glory in these memorable campaigns. 

In October, 1863, Capt. Crawford was promoted 
U) lie Colonel of the 83d United States Infauliy, 
and with his regiment accompanied Gen. Steele on 
the Shreveport, La., expedition, which moved 
southward, in March, 1864, from Ft. Smith and 



120 



SAMUEL J. CRAWFORD. 



Little Rock to co-operate with Gen. BanlvS in his 
Red River campaign, participating in the battles 
of Prairie De Hand and Saline River. At the latter 
affair Col. Crawford charged and captured a battery, 
which his men brought off tlie field by hand, all the 
artillery horses having been killed or disabled. 
This battle resulted in a complete victory for the 
Union forces, to which consummation Col. Craw- 
ford's regiment largely contributed. After this 
battle he returned with the 7th Corps to Little 
Rock, and thence, with the Kansas Division, under 
the command of Gen. Thayer, to Ft. Smith, Ark. 
In July, 1864, Col. Crawford commanded an expe- 
dition into the Choctaw Nation in pursuit of the 
rebel General, Standweighty, whom he routed. 

September 8, 1864, wiiile still in tlie field, Col. 
Crawford was nominated as the Republican candi- 
date for Governor of Kansas. 01)taining leave of 
absence, he bade adieu to the gallant army with 
which he had served so long, and on the 9lh of 
October returned to Kansas. Upon arriving at Ft. 
Scott he learned that a heavy body of the enemy, 
under Gen. Price, was moving westward through 
Central Missouri, witli the design of laying Kansas 
in waste. He hastened to Kansas City, arriving 
October 17, reported to Gen. Curtis, commanding 
the Federal forces there concentrating to resist Gen. 
Price, and was assigned to duty as a volunteer aid 
on his staff. A few days subsequently the battles 
of the Blue, Westportand Mine Creek were fought, 
and at the latter engagement Col. Crawford ordered 
and partici|)ated in a ciiarge with two brigades of 
Ciivalr}', which resulted in the capture of the Con- 
federate Generals, Marraaduke and Cabell, 600 
prisoners and eiglit pieces of artillery. This battle 
closed his military career in the war for the sup- 
pression of the Rebellion, and on April 13, 186.3, he 
was promoted by the President of tlie United States 
to the rank of Brigadier General by brevet, for 
meritorious services in the field. 

On the 7tli of November, 1864, Col. Crawford 
was elected Governor of the State of Kansas, and 
in 1866 was re-chosen for a second term. During 
his holding of the gubernatorial office, he re-organ- 
ized and consolidated the Kansas Volunteer Regi- 
ments, and secured the enactment of new laws, 
under which the State Militia was placed on war 
footing for the protection of the [leople against 
rebel invasions and Indian incursions. He devoted 
much of his time to the establishment and main- 
tenance of the various State institutions, an<l on 
retiring from office he left the Deaf Mute, Blind and 
Insane Asylums, the State Universitj', the Agricult- 
ural College and State Normal School, in success- 
ful operation. He also gave considerable attention 
.o the preparation and dissemination of pamphlet 



literature respecting the advantages of his State, 
with the view of encouraging emigration thereto. 

During the memorable jears of 1867 and 1868, 
hostile bands of Indians hovered on the borders of 
Kansas, driving back the settlers, checking the con- 
struction of the railroads and threatening to cut off 
communication between Kansas and the AVestern 
States and Territories. For two years an Indian 
war of savage barbarity was carried on. JNIau}' 
settlers were killed, scalped, and their bodies mutil 
ated. Large amounts of property were captured 
and destroyed. "Women and even children were 
outraged, and others carried into captivity to suffer 
a fate worse than a thousand deaths. 

The Federal forces stationed on the border and 
the State troops furnished by Gov. Crawford were 
inadequate for the protection of the people. The 
Indians followed their custom of making war dur- 
ing the summer months, and then retreating to their 
homes in the Indian Territory to be fed, clothed 
and nurtured by the Government in winter. Final!}', 
in August, 1868, the settlements of Northwest 
Kansas were raided by these Indians, who killed 
and wounded some forty persons, carried women 
into captivity, and also committed other atrocities. 

As soon as the terrible details of this last mas- 
sacre reached the ears of Gov. Crawford, he pro- 
ceeded at once to the scene of disaster, saw tliatthe 
dead were properly buried and tlie wounded cared 
for, returned to Topeka, organized a regiment of 
cavalry, resigned the office of Governor, and with 
his regiment accompanied Gen. Sheridan on his his- 
toric campaign into the interior of the wild country 
bordering on Texas, where the hostile tribes had 
alwavs felt secure from punishment during the win- 
ter season. These Indians were attacked and cap- 
tured in the Washita Valley, in December, 1868, 
and several of their chiefs held as hostages until the 
captive white women were delivered ujj. 

Gov. Crawford returned home after the close of 
this campaign and has since been successfully en- 
gaged in the practice of his profession. Nov. 27, 
1866, he was married to Jliss Isabel M. Chase, 
an estimable and accomplished lad}-, of Topeka, 
where they now reside, and the union has been 
blessed by two children, daughter and son. Gov. 
Crawford is possessed of an imposing presence, his 
height being six feet two inches, with the accom- 
paniment of a Herculean frame, symmetrically 
proportioned, and a pair of shoulders Atlas might 
fairly envj'. His manners are the very essence of 
courtesy and gentleness, and altogether he presentsa 
marked ty|)e of the energetic, patriotic and sturdy 
sons of the great West — suaviter in viodo, fortiter 
in re — with whom the high sense of duty stands first 
and foremost in every relation of life. 



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Progressive in 



NEIIEMIAH GREEN, 

fourth (jovernor of the 
State of Kansns was, dur- 
ing the 3ears of liis active 
life, a man essenlially in 
ad\-:incc of liis time, 
tliought, cultured, 
and to a great extent self-educated, 
he was, in addition to these quali- 
ties, endowed by nature with a 
strong character and deep sympa- 
thies, a temperament sanguine 3'et 
sedate, and with a steady inspira- 
tion to good deeds. He is now a 
confirmed invalid, having been con- 
fined to his room for the last three 3" ears, an 
nncomijlaining sufferer. Comparatively few are 
aware of the fact that this atllietion, overtaking 
him in the prime of life, is due to bis exertions 
while un officer in the arm^', relieving his exhausted 
soldiers by himself carrying their guns and haver- 
sacks, during which a blood vessel was ruptured, 
and since Mr. Green has never seen a well day. 

Mr. Green was born March 8, 1837, in (irassy 
Point Township, Hardin Co., Ohio. His father. 
She|mrd Green, was a native of Washington County, 
Pa., where he was born August 2, li-id.s, and the 
son of Nehcmiah Green, Sr., who w.as born in 
England, and came to Ainerica during revolution- 
ary times. He espoused the cause of the Colonists, 
and while doing his duty as a soldier, was taken 
l)risoner and conveyed to England, whei'C he was 
confined until after the surrender of Cornwallis, 
when he was exchanged. He then located in Wash- 
ington County, Pa. 

Shepard Green, when a boy in his teens, went to 
Ohio and was one of the earl\' settlers of Cham- 
paign County. There he learned the tinner's trade, 



which he followed a few j"ears, but after marriage 
he purchased a tract of timber land in Gr.assy Point 
Township, Hardin County-, and put up a log house. 
In that humble dwelling the subject of this sketch 
was born. The country was wild and new, and 
there were no railroads for many years afterward. 
The State road, known as the Sandusky & D.ayton 
road, passed by the farm, and after a few j'cars 
Shepard ( ireen put upa hotel which he conducted for 
several years, and which was made a stage station. 
Many distinguished guests sought entertainment 
under its roof; among them were Henry C'la^', Tom 
Corwin, and Richard M. Johnson. About ].S,')0 
Mr. Green removed to Logan County, wheri' his 
death occurred July 2(), 1880. 

For his wife Shepard Green chose in early man- 
hood IMiss Mary A. Fisher. This l.ady was born at 
Fairfax Court House, Ya., and was the daughter of 
William Fisher, a \'irginian by birth, and one of 
the earliest pioneers of Ohio, he locating first on 
the Scioto river above Columbus. Later he re- 
moved to Logan County, where he purchased tim- 
ber land, improved a farm and died. The moll:er 
of our subject made her home with her parents 
until her marriage, learning to card, spin ani! 
weave, and when her children were small she made 
the greater part of the cloth in use in the family. 
Having no stove, her cooking was performed many 
years bv a fire-i)lace. She died at the home farm 
in Logan County, Ohio, in 18/>9. 

Loth Shei>ard (ireen and his excellent wife were 
conscientious members of the jNIethodist Episeo|>al 
Church, and the father for many years was one of 
its chief pillars. His house was the headquarters 
of the pioneer preachers, and services were fre- 
quently held there. Politicallj', he was an OW 
Line Whig. The parental family included nine 
children, all of whom lived to mature years, viz: 
William F.. Louis F.. Nehemiah, N.-incy, Fanny, 
Shepard, (Jeorge S.. Mary and J-Jnma. The sons 
all served in the Union army during the Civil War. 



124 



NEHEMIAII CxREEN. 



When the Green family changed their residence 
to Logan County, Ohio, Nehemiah was a lad of 
thirteen 3'ears. He continued attendino: the sub- 
scription school until sixteen years old during the 
winter season, and in the meantime improved his 
opportunities for useful knowledge. His desire was 
for a finished education, and now to his great satis- 
faction he was permitted to enter Wesleyan Uni- 
versity at Delaware, Ohio, wiiere he studied two 
years. In 1855 he left school to visit the Territory 
of Kansas. The journey was made by steamer on 
the Ohio, Mississippi and ^lissonri rivers to Kansas 
City; thence by team to Douglas County, this 
8tate. Mr. Green made a claim twelve miles south of 
Lawre-ice, and during that spring the troubles be- 
gan between the Free State and Pro-Slavery men. 

Mr. Green was an ardent Free State man, and 
was prominently identified with John Brown, Jim 
Lane, Montgomery Bain, Gov. Robinson and Mar- 
cus Parrott, with whom he participated in the 
trials, struggles and triumphs which followed. Ho 
remained in Kansas until late in 1857, then returned 
to Ohio and entered tlieminislry, becoming a mem- 
ber of the Cincinnati Methodist Episcopal Confer- 
ence, lie was stationed at Aberdeen and Williams- 
burg until the first call by President Lincoln for. 
troops to quell the liebeUion. 

It was not long before Mr. Green proffered his 
services as a soldier of the Union, enlisting as a 
private in Company B 8!)th Ohio Infantry. Two 
weeks later he was commissioned by Gov. Todd, as 
First Lieutenant and served with his regiment in 
Kentucky and West Virginia. He was in the cam- 
paign which drove Kirby Smith out of the Blue 
Grass State and Loring out of the Kanawa Valley. 
While on the Kirby Smith cam|)aign he ruptured a 
blood vessel and suffered hemorrhages and has not 
seen a well day since. In 1863 he was obliged to 
resign. He recuperated in a measure and in 1804 
enlisted in the Ohio National Guards and was Ser- 
geant Major of the 153d Regiment, serving in the 
Army of the Potomac. He received his discharge 
in September, 1864, and, returning to Kansas, re- 
sumed his ministerial labors, being placed in charge 
of tlie Jlethodist Episcopal Church at Manhattan. 

In the meantime Mr. Green had kept himself well 
posted upon State and national events and was 
looked upon as a tit representative of the people's 
interest in legislative halls. In 18GG he was nomi- 
nated for Lieutenant-Governor and elected. In 
1868 the Cimaron War broke out and Kansas was 
asked to raise a regiment of cavalrj' for the United 
States service. Gov. Crawford resigned and was 
appointed Colonel of the regiment and Mr. Green 
was then sworn in as his successor, administering 
the duties of his office until the close of the term. 
Executive business had in the meantime accumu- 



lated while Gov. Crawford was raising the regi- 
ment, and the military and contingent fund had 
been exhausted while the whole frontier was threat- 
ened by hostile Imlians. The soldiers and their 
horses had to be fed and tiie former clothed. Gov. 
Green was c(iual to the emergency and borrowed 
money, while at the same thne letting contracts sub- 
ject to the approval of the Legislature to carry on all 
business, lioth military and civil. He visited the 
various military posts, traveling in an ambulance, 
and personally inspecting tiie militia. The wai^ended 
with the capture and destruction of the bands of 
Indians commanded by Black Kettle and Little 
Raven, by Gen. Custer. 

After the expiration of his term of office Gov. 
Green delivered the great seal of the State to his 
successor and resumed preaching. In due time ho 
was chosen Presiding Elder of Manhattan District, 
whichincluded the western half of the north half of 
the State. He followed up the frontier and laid tlic 
foundation for many prosperous churches. He thus 
labored actively in the church until 1873, when 
failing health compelled him to retire. That year 
lie settled on his farm in Grart Townshi[), Riley 
County. This farm comprises 810 acres of land. 

Gov. Green lived a few jears in compaiative 
quiet but in 1880 was brought forward again by 
his old constituents, elected to tlie State Legisla- 
ture and took an important part in the proceedings 
being finally elected Speaker jwo tan. During tiiis 
term the principal subjects acted upon were educa- 
tion, transportation, agriculture and temperance. 
Mr. Green took an important part in the proceed- 
ings to compel the Union Pacific Railroad to ac- 
knowledge its obligation to the State. A measure 
w.as )>assed which forced the matter to the Supremo 
Court when the Company surrendered every point 
and although its offices were moved from the State, 
agreed to accept service on any local agent. 

The marriage of Nehemiah Green and Miss Ida 
K. Leffingvvell, of AVilliamsburg, Ohio, was cele- 
brated in 18G0. This lady was born at that place 
and was the daughter of Sidney and Melissa 
(Bryant) Lefflngwell. She became the mother cjI' 
three chddren and died in 1871. The eldest chihl, 
Glenzen S., is a resident of Oregon. ElHe married 
Dr. William B. Sweatman, and they live in Parkers 
ville, Morris Co., this State. Alice is the wife of 
Prof. John E. Edgerton, Principal of the scliools 
of White City. In 1873 Mr. Green contracted a 
second marriage with jNIiss Mary Sturdevant. This 
lady was born in Kushville, N. Y. and is the daugh- 
ter of Josiah and Hannaii (Peabod3-) Sturdevant, 
who were natives respectively of New England and 
New York State; they spent their last years in 
RushviUo, N. Y. Of this union there have been 
born two children — Burtis W. and Ned INI. 




^.J^^;iyiyU^ tA . </)f-tL^ 








^~> — ^-^i 




AMES M. HARVEY, fifth Gov- 

: ernor of the State of Kansas, and a 

1^ Virginiau by birth, is a native 

of Monroe County, and was born 

■§ 11'^^ % ^^^^^' ^'' ^^^^' ^'^ parents, 

%^ -' ^iS" ^M' Thomas and Margaret (Walker) 

Harvey, were also natives of the 
Old Dominion, but removed 
from that State when their son 
James M. was quite young. 
He acquired his education iiithe 
public and select schools of In- 
diana, Illinois and Iowa, and 
following his tastes and talents, 
became a fliiished practical siu'- 
veyor and civil engineer. Mr. 
Harvey, in the j'ear 1859, just before Kansas was 
freed from Territorial enthrallment, and when she 
was struggling to become one of the sisterhood of 
States, removed hither, settling in Riley County. 
He at once became warmly interested in the affairs 
of this section of country, and distiuguislied him- 
self for hisabilitj', intelligence and enthusiastic sup- 
port of the measure which was to make the Territory 
a full member of the American Union. The pur- 
suit of agriculture at that time offered a more ample 
income than his profession, and in this he at once 
engaged, but the seclusion of the farm did not con- 
ceal his eminent ability and his talents from the 
public, and he was a prominent factor in the affairs 
of Kansas for a period of nearly thirty years. 
It was not long after his arrival here until tlie 



Civil War was precipitated upon the countr\-, and 
James JI. Harvey enlisted as a soldier of the Union 
army, and was soon given a Captain's commission 
in the 4ihand lOlh Regiments, which were consoli- 
dated. He served with honor in the campaign in 
which his command took part, and was mustered out 
in 1864. The following year, and also in 18C6, he 
was elected to represent his county in the Kansas 
Legislature, where he displayed such power as to 
attract the leading men of the commonwealth, and 
in which he gave unmistakable indications of the 
distinction he would achieve in the future. After 
serving his terras creditably as a member of the 
House, he was, in 18G7-71, a member of the Senate, 
and in the latter j'car was elected Governor. 

The duties of these various offices Mr. Harvey 
discharged with that fidelity and ability which en- 
titled him to still higher distinction, and accordingly 
on the assembling of the State Lcglature, in 1874, 
he was elected to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
resignation of Alexander Caldwell, United States 
Senator. This vacanc}' had been temporarily filled 
by the appointment of Robert Crozier, but the 
Legislature promptly recognized the claims of Mi-. 
Harve}-, and gave him the merited compliment of 
his regular election to that position. He took his 
seat on the 12th of February, and in this, as in all 
other places which he was called upon to fill, dis- 
charged his duties with great credit to himself and 
honor to his State until the 4th of March, 1877, at 
wliich time his term expired. 



i-?8 



JAMES M. HARVEY. 



During Mr. Harvey's incumbency of the Gov- 
ernor's office much important work was done b3' the 
Legislature, inehiding the issuance of bonds for 
the military expenses of the Indian War, and pro- 
viding a military contingent fund for the protection 
of tlie frontier of the State against Indian depreda- 
tions — these two objects calling for ^275,000; and 
also the further issuance of bonds to aid in com- 
pleting the west wing of the State Capitol, §70,000; 
to defray the expenses of raising the 1 yth Regiment, 
814,000; and $1,500 was appropriated to buy seed 
wheat for destitute farmers on the frontier. Dur- 
ing that term also the east wing of the nevv capitol at 
Topeka was so far completed that on December 25 
they were occupied by the State officers. At that 
date there had been expended on the wing com- 
pleted and on the west wing, on which work was 
still progressing, the sum of $417,588.29. At the 
annual election, which occurred Nov. 8, 1870, 
Gov. Harvey received over 19,000 majority over 
his Democratic opponent. For United States Sena- 
tor, to serve the unexpired term of Caldwell, the 
balloting commenced January 27, and was continued 
four days, no candidate receiving the required 
seventy votes necessary to a choice. On the 2d of 
February, Mr. Harve3' was elected on a joint vote 
of seventy-six as against fifty-eight thrown for .nil 
other candidates. 

During the twelfth session of the Kansas Legis- 
lature, James M. Harvey, Governor, thirty-eight 
laws were passed. Among them were bills authoriz- 
ing or legalizing the issuance of municipal bonds ; the 
State Board of Agriculture was created ; $3,000 was 
appropriated for the relief of Western settlers, and 
$2,500 for the Freedman's University of Quindaro; 
the boundaries of Kingman and Harvey Counties 
were defined, the latter named in honor of James 
M. ; two new judicial districts were created, the 
Thirteenth and Fourteenth; the salaries of State 
officers and Judges of tlie Supreme Courts and 
Districts Courts were increased ; and an act passed 
providing for the sale of Normal School lands; 
Commissioners were also ajjpointed to provide for 
the settlement of losses by Indian depredations 
between 1860 and 1871. 

Gov. llarve}' upon retiring from public life re- 
turned to his farm at Vinton, Riley County, wliere 



he resided for a time, and then returned to the 
vicinity of his old home in Virginia, and is now 
living in Richmond. On the 4th of October, 1854, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Cutler, 
of Adams County, 111., and of this union there 
were born six children, four daughters and two 
sons, namely: Clara, Emma, Lillian, Martha, James 
N. and John A. 

The assuring smile of peace fell upon Kansas for 
the first time in her existence when the war of the 
Rebellion ended, and about the time Mr. Harvey, 
after serving valiantlj^ in the ranks of the Union 
ai'm3% returned to Riley County, and was called 
upon to assist in the further great work which lay 
before both legislators and people. It was a time 
demanding the best efforts of its wisest men, and 
Mr. Harvey in his sphere was equal to the emer- 
gency, and to tlie perplexing duties devolving upon 
him as Legislator, Senator and Governor. Twelve 
years of turmoil and strife had trained the inhabitants 
to know no rest save in motion, and no safety ex- 
cept in incessant vigilance. Under this discipline 
their character had become as peculiar as the expe- 
riences through which they had passed. A rest- 
less energj' was the controlling element, and the life 
of ease and peace was one so foreign to their ex- 
perience as to strike them as almost unnatural. 
Thej', however, under the fortunate rule of a wise 
executive, turned to the pursuit of the peaceful arts 
and conquered the right to the free soil they now 
tread. INIines were opened, railroads built, hus- 
bandry and manufactures brought wealth and plenty, 
and peace and prosperity reigned. 

Along with the happy state of affairs just above 
mentioned, there were also built up the indispensa- 
ble adjuncts of churches, schools and charitable 
institutions, together with happy homes, villages 
and cities, and all else which marks the develop- 
ment of a civilized and free people. Every man 
who at that critical period performed his duty de- 
serves to be perpetuated in history. Among these 
James M. Harvey was likewise equal to the emer- 
gency, and is amply entitled to have his name en- 
rolled among the patriots of that period, wlio labored 
efficiently in bringing about the future prosperity 
of the commonwealth which now occupies a proud 
position among the States west of the Mississippi, 




1*1K^ 





ck\J 









-fi—i:i--i-~^-i 



JHOMAS A. OSBORN, one 

of tLie most popular and 
distinguished gun 1 1 e m e n 
who ever served the State 
of Kansas as her Executive, 
is to-day an honored citi- 
zen of that gi'cat common- 
wealth and a resident of her capital 
city. He was chosen to this high 
position at a critical time in the 
history of the State. While it 
is true that no commonwealth in 
our glorious galaxy of States has 
been so sorel}' tried or passed 
through so many and such severe 
ordeals, there have been some jjeri- 
ods of greater trials than others. 
One crisis after another has come upon this people, 
but tlicrc was always a Arm and wise hand ready 
and able to guide the ship of State through the 
storm and over the shoals. Kansas found in the 
person of Mr. Osborn a safe leader, a patriot and a 
statesman. From the year 1872 to 1877 was an 
important period in the history of Kansas, and during 
this time Thomas A. Osborn stood at the head of 
its affairs. Manj' vital questions were forced upon 
the Executive during these eventful years, and the 
record he made then will ever endear him to the 
hearts of the people of the State he so efficiently 
served. When tried he was not found wanting, 
but demonstrated that he possessed a sound judg- 
ment, a keen foresight, and an unfaltering devotion 
to the well-being and prosperity of the State. Though 
a stanch Republican as a citizen, as a Governor he 
was non partisan, and worked impartially to the bet- 
terment and welfare of the whole people. Not only 



has he been a valued citizen of the State because 
he so ably filled the Gubernatorial Chair for two 
terms, but because for over a quarter of a century 
he has stood in the front rank of her most progres- 
sive and patriotic citizens, aiding in every laudable 
enterprise having for its object the public good. 

Thomas A. Osborn was born nearly fifty-two 
years ago, at Meadville, Pa., Oct. 26, 1836. He 
attended the common schools of his neighborhood 
during his boyhood, and at the age of fifteen com- 
menced life as a printer by carrying the newspapers 
of the office. Here he served a full apprenticeship, 
and in the meantime pursued the course of study 
which had been interrupted by the necessity of 
making his own living. By his labors at the case 
he was enabled in due time to earn enough mone^' 
to pay his way through Allegheny College, and in 
1 856 he commenced the study of law in the office 
of Judge Derrrickson, of his native town. The 
year following he came to Michigan, and was ioon 
afterward admitted to the bar. In November, 
1857, he migrated to Kansas, and began his career 
in the Territory at Lawrence, asacompositor in the 
office of the Herald of Freedom. Such was his 
fidelity to dut}', and his industry and efficiency, 
that he was soon promoted to the position of foreman, 
and in March, 1858, the editor of the paper, after 
a two-weeks absence, expressed his thanks "to his 
worthy foreman, T. A. Osborn, Esq., for the very 
satisfactory manner in which he has conducted its 
columns." 

Before Mr. Osborn w^as twenty-two years old he 
commenced the practice of law at Elwood, Doni- 
phan County, and soon acquired a fine reputation 
in his chosen profession. Politically, he was a strong 



132 



THOMAS A. OSBORN. 



Republican and Free-State man, and in 1859 was 
elected Senator from Uoiiiplian County to tlie first 
State Legislature, taking his seat in 1861, when 
twenty-five years old. The year following he was 
chosen President ^;ro fe;ft of the Senate during the 
absence of the Ueutenant Governor, and during 
the impeachment trial of Gov. Robinson and others. 
His next promotion was his election to the office of 
Lieutenant Governor over his competitor, Hon. .J. ,7. 
Ingalls. 

In 1864 Mr. Osborn received the appointment of 
United States Marshal in Kansas, by President 
Lincoln, and occupied the position until 18G7, re- 
siding during and after his terra of office at Leaven- 
worth. Li tiie fall of 1872 he accc|)ted from the 
hands of his party the nomination for Governor of 
Kansas. The convention assembled atTopeka, and 
their candidate was elected by a majority of 34,000. 
He was duly inaugurated in January, 1873, and 
served with so great ability and rendered such sat- 
isfaction that ho was again chosen at the State Con- 
vention of his part}' for a second term. The fol- 
lowing iS'ovember he was duly elected, and served 
another two years. 

It is proijcr in this connection to give a resume 
of some of the occurrences in Kansas at the time 
Gov. Osborn occupied the position of State Execu- 
tive. In May, 1874, during his second year as 
Governor, the Indians on the southwestern frontier 
commenced depredations upon the settlers in Bar- 
bour County, which were confined for a time to the 
stealing of their cattle and horses. Jn an attempt 
to recover some of the plunder, a detachment of 
United States Cavalry fatally wounded a son of 
Little Robe, a chief of the Cheyennes. This in- 
cited the Indians to open outrages, and in June five 
murders were committed. These outrages alarmed 
the entire southwestern border, and action was at once 
taken to place the more exposed points in as good 
a condition of defense as was possible. Companies 
were organized and armed in readiness foranemer- 
genc}', and stockades were constructed by the set- 
tlers at Medicine Lodge, Kiowa, Sun City, and at 
points midway between the two latter places. Not- 
withstanding these precautions, hundreds of people 
deserted their homes and sought protection in the 
larger towns. In July other murders were com- 
mitted, and suspicion pointed strongly to the Osage 
Indians. Early in August a party of these, twenty- 
five in nun:ber, appeared near the town of Kiowa, 
claiming to be out on a buffalo hunt, and upon be- 
ing ordered to return to their reservation tney re- 
fused to do so. This was communicated to Capt. 
Kicker, who was in command of a company of 
mounted militia, and who in setting out to find 
them, overtook them about fifteen miles northeast 



of Medicine Lodge. In the skirmish which ensued 
four Indians were killed. The savages now grew 
more bold and decided in their onslaught iii)on the 
wiiite settlers, and by the 1st of Sei)tembcr they 
had slain sixteen citizens, six of whom were resi- 
dents of Lawrence and jicaceably engaged in sur- 
veying public lands forty miles south and twenty 
miles west of Dodge Citj'. Gov. Osborn was com- 
pelled to keep the volunteer militia companies on 
the border in active service until nearly the close 
of 1874, and between those who urged extreme 
measures and those who, more timid, advised a pol- 
icy of extreme forbearance, he was in a position re- 
quiring great ingenuity and temperance of action. 
Few men in his position could have done better, 
and more would probably have failed in assisting to 
bring all these troubles to a peaceable conclusion. 

After leaving the Gubernatorial Chair in 1877, 
Mr. Osborn was appointed by President Hayes, 
United States Minister to Chili. lu this i)osition he 
remained for four years, when he was tendered by 
President Garfield the position of Minister to the 
Empire of Brazil. This he accepted, and remained 
near the court of Don Pedro until the administra- 
tion of President Cleveland came into power. 

Mr. Osborn's record as a foreign Minister was 
not only highlj' creditable to our own Nation, but 
doubly so to him as an official and a citizen of the 
great peace-loving Republic of America. While in 
Chili he w.as quite active in trying to bring to an 
end the bloody war in which that country was en- 
gaged with Peru and Bolivia, and in 1.S80 presided 
over a conference of representatives of tlie bellig- 
erent power on board the American man-of-war 
"L.ackawanna" in the bay of Arica, which had in 
view that object. He also interested himsi-lf in 
bringing to a peaceful conclusion the long-pending 
boundar}'' dispute between Chili and the Argentine 
Republic. For his valued and able services in this 
connection he received the thanks of both nations. 

Since Gov. Osborn's return to the United States 
he has occupied himself in various enterprises, and 
while not entirely eschewing politics, has made 
known his desire to be excused from filling further 
official positions. He stood at the liendot' the Kansas 
delegation to the National Republican Convention in 
1888, and in that august assembly was a prominent 
figure. He is a man whose opinions are universally 
held in respect, and one who has no unimportant 
influence in the councils of his part\'. His early 
life and training served to build up within him that 
patience and self-reliance, and that perseverance in 
behalf of a worthy principle, which has been the 
secret of his standing among his fellowmen, and 
distinguished him as a man of more than ordinary 
ability, and one eminently to Le trusted. 




m^ 






nthoTv^^ 






EORG E T. A N T H O N Y, 
the seventh Governor of 
the State of Kansas, came 
of an excellent family of the 
. Empire State, who were or- 
thodox Quakers religionsly, 
'-/ ^ and who in point of the ele- 
ments which go to make u\\ the bone 
and sinew of the social fabric, pos- 
o-Pii|!\jV* sessed all the characteristics of that pe- 
^^'M^f'i. ciiliar people. He was born in May- 
6^|S1 field, Fulton Co., N. Y., June 9, 1 824, 
^f^ and spent his boyhood and youth on a 
"^S^§^"" farm, acquiring his education mostly 
•^'' in the winter season, and making him- 
self useful at agricultuvnl pursuits in summer. 
About the age of nineteen he cummenced learning 
the tin and copper smith's trade at Unu)n Springs, 
C'ayugn County, which he followed as a journey- 
man five years, then repaired to Ballston Spa, and 
clerked in a hardware store until his removal to 
Medina, in 1850. 

In the town above mentioned Mr. Anthony found 



his future wife, Miss Rose A. Lyons, to whom he 
was married Dec. 14, 1852, and thereafter for a 
period of nine years was engaged in trade in hard- 
ware, tin and stoves, and also carried on the manu- 
facture of stoves and agrieulturalimplements. Later 
he engaged in the commission business, and in due 
time was made Loan Commissioner for Orleans 
County, being thus occupied three years. 

During the late Rebellion and under the call of 
July 2, 1862, for additional troops, Mr. Anthony 
was selected by request of Gov. Morton as one of a 
committee of seven to raise and organize troops in the 
Twenty-eighth District of New York, embracing the 
counties of Orleans, Niagara and Genesee. In Au- 
o-ust following he was authorized to recruit an inde- 
pendent battery of light artillery of six guns, anil 
which was subsequently known as the 17lh New- 
York Independent Battery. Such was the in- 
dustry with which he set about this ctimmission, 
that in four d.ays the maximum number was secured 
and mustered into service, with Mr. Anthony as 
Captain, and they proceeded at once to Washington. 



136 



GEORGE T. ANTHONY. 



Capt. Anthony served with his battery until the 
L-lose of the war. operating between Washington and 
Iiielimond, and in front of the latter city and Pe- 
tersburg, being with tlie 18th Army Corps during 
the last year of the war. He was breveted Major 
for services in the last campaign ending at Appo- 
mattox Court House, and after the surrender of the 
Confederate forces, vvas mustered out of service at 
Richmond, Va., June 12, 1865. 

In November, 1865, Mr. Anthony changed his 
residence from Rochester, N. Y., to Leavenworth, 
this State, and became editor of the Leavenworth 
Daily Bulletin, also of the Leavenworth Daily Con- 
servative, filling the position two years and one-half. 
He subsequently assumed proprietorship of tha Kan- 
sas Fanner, which he conducted six years. In the 
meantime such had been the zeal with which he in- 
terested himself in the afifairs of a State struggling 
for recognition, and only needing good men for 
leaders, that he was recognized as a man eminently 
fitted for promotion, and in December, 1867, was 
appointed United States Internal Revenue Assistant 
Assessor, and the following year Collector of Inter- 
nal Revenue. For three j'ears he was President of 
the Kansas State Board of Agriculture, and for two 
years held the same position on the Board of Cen- 
iennial Managers for the State, and was discharging 
the duties of the three offices at the time of his 
election as Governor, on the 7th of November, 
:876. 

Ciov. Anthony, while State Executive, presided 
wisely as counselor over the many difficult ques- 
tions arising at that time, and retired from tiie 
office with the best wishes of those who had realized 
how faithfully he had endeavored to perform his 
;'.:ty. He continued his residence in Leavenworth 
ifter the expiration of his term of office, and there- 
Kfler was employed much of the time in a respon- 
sible position, in connection with the extension of 
the great Santa Fe Railroad through New Mexico 
and into Old Mexico. 

That Gov. Anthony was popular during his in- 
cumbency of the Executive office, is indicated by 
the fact that the county seat of Harper County was 
named in his honor. Over the establishment of 
this town there was much earnest debate in regard 
to its location and many other important details in 



connection therewith. It is now a city of impor- 
tance, and was honored with a post-office in the 
summer of 1878. At first the service was only 
weekl}-, but in due time became daily, and it vvas 
made a money-order office in 1880. Previous to 
this, however, a bank had been established in a 
small frame structure standing on the street, and 
its business was soon conducted in a store building, 
with a capital of $20,000. The Globe Mills were put 
up in 1880-81, at a cost of over $25,000, and in due 
time commanded a large trade from points in the 
Indian Territory, as well as the surrounding towns. 

Churches and newspapers sprang up in due time 
in the town of Anthony, and various lodges of the 
different societies were named in honor of the 
Governor. The town itself lies on the edge of a 
beautiful valley, a trifle over two miles from the 
geographical center of Harper County-, and the site 
was selected after much deliberation by the Town 
Company, which had been formed at Wichita for 
the purpose, as it was found desirable to establish a 
town not far from the center of Harper County, 
which embraced large tracts of beautiful rolling 
land. The projected town was considered a 
matter of serious importance, and not the least 
among the matters connected with its establishment 
was the name by which it should be called. The 
descendants of Gov. Anthony may be pardoned if 
in preserving their family history they keep prop- 
erly in view this fact in connection therewith. The 
town site was made to cover .320 acres, and the first 
work of the company was to build a barracks for 
the accommodation of emigrants, and to dig three 
public wells. 

About as soon as the announcement went forth 
that the " city of Anthonj' " was ready for settle- 
ment, about a dozen box houses sprang up as if by 
magic, and were soon followed b}' a store of general 
merchandise, a hardware and a drug-store, and closely 
upon the heels of tliese came a physician and an 
attorne3'. The new town grew rapidly-, and now 
occupies a proud position among the other cities 
adjacent, going in some respects ahead of those 
which are older. As ma}' be supposed, the patriot, 
the ex-soldier, and one of tlie most conscientious 
men who ever occupied the Gul)cinatorial Chair of 
Kansas, has watched its growth with lively interest. 




^^J^^)(qS3C^^3 



gohn, -fm 



H^O 




OHN P. ST. JOHN, eigbth 
Governor of the State of 
Kansas, was born In Brook- 
field, Franklin Co., Ind., 
Feb. 25, 1833. The family 
is of Huguenot descent. 
Daniel St. John, the paternal 
grandfather, was a native of 
Luzerne Country, Pa., and for 
' sixty years was one of the fore- 
most ministers of the Universalist 
denomination, preaching witii un- 
swerving faith the doctrines he 
bad espoused, and illustrating their 
purity by aguilelessand untarnished 
reputation. He was the friend and 
contemporary of Jlurray, Ballou, Streeter and 
Thomas, and was numbered with ti\em as one of 
the American fathers of this religious faith. He 
was also a Freemason, and at the time of his 
death, «hich occurred in Broad Kipjjle, Ind., was 
the oldest member of the fraternity in the State. 

The subject of this sketch was the son of Samuel 
St. John, who was liorn in Orange Countj^, N. Y., 
.nd was a man of mure tlian ordinarj' ability. The 
mother, Sophia (Sncll) St. John, was of English 
'.xUaction, a lad}' of rare intelligence, with a char- 
acter adorned by all the Christian virtues. The 
children of farmers in the rural districts of Indiana 
forty years ago were taught by such instructors as 
the limited means of the inhabit:uits could com- 
mand, and who dispensed knowledge usually only 
two short terms each year. Under these circum- 




-,{^^.S^^_i^ 



stances the early education of John P. St. John 
was acquired. He soon mastered the elementary 
branches taught in the district school, but deter- 
mined to carry on his education as soon as he could 
secure the means, and for this purpose, while yet 
a youth, entered a store, but devoted his leisure 
hours to his books. 

In Iboi Mr. St. John made his wa}' to the Pa- 
cific Slope, and employed himself at whatever he 
could find to do — wood-chopping, steamboating, 
mining, merchandising, etc. During the period of 
eight years, which, were pregnant with adventure, 
hardship, danger and toil, if not of profit, he made 
voyages to Central America, South America. 
Mexico, Oregon and the Sandwich Islands. He 
was engaged in the Indian Wars of Northern Cali- 
fornia and Southern Oregon in 1852-53, in which 
he suffered all the perils and hardships incident to 
the struggles of that time, and was several times 
wounded in the service. 

During his mining life in California the long- 
cherished predilection of Mr. St. John for the legal 
profession ripened into a definite purpose. He 
accordingl.y in-ocured a few elementary law books, 
and under circumstances calculated to try the 
courage of one less determined, he commenced his 
law studies in his mining camp, reading each even- 
ing after the close of the day's labor by the light 
of a burning pine knot or the camp fire, lie thus 
pursued his studies laboriously for two years. In 
18G0 he returned eastward with but little more of 
this world's goods than wh.en he set out eight years 
before, but cquipjjed with a rich experience, a 



10 



JOHN P. ST. JOHN. 



knowledge of the world and a fair idea of common 
law. With the view of perfecting himself still 
further in his studies, he entered the office of 
."Messrs. Starkweather & McLain, at Charleston, 111., 
and at the expiration of a year's time was admitted 
to practice at the bar, and became a member of the 
firm above mentioned. 

The anticipated professional career of Mr. St. 
John, however, was rudely broken in upon by the 
mutterings of Civil War, and laying aside his per- 
sonal interests, he enlisted as a private in Company 
C, G8th Illinois Infantry. The regiment was soon 
sent to Alexandria, Va., and St. John was assigned 
to detached duty as Assistant Adjutant General. 
He continued in this capacity until his term of 
enlistment had expired, but subsequently at Camp 
Mattoon, 111., he was placed in command of the 
troops there, given the commission of Captain, and 
upon the organization of the 143d Illinois, was 
elected Lieutenant Colonel of this regiment. They 
operated subsequently in the Mississippi Valley, and 
Col. St. John continued in the service until 1864, 
when he i-etired to private life, and resumed the 
practice of law in connection with Judge McLaini 
the surviving partner of the old firm. 

In Februar}', 1865, Mr. St. John with his family 
removed to Independence, Mo., where he first 
became prominent as a politician, and as a most 
effective and popular orator. During his four- 
years residence at that point he took an active part 
in the political campaign of 18G8, making an effect- 
ive and vigorous canvass of Western Missouri in 
behalf of the nominees of the Republican party. In 
Ma3', 186!), he changed his residence to Olathe, 
Kan., and associated himself with M. V. B. Parker 
for the practice of law. This continued until 1875, 
and Mr. St. John then formed a partnership wiih 
Hon. I. O. Pickering, of Olathe, and continued the 
practice of his profession until pressing public 
duties forced him to abandon it. 

The prominence <if Gov. St. John in public life 
seems to have become his unsought, and as the re- 
sult of circumstances entirely outside his individ- 
ual purposes or designs. Up to 1872 he had given 
only such attention to political affairs as was 
vouchsafed by all intelligent and patriotic voters. 
He had held unsought the various local offices 



which fall to the lot of responsible citizens in the 
administration of town affairs, and as an ardent Re- 
publican had done acceptable work on the stump 
during the canvass of 1868. Four years later he 
was elected State Senator from Johnson County, 
and at once took a leading position, both on the 
floor as a debator, and in the committee rooms as 
an efficient business member. 

The temperance movement found a sturdy and 
fearless advocate of prohibition in Mr. St. John. 
Consequently when the question came to be an 
issue in the politics of Kansas, he was at once rec- 
ognized as the fit exponent and defender of the 
then unpopular doctrine. The Kansas State Tem- 
perance Convention accordingly nominated him as 
its candidate for Governor, in 1876. He declined 
the nomination, although in full accord with the 
convention on the issue it presented. That same 
fall he was on the first ballot in tiie Republican 
convention, the leading gubernatorial candidate. 
On the seventh ballot he withdrew his name, which 
action resulted in the nomination and snbscipient 
election of Hon. George T. Anthony. 

At the Republican State Convention held two 
years later at Topeka, in August, 1878, Mr. St. 
John received the Republican nomination for 
Governor. Considering the distracting element of 
a third part}', the campaign was brilliant and effect- 
ive, and the result one of the most decisive politi- 
cal victories ever achieved in the State. In 1880, 
in a total vote of 198,238, Mr. St. John was re- 
elected by a majority over the next highest candi- 
date of 51,647 and a majority over all of 32,170, a 
fact which shows how satisfactory to the people 
had been the manner in which he had discharged 
the duties of his office during his first term. 

The great exodus of the colored people from the 
Southern States to Kansas began in 1879, and Gov. 
St. John at once took an active interest in their 
behalf. Through his influence, personal and official, 
the necessities of thousands of these destitute and 
suffering people were relieved and themselves 
placed in a position to become self-sustaining. In 
1882 his friends nominated him as Governor for a 
third term, but he failed of are-election. In 1884 
he w-as the nominee of the Prohibition party for 
President, and received 150.000 votes. 







tss«§t 





EORGE AV. GLICK, niiiih 
Governor of Kansas, was its 
first Democratic State Ex- 
ecutive. He was born at 
Greeiicastle, Fairfield Co., 
Oliio, July 4, 1827, and on 
the paternal side is of Gcr- 
His great-grandfatiier. 



man descent. 
m> VVJ Henry Glick, was one of five brothers 

"■/iv: " 



who left the l)eaiitifiil Riiinc country 
.^#>Ji;\#;j prior to the Revolutionar3^ War. In 

ZfS9^) tliis immortal struggle they all partici- 
^J-^ pated andsubsequently settled inPenn- 

'"^^W" sylvania. George Glick, grandfather 
•^ " of tlie Governor, served as a soldier 
in the War of 1812, and was severel3' wounded at 
the battle of Ft. Meigs. 

Isaac Glick, the father of George W., and who 
was prominent as a farmer and stock-raiser of San- 
dusky Countj-, Ohio, held for three consecutive 
terms the office of Treasurer of that county, and 
was a man accounted above reproach, both in his 
business and private character. He married Miss 
Mary Sanders, daughter of George Sanders, who 
was a soldier patriot in the AVar of 1812, in which 
he ranked as a Captain and bore the marks of his 
bravery in bodily wounds of a serious nature. Mrs. 
Mary (Sanders) Glick is a lady of high culture and 
great pietj% active in the work of Christian charit}'. 
and of that retiring disposition which fnll^- car- 
I'ied out the command of the great teacher, "Let 
not tliy right hand know what thy left hand doeth." 
As a boy, George AV. Glick was more than usually 
studious, and acquired a good English education, 
embracing the higher mathematics and the lan- 
guages, which lent a polish to his practical sense and 
busiiicss qualifications, and enabled him to succeed 



almost uniformly in his undertakings. AVhcn he 
was a little lad of five years the family removed to 
Lower Sandusky, now Fremont, where, after com- 
pleting his education, he entered tlie law office of 
Buckland & Hayes, tlie junior member of the firm 
being afterwaid President of tlie United States. In 
due time he passed a thorough examination in con- 
nection with the Cincinnati Law School students, 
and was admitted to the bar by tlic Sui)rcme Court. 
Mr. Glick commenced the practice of his profes- 
sion at Fremont, Ohio, where his careful attention 
to the interests of his clients secured him a lartre 

O 

patronage. Later he removed to Sandusky City, 
and in 18.58 was made the Congressional nominee 
of the Democratic party in his district, but declined 
the honor in the presence of the convention, but 
accepted later the nomination for State Senator. 
Although defeated, he ran nearly 2,000 votes ahead 
of his party ticket. Later he was elected Judge 
Advocate General of the 2d Regiment of the Sev- 
enteenth Division of the Ohio Militia, with the rank 
of Colonel, receiving his commission from Gov. 
Salmon P. Chase. 

Late in 1858 Mr. Glick came to Kansas, locating 
in Atchison, and associated himself in the practice 
of law with Hon. Alfred G. Otis. This gentleman 
was well versed in jurisprudence, and as Judge of 
the Second Judicial District from January, 1877, to 
Januar}', 1881, won golden opinions as an adminis- 
trator of justice. Tlie firm of Otis & Glick contin- 
ued fifteen 3"eai-s, and was finally- dissolved in con- 
sequence of a throat affection from which Mr. Glick 
had suffered for some time. The firm settled up 
its affairs annually, never a dispute occurring, 
its last settlement having been effected within an 
hour. 

\t the first election held under the 'W'vandottc 



144 



GEORGE AV. GLICK. 



Constitution, Dec. 6, 1859, Mr. Glick was made the 
Democratic nominee for Judge of the Second Judi- 
cial District, and received a vote larger tlian that 
of any candidate on his ticket. He was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives from the 
city of Atchison, in 1862, and each consecutive year 
thereafter until 18G7. He was re-elected in 1875 
and again in 1 880. During these years he was Chair- 
man of tlie Judiciary Committee, and was chosen 
to fill this position by the Republican Speakers of 
the House, who manifested the utmost confidence 
in his wisdom and integrity. Thereafter he served 
on the most important committees existing, and 
during the session of 1876 was Speaker pro tern of 
the House. In Maj^, 1874, he served as State Sen- 
ator, having been elected to fill the vacancy caused 
by the resignation of the Hon. Joseph C. "Wilson. 
From this time on Mr. Glick w.is constantly called 
into requisition by his party, being in 1886 a dele- 
gate to the Union Convention at Philadelphia, and 
in 1870 a member of the Democratic State Central 
Committee. Subsequently he was a member of the 
State Central Relief Committee, and was commis- 
sioned a Centennial Manager by Gov. Thomas A. 
Osborn in 1876. Subsequently he was elected 
Treasurer of the Board of Manageis, and was pres- 
ent at the first meeting in Philadelphia, wiien the 
arranging of the displ.ay was completed. In July, 
1882, he was nominated by acclamation as the Dem- 
ocratic candidate for Governor, and at the election 
received considerable support outside of his party. 
Mr. Glick was County Commissioner of Atchison 
County upon his accession to the office of Governor, 
and was also holding the position of Auditor. In 
his election to this office he received about forty- 
six per cent of the votes cast, and was outdone by 
only one man in this respect, namely, John P. St. 
John, who, in 1880, received about fifty-eight per 
cent. Although a man of temperate habits, he does 
not consider prohibition a sovereign remedy for 
the evils arising from the use of, and traffic in, in- 
toxicatinp- drinks. In Februarj', 1876, while a 
member of Aie House and during the tendency of 
the proposed amendment to the Dram Shop Act, he 
entered a protest, which was spread upon the House 
Journal, in which he maintained that the Prohibi- 
tory Liquor Law had, wherever tried, failed to ac- 



complish its purpose, and that this proposition was 
conceded by all who were not controlled b}' fanat- 
icism; that no one w(juld attempt to enforce sucn 
a law, and that regulation and control of the traffic 
was an absolute necessity for the preservation of 
the peace and good order of society, and that this 
control was made of no effect by the proposed 
amendment. 

Mr. Glick furthermore contended that the reve- 
nue derived from the sale of intoxicating liquors 
aided in paying the burdensome expenses following 
the wake of such sales, and that by the proposed 
law the burdens upon the public were increased 
while its ability to prevent them w.ts decreased. 
He believed that if the bill became a law it would 
increase the number of places where liquor would be 
sold, thereby resulting in the increase of the evils of 
the traffic, and also the expenses of protecting life and 
propert}' and preserving the public peace. 

The early Kansas railroads found in Gov. Glick 
a stanch and efficient assistant, and he was one 
of the first Directors of the Central Branch of the 
Union Pacific, running west fiom Atchison. He 
was also a Director of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa 
Pe — the important transportation line of the State 
and of the country west of the Mississippi. From 
the time of the organization of the Atchison & Ne- 
braska, he was its President to its completion, and 
spent four years of incessant labor in order to effect 
its construction from Atchison to the capital city 
of Omaha. He organized the Atchison Gas CV)m- 
pany and secured the building of the works. Many 
of the buildings in the city of Atchison, both busi- 
ness and dwelling-houses, were erected by him, and 
he has generously disbursed his capital to encourage 
those enterprises best calculated to increase the im- 
portance of the city. 

Mr. Glick was married at Massillon, Ohio, Sept. 
17, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. A. 
Ryder, of Fremont, that State. While he was State 
Executive his son Frederick was his private secre- 
tary. This son and a daughter Jennie are his only 
children. Mr. Glick was the first Master 'of the 
Shannon Hills Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. 
He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity 
nearly forty years, and aided in organizing the 
Royal Arch Chapter and Commandery, of Atchison, 




M^- 



ii'>'^'("i^^''^i^^c^'tiX'r.jrr>r\\'\.',\'r..u'^-^i^>}^ 










l^vilE tenlli Governor of Kansas 
was born March 10, 1839, at 
Brownsville, Pa., and in his 
early days, after an ordinarj' 
education, learned the prin- 
ter's trade. In 18.57 he went 
to Pittsburgh, and was em- 
ployed in the office of the Commer- 
cial Journal,an(\ early in October 
of that year he emigrated to 
Kansas and located in Atchison. 
lie purciiased tlie office of the 
Squatter Sovereign in February, 
jj5% 1 858, and changed its name to the 
Freeman's Champion, and on the 
20th of the month commenced his 
editorial career in this State, by 
the issue of the first number of the paper which he 
has since been identified with. He was always a 
stanch free-State man, and an earnest and ardpnt 
Eepublican, being among the organizers of that 
grand old party in his native State. He was Sec- 
retary of the Wyandotte Constitutional Convention, 
and was elected State Senator before he was of age. 
During tlie summer of 1801 Mr. Martin assisted 
in organizing the 8th Kansas Infantr}', of which he 
was appointed Lieutenant Colonel. The regiment 
served on the Missouri border during the fall and 



WP 



winter of 18G1. Early in 1862 he was appointed 
Provost Marshal of Leavenworth, and in March of 
the same year his regiment was ordered to Corinth, 
Sliss., Lieut. Col. Jlartin in command. A few weeks 
after, when at Corinth, the regiment with the 
division to which it was attached, was ordered to 
join Gen. Buell in Tennessee, and thereafter during 
the whole war it served in the Army of the Cumber- 
land. Lieut. Col. Martin was promoted to be 
Colonel on the 1st of November, 1862, and was 
Provost Marshal of Nashville, Tenn., from Decem- 
ber, 1862, to June, 1863. The regiment, under his 
command, took part in the battles of Perryville 
and Lancaster, K}'., the campaign against Tul- 
lahomaand Cliattanooga, the battle of Chickamauga, 
the siege of Chattanooga, the storming of Mission 
Ridge, the campaign of East Tennessee, in tlie win- 
ter of 1863-64, the campaign from Chattanooga to 
Atlanta, and the subsequent pursuit of Hood north- 
ward. Col. Martin commanded the 3d Brigade, 1st 
Division, 20th Army Corps, on the second dn}- fpf 
the battle of Chickamauga, and during the siege of 
Cliattanooga, and commanded the 1st Brigade, 3d 
Division, 4th Army Corps, from August, 1S64, until 
his muster out at Puhiski, Tenn., Nov. 17, 1864. 

In a lengthy description of tlie battle of Mission 
Kidge, published in the New York Times of .July 



148 



JOHN A. MARTIN. 



18, 1876, Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, who com- 
manded the 3d Division, 4th Corps, Army of the 
Cumberland, says: 

"Willich's brigade, in the center, had with it the 
heroic, accomplished Martin, Colonel of the 8th 
Kansas. What that regiment cotilil not take it was 
not worth while to send any other regiment to loolc 
for. Martin was among the foremost to set the 
example of the upward movement, and among the 
first to reach the crest." 

In a letter published in the Cincinnati Commer- 
cial oi San. 24, 1876, the late Brig. Gen. August 
Willich, commander of tlie 1st Brig.ade, 3d Division, 
4tb Armj' Corps, after staling that the orders he 
received at Orchard Knob, concerning the advance 
to Mission Ridge, were to "take the rifle pit at the 
foot of Mission Ridge, and to keep that position," 
and describing the advance to tlie liase of tlie ridge 
and tlie capture of the rifle pits there, says: 

"Herein the work assigned by Gen. Grant was 
accomplished. But now the fire of the enemy be- 
came very severe; the shells rent tlie ground in 
every direction; our lines were infiladed fn:)m tlie 
different spars of the ridge, where the enemy was 
protected against our fire by his works and his 
dominant position. There appeared at first thought 
to Gen. Willich, holding position about 100 yards 
behind the rifle pits, to be only three chances, viz: 
To obey orders and to be shot without effective 
resistance ; to fall hack, or to charge. The second 
chance being out of the question, I galloped with 
Lieut. Green, of my staff, up to the 8th Kansas, 
lying in line behind tlie rifle pits. Col. Martin, 
commanding tlie regiment, seeing me, jumped on 
the breastworks and shouted : 'Here we are. Gen- 
eral, what more?' 'Forward, storm! We have to 
take the works on the ridge,' was the answer. The 
Colonel: 'Altogether, boj's, forward! Hip, hip, 
hurrah!' Like one man, the whole line, with one 
leap, cleared the breastworks; forward they moved 
and the air was soon filled with the sound, 'Forward ! 
Forward !' extending more and more, right and left." 

Returning home, Col. Martin resumed control of 
the Atchison GlMinpion esrly in Januaiy, 18G-5,and 
on the 22d of March issued the first number of the 
Daily Champion. He has been commander of the 
department, a delegate to the National Republican 



Conventions of 1860, 1868, 1872 and 1880; was a 
United States Centennial Commissioner, and one of 
the Vice Presidents of that body ; was one of the 
incorporators of the State Historical Societ}', of 
which he was President for one term; was elected 
by the two Houses of Congress one of the Boaixl of 
Managers of the National Soldiers' Home, in 1878, 
and re-elected in 1882, being now Second Vice 
President of that body. He was married, .June 1, 
1871, to Miss Ida Challiss, eldest daughter of Dr. 
William L. Challiss, of Atchison, and has seven 
children. 

At the Republican State Convention, held in 
Topeka July 17, 1884, the rules were suspended and 
John A. Martin was nominated for Governor by 
acclamation. At the November election following 
he was elected Governor bj^ a plurality of 38,495 
votes. At the Republican State Convention, held 
in Topeka July 7, 1886, he was again unanimously 
nominated for a second term, and at the November 
election following was elected Governor by a plu- 
rality vote of 33,918. He was the first and only 
Governor of Kansas who was twice unanimously 
nominated by his party for that office, and has 
served with distinction, filling the honored position 
occupied by his able predecessors with equal ability, 
and giving to the people as the Chief Executive of 
the populous and growing State, satisfaction. He 
is a man of honest, upright character, and abhors 
triclieiy and deceit, and in looking over his long 
and useful life he may well feel a just pride at the 
position he has won in the esteem and confidence 
of honest men, and the respect of all good citizens. 
There are but few men of the stirring State of 
Kansas who have been more closely identified with 
all public movements for the general welfare and 
prosperity of the State than John A. Martin. His 
name may be found on almost every page of the 
memorable history of Kansas, from the holding of 
the first Republican Convention, held at Osawato- 
inie in 1859, until to-day, when he is the leading 
spirit among the enterprising men of the most pro- 
gressive State of the Nation. A man of excellent 
judgment, moved by honest purpose and love for 
the general Welfare of the whole State, he is always 
found identified with the right, and, as might be 
expected, popular with the people. 




Q>J!^ /VVUVAV V^ ^ 




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ll'^g!^tgSl^B§^'^'^a'^^?Sl^;:.l^'^^^■'<.•'■■-^'l' .•<' y^iil\*M^^?»C^Cii^vi^vii^m>(^^c>i?i^<S^(^C^<Sif 






■^-4§$3-<- 







L. U. HUMPHREY. 
This distinguished gen- 
tleman was chosen Gov- 
ernor of Kansas, at the 
election held in Novem- 
ber, 1888. He had made 



C;\o(^oy3 for himself an honorable record on 
the deadl^r battle-field, .is well as in 
^'^^M^k^ the more monotonous, though not 
less courage-requiring hours of po- 
litical life, in the fields of journal- 
ism, in the forensic arena, and in 
the various capacities in wiiich he 
has labored for the public weal. It 
is not our purpose in this brief 
sketch, to dwell at great length upon iiis ])rivate 
life, his public record sufficing to indicate that liis 
char.acter is noble, and his example a worth j" one. 
Gov. Humphrey was born in Stark County. Ohio, 
July 25, 1844. His father, Col. Lyman Humphrey, 
who was a native of Connecticut, of English de- 
scent, and a lawyer of distinction, died when the 
subject of this sketch was but eight years of age. 
At the outbre.ak of the Civil "War, in 1861, Gov. 
Humphrey was attending the Iligli .School at Mas- 
sillon, and his fervid, patriotic heart was thrilled to 
the utmost, with an enthusiastic desire to serve his 
country, and uphold the flag which he had been 
taught to revere. Though only a boy of seven- 



teen, he enlisted in Company I, 7Gth Ohio Infan- 
try, a regiment famous for its bravery, and for the 
eminent men who belonged to it. Such was the o-al- 
lantry, and the proper conception of a soldier's du- 
ties exhibited by him, that he had been promoted 
to the office of 1st Lieutenant, had acted as Adju- 
tant of his regiment, and had commanded a com- 
pany for a year, before he was out of his minority. 
Much active service was experienced \)y Capt. 
Humphrey, and among the battles in which he par- 
ticipated, were those of Donelson, Pittsburg Land- 
ing, Corinth, the siege of Vicksburg, Chattanooga, 
Atlanta, and the fighting around tiiat city, he be- 
ing under fire five or six weelcs in that single cam- 
paign. He was with Sherman in liis march to tlie 
sea, was present at tiie capture of Savannah, and 
was engaged in many other trying scenes. He was 
with his regiment in tiie campaign through the 
Carolinas, and took part in the battle of Benton - 
ville, as well as in the capture of Gen. Joe John- 
ston's army. He was twice wounded, once at 
j Pittsburg Lauding, and once at Ciiattanooga, hut 
I refused to retire from the field. During the four 
years of his military service, he never w.as absent 
from duty for a day. The regiment of which he 
was a member, belonged to the 1st Brigade, 1st 
Division, 1.5th Corps, Army of the Tennessee. 
At the termination of the war Capt. Humphrey 
\ resumed the studie." whic> had been interrupted by 



152 



LYMAN U. HUMPHREY. 



the "irrepressible conflict," feeling the need of a 
more thorough education to fit him to act well his 
part in the battle of life. He entered Mt. I'nion 
College, and soon after matriculated in the law de- 
partment of the Michigan I'niversitj', from which 
he was graduated after having completed his stud- 
ies in the legal profession. Returning to his native 
State he was admitted to practice in the several 
courts of Ohio, in 1868, but feeling that the West 
would afford a broader field for his labors, he re- 
moved to Shelby County, Mo., where for a time he 
assisted in editing the Shelby County Herald. 

The newer State of Kansas, which had already 
become the home of many men eminent in various 
walks of life, seemed to beckon Capt. Humphrey 
still further West, and in Februar}', 1871, he crossed 
the Missouri and located at Independence. He 
formed a law i>artnership with the Hon. Alexander 
M. York, the attempt at wiiose briber^' b}' Senator 
Pomeroy in 1873, during the contest for United 
States Senatorial honors, brought his name promi- 
nently before the peofile of Kansas as an opponent 
to fraud and corruption. The legal relation be- 
tween the two gentlemen lasted until 1876, after 
which time Gov. Humphrey continued the practice 
of his chosen profession alone. The Independence 
Tribune was founded by Messrs. A .M. York, 
W. T. Yoe and L. U. Humphrej', the latter with- 
drawing from the firm at the expiration of a year. 

Gov. Humphrey had not long been a resident of 
Kansas before his talents were known and his fit- 
ness for public office appreciated. In 1871, the 
\'ear of his arrival in the State, he was honored by 
the Republican nomination as candidate for a seat 
in the State Legislature, but because of his vigor- 
ous opposition to the issue of questionable bonds 
to the L. L. ife G. Railroad Company', he was de- 
feated by a small vote. In 1876 he was vindicated 
bj' an election to the House from a district forin- 
erl3' Democratic, and served two years as a member 
of the Republican State Central Committee. In 
1877 Melville J. Salter having accepted a position 
in the land oflice at Independence, resigned his 
position as Lieutenant Governor, and our subject 
was chosen to fill the vacancy. His principal op- 
ponent was the Democratic candidate. Thomas W. 
Waterson, who received 24,740 votes, while Mr. 



Humphrey received 62.750, his majorit}' over all 
other candidates being 27,381. The following j-ear 
he was re-elected; the covention which nominated 
him having, after a protracted and exciting strug- 
gle, placed John P. St. John at the head of the 
ticket. 

In 1884 Mr. Humphrey was elected to the Slate 
Senate for the term of four years, anl upon the or- 
ganization of that Legislative body was chosen 
President, pro tern, by a unanimous vote. On 
July 25, 1888, that being the forty-fourth anni- 
versary of his birth, he was nominated for Gover- 
nor of the State of Kansas, and was elected by the 
splendid majority of 73,361. Gov. Humphrey 
carried 104 out of the 106 counties in the State, 
his opponent in the contest being no less prominent 
a person than Judge .Tohn 3Iartin. 

Gov. Humphrey has been frequently called upon 
to preside as a Judge, pro tem, of the District 
Court, an honor which indicates the degree of con- 
fidence reposed in him by the public. He has been 
an active Republican, and has an enviai)le record 
both as a speaker and writer in behalf of the prin- 
ciples to which he is a devotee. He is dee|5ly in- 
terested in the promulgation of tbe fundamental 
doctrines of true government, and the loyal prin- 
ciples for which our forefathers in earlier j'ears and 
our nearer kinsmen in recent times, gave their 
strength and even their lives. He belongs to the 
Lo3'al Legion, a body made up of those who, like 
himself, are intensely patriotic. Also is a member 
of the G. A. R., and a prominent Mason. His affa- 
bility, his frankness, and his justice in dealing with 
men, has won for him a high place in the esteem of 
all with whom he comes in contact, either personally 
or through the medium of his published addresses. 
His keen perception as to the wants of the growing 
State, his desire that she shall be built up in all the 
elements that constitute the true greatness and glor}^ 
of a government or of a people, and the powers of 
discrimination, which lead him to discern right from 
wrong, justice from injustice, especially qualify him 
for the high office to which the people called him. 

Gov. Ilumphrej' was married at Independence on 
Christmas Day, 1872, to Miss Leonard, daughter of 
James C. Leonard. They have two ch Idren, Ly- 
man L., and A. Lincoln. 



fi,'' 






Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties, 



KANSAS. 











a-B-f- 



INTRODUQXORY. 






jHE time has arrived when it 
becomes the duty of the 
people of this county to per- 
petuate tlie names of their 
pioneers, to furnish a record 
of their early settlement, 
and relate the story of their 
progress. The civilization of our 
day, the enlightenment of the age 
and the duty that men of the pres- 
ent time owe to their ancestors, to 
themselves and to their posterity, 
demand that a record of their lives 
and deeds should be made. In bio- 
graphical history is found a power 
to instruct man by precedent, to 
enliven the mental faculties, and 
to waft down the river of time a 

safe vessel in which the names and actions of the 
people who contributed to raise this country from its 
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly 
the great and aged men, who in their jsrime entered 
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their 
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re- 
maining wlio cnn relate the incidents of the first days 
jf settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an 
actual necessity exists for tlie collection and preser- 
vation of events without delay, before all the early 
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time. 

To be forgotten has been the gieat dread of mankind 
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough, 
in spite of their best works and the most earnest 
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of 
their live-;. The nie.ins employed to prevent oblivion 
and to perpetuate their memory has Ijeen in propor- 
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed. 
Th-; pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the 
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu- 
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from 
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people 



to perpetuate the memory of their achievements 
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same 
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the 
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu- 
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their 
great achievements and carry them down the ages. 
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling 
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea — 
to leave something to show that they had lived. All 
these works, though many of them costly in the ex- 
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac- 
ters of those whose memory they were intended to 
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of 
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and 
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity; 
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum- 
bling into dust. 

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli- 
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating 
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un- 
limited in extent and perpetual in its action ; and 
this is through the art of printing. 

To the present generation, however, we are in- 
debted for the introduction of the admirable system 
of local biography. By this system every man, though 
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness, 
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history, 
through the coming ages. 

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the 
physical man is left. The monument which his chil- 
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme- 
tery will crumble into dust and pass away ; but his 
life, his achievements, the work lie has accomplished, 
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated 
by a record of this kind. 

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we 
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col- 
lect the attainable facts of their history. Nor do we 
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to 
wait until they are dead, or until those who know 
them are gone: to do this we are ashamed only to 
publish to the world the history of those whose lives 
are unworthy of public record. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



161 



.-,i^^,v 



..^« 



^uA^^£^ -^^v^M^v^^^m. -^ll^^ 



fci» 



^1^ 





-t§€3-€- 



. JOHN A. JOHNSON. 

The largest lainl owner 
of Blue ^^'llley Township, 
Pott.awatoniie County, the 
,-j^raHa-p=uBw-i first Swede settler in Kan- 
i^^u^p sas, .as well as the most 
e^(0GC$5yc> prominent representative of that 
a>jBy(g* nationahty in the entire commu- 
"^"^^^'-^ nity, is the gentleman whose per- 
sonal history is outlined in these 
columns, and who, aithongh now 
past life's prime, is yet vigorous and 
active, full of energy and enterprise, 
always working for the u|)building 
of his county and State, while at 
the same time he has not neglected to .accumnlatc 
sufficient of this world's goods to insure his old 
age against the cares of poverty. 

So successful has Mr. Johnson been in his under- 
taliings that he is now the owner and operator of 
1,800 acres of v.aluable land, while his iiome, beau- 
tifully located on section 13, is a substantial stone 
dwelling, and is remarkable as being the second 
ever built in the township, having been erected as 
early as 1864. T'wo i)arns, built respectively in 
1864 and 1873, afford ample shelter for stock and 
farming machinery, while four tenant liouses add 
to the completeness of the estate. The farm is 
surrounded and divided into lots by good fencing, 



while farm scales, granaries, and other requisites 
of a modern farm are to be found conveniently- 
located. 

Sweden was the birthplace of the father of our 
subject, John Johnson, and in his native land he 
followed agriculture on a small farm of his own, 
where he died in 1858, leaving a widow and nine 
children. The mother of our subject was Maria 
Axelson, also born in Sweden. The year after the 
death of her husband she came to the United 
States, whither some of her children had preceded 
her. After locating in Kansas, she took up a claim 
of forty acres in Blue ^'alley Township, but never 
lived to enjoy the fruits of her labons in a new 
country; her death occurred in 1860, at the age of 
fifty-five years. In memory of her the town of 
Mariadahl was named, she being the mother of the 
first Swedish settler in the county. Her children 
left tlieir native eountrj' and made homes for them- 
selves in the Sunflower State. Nels P., John A., 
D. A., G. C. and A. \ ., the five sons, are located in 
Blue Valley Township. Christine, Mrs. Christen- 
sen, of Riley County; Lottie, Mrs. Ekblad, of 
Blue Valley Township; Clara, Mrs. Omon, of 
Fancy Creek Township, Riley County; and Emma, 
deceased, formerly Mrs. Ekblad, complete the 
family record. 

Linkoping, Sweden, was the place where our 
subject first saw the light, the date of his birth be- 



162 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ing Jul3' 30, 1831. He remained on his father's 
farm until he was seventeen years of age, enjoying 
verj' limited school advantages, as it was prior to 
the time of free schools. Between the ages of sev- 
enteen and twenty-one he worked on a farm, and 
then, having determined to come to the United 
Slates, he left Gottonberg in tlie spring of 1852, 
setting sail in the vessel •'Virginia," which, after a 
long, monotonous and uneventful voyage of forty- 
five days, ancliored in New York Harbor. Thence 
our subject came to Illinois, and located in Gales- 
burg, whore he was erajiloyed as a farm hand until 
1855. At tli.at time his employer, Mr. Shannon, 
resolved to locate in Kansas, and Mr. 'Johnson ac- 
companied him. riding most of the distance horse- 
back, and driving cattle Iiefore him. They crossed 
the "Father of Waters" at Burlington, and the 
Missouri at Kickapoo Ferry. Coming west to the 
Blue River, they settleii in a desirable location, 
and during the first summer of his residence there 
Mr. Johnson was in the employ of Mr. Shannon, 
in Northwestern Pottawatomie County. In the 
spring of 1856 he located on his present land, hav- 
ing at first ICO .acres. Mr. Shannon and our sub- 
ject were the first settlers in Blue ^'alle3■ Town- 
ship, and as the former is deceased, Mr. Johnson is 
the oldest living settler. It was, at the period of 
their settlement, a wild prairie, not a house to be 
seen as far as the eye could scan, only wild animals, 
such as deer, buffalo and smaller game. 

Soon after locating in Pottawatomie County, Mr. 
Johnson was joined by his brother N. P.. who took 
a claim three-fourths of a mile norlli, on which 
they built a log house, and resided in it for three 
years. In 1859 they purchased their land at the 
Government land sale, and at Government prices. 
During his earl3' residence here Mr. Johnson wit- 
nessed some exciting events, especially during the 
border ruftlan days, and during (Juantrell's raid on 
Lawrence, in 1861. In that year he joined the 
State militia, and for a time was on the plains in 
pursuit of the Indians, but had no active engage- 
ments. In 1873 he homesteaded a piece of land 
adjoining his farm that he could get possession of 
in no other way. It comprised sixty-three acres, 
and was a fine addition to his property. As before 
mentioned his landed possessions include 1.800 



acres, which he has purchased from time to time, 
paying therefor from $1.25 to $20 per acre, the 
most of it, however, costing from $8 to $10 an 
acre, and 700 acres lie on the Big Blue Bottom, 
famous for the fertility of its soil. 

Stock-r.aising also engages a considerable portion 
of Mr. Johnson's time and attention, and of it he 
has made a signal success, having some 300 head of 
stock. He is more particularly interested in rais- 
ing and selling graded Norman horses, and is a 
member and stockholder of the Blue ^'alley Stock 
Breeders' Association. The bank of Randolph 
owes its origin to Mr. Johnson, who started it pri- 
vately, and is now its President and principal 
stockholder. A fine bank building has .also been 
erected, and he owns lots and a residence in the 
same town. He is a stockholder in the First Na- 
tional Bank at Westmoreland. 

After a ha[)py wedded life of nearly thirty j'ears 
Mr. Johnson was bereft of his wife, who had ever 
been a faithful coniijanion, and devoted to the 
interests of her husband and her home. She also 
was a native of Linkoping, Sweden, where she was 
liorn Aiiril 28, 1842. Her maiden name was Emma 
C. Klang, her parents being Jonas P. and Louisa 
(Olson) Klang, also natives of Sweden. She was 
united in marriage with our subject in Blue \'alley 
Township, Pottawatomie County. Nov. 13. 1851), 
and passed to her last rest, Julv 5, 1888. when 
forty-six years old. 

Mr. Johnson was the first Justice of the Peace in 
Blue Valley- Township, and held the office for six 
years; he has held various other offices of trust 
and responsibility. In 1876-77 he was the County 
Commissioner of Pottawatomie County. In the 
fall of 1884 he was elected as Representative to the 
State Legislature, serving the two sessions of 
1885-86, taking an active part in the discussions, 
and serving on the Committee of Railroads, the 
Committee of Assessments and Taxations, and oth- 
ers. He has served in county and .State conven- 
tions, also on petit and grand juries. 

Mr. Johnson was one of the organizers of the 
Lutheran Church, of Mariadahl, and is a charter 
memlier of the s.Tme, contriljnting generously to the 
maintenance of the church, which, from a small be- 
ginning with a few members, has grown to a ttour- 



PORTRAIT AND BI0GRAPH;CAL ALBUM. 



163 



isliing congregation. He is also active in political 
affairs, and supports with his vote the Republican 
party. In every way he ranks high among the citi- 
zens of Pottawatomie County, who respect him for 
the many worthy traits of character which he has 
always displayeil, and at the same time admire his 
unusual business capabilities and successful finan- 
cial management. 

In connection with this biographical sketch ap- 
pears a lithographic portrait of Mr. .Tohnsoii. 



C^RVAN P. MONROE. This gentleman owns 
)) and occupies a fine farm in Whiting Town- 
l' ship, .Tackson C'ount3-, whicii is devoted en- 
tirely to the work of stock-raising, grain being 
raised only for family use and for feeding. The 
farm comprises 240 acres and bears marked im- 
provements, the residence being one of the finest 
in the county and one of the first two-story dwell- 
ings erected in liie township. The southwest quar- 
ter of section 29 was purchased for Mr. Monroe by 
his brother in the year 1869, and he had 100 acres 
of the laud broken, and in 1881 built, and took 
possession of his home here. The same year he 
purchased eighty' acres in the northeastern part of 
section 31. and now has over 200 acres of the whole 
estate under the plow and the balance under fence, 
and all cross fenced into convenient fields. The 
residence is a substantial building, 16x38 feet, and 
two stories high in the main, and a one story L, 
16x24 feet. The outbuildings are adequate and 
substantial, and among them is one of the most 
conijjlete buildings in the county for feeding bogs. 
One hundred apple trees,, pear and plum trees, and 
a great variety of small fruits, have been set out 
and yield of their fruits in tiieir season. Mr. Mon- 
roe has a fine flock of Cotswold sheep, which are 
paying well. In February, 1889, lie sold a car load 
at -ii9.48 per head. 

Mr. Monroe is a native of Ilillsboro. N. H., 
where his eyes first opened to the light July 26, 
1842. He remained in his native place until he 
was twenty-two years old, acquiring all the edu- 
cation which the schools afforded, and the thrifty 



ways and high moral principles which seem to be 
breathed in with the air of the Granite State. 
Ui)on leaving his native place, Mr. Monroe went to 
Griggsville. 111., and after a sojourn of about nine 
months, took up his abode twelve miles east of 
Alton, in Madison County, where he operated a 
laige farm in company with O. M. Hatch, Secre- 
tary of State, of Illinois. The bargain between the 
two men was made in a very few minutes, and the 
agreements then made were carried out daring the 
period of about eigiiteen years with not a scratch 
of a pen or an}- trouble in settling their affairs. 
The understanding was that Mr. Hatch w.as to fur- 
nish the stock to which the 640 acres was mostly 
devoted, and that half of all the sales made from 
the place were to belong to Mr. Monroe. The 
pleasant connection between Messrs. Hatch & Mon- 
roe, was broken only bj' the removal of the latter 
to Kansas, and their friendship still remains undi- 
minished. 

Returning to bis native State in February 1866, 
.Mr. Monroe was married on the I8th of that 
month to Miss Ruth Maria Nutter of Tuftonboro, 
N. H., a daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Young) 
Nutter. Our subject became acquainted with his 
future bride while she was attending school at the 
Conference Seminary- and Female College at Til- 
ton, N. II. Mrs. Monroe also attended the New- 
berry Seminary at Newberry, Vt. ; she is thus a lady 
of culture and has a good education. Going back 
four generations in the Nutter line, we find Chris- 
topher, who emigrated from England to the Colon- 
ies and settled in Massachusetts. Following him in 
the direct line came Samuel ami then Charles, who 
married the daughter of Tobias Lear, who was 
Aide-de-camp on Gen. Washington's staff during 
the Revolution. Charles Nutter removed to New 
Hampshire and settled in the place were Mrs. Mon- 
roe w.as afterward born. His son Jacob married 
Nancy Young, daughter of Maj. Joseph Young, 
who served during the Revolution and who died in 
Wakefield. N. H. The Young family are of Scotch 
lineage and direct descendants from Queen Mary. 

Mr. and Mrs. Monroe are the parents of eight 
children: II. Willis now lives in Soldier Township, 
where he owns and operates a farm, he spent one 
term at Baker University at Baldwin. Douglas Co., 



164 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Kan.; George Paj'son lives at home, he was also in 
attendance at the Baker University in Baldwin 
during a term; Florence Pearl, a j^oung lady at 
home, spent a full year in attendance at the same 
institution and is fitted for teaching; Emma Ruth- 
ena and Delia Miriam are attending school at their 
home; Royal Nutter and Julia Anna follow in the 
family line, and Ira .Tames Young, the baby, com- 
pletes the circle. 

Mr. Monroe is a i)ronounced Prohibitionist, but 
votes the Republican ticket, as he believes the Re- 
publican party is doing great service for the cause 
of temperance, lie joined the Masonic ordei- when 
twenty-two years old and is now a member of Lodge 
No. 250. at Whiting. The family are Methodists, 
Mr. Monroe having united with the church at the 
age of twenty years, and Mrs. Monroe at the age 
of fourteen. They carry out in their daily walk 
and conversation, the Christian virtues in whicli 
they believe, and assist as much as possible in good 
works, spending their lives in usefulness and a 
grateful appreciation of the blessings which they 
possess. 

During the life of Mrs. Monroe's grandfather 
Young, the effects of Gov. Wentworth of New 
Hampshire.were confiscated and sold at auction, and 
Mr. Young got twelve plates, one of whicli is now 
owned and carefully preserved l)y Mrs. Monroe. 
She also has in her possession a tablecloth and 
towel that her mother made from fliix some fifty 
years ago; they are of a pretty lace pattern and 
beautifully made. 



#^ 



-^" 




— J- 



I ORTIMEK Z. .TONES. County Surveyor 
of .Jackson County, residing in Ilolton, is a 
fine representative of the sons of the brave, 
sterling, self-sacrificing pioneers of Kan- 
sas who laid the foundations of this noble Com- 
monwealth. His native ability, well-trained mind 
and excellent business habits amply qualify him 
for the ofHce whose duties he has discharged so sat- 
isfactorily that he has been twice re-elected to it 
since he accepted tlie position in 1885. 

June 22, 1850, was tlie date of the birth of our 
subject in the town of Rockport, Parke Co., Ind. 



Haj;lan Jones, bis father, was a native of Alabama, 
and a son of George Jones, who was also g. South- 
erner by birth. The grandfather of our subject 
removed from Alabama to Ohio about 1815, and 
was an early pioneer of Warren County, wliere he 
resided till 1850. In that year the old man went 
to Indiana to make his home with his children in 
his declining years, and his death occurred in 
1855. 

The father of our subject learned the trades of a 
cooper and brick and stone mason. He removed 
to Indiana in 1850, and worked at the cooper's 
trade till 1855, when became to the Territory of 
Kansas, moving his family and iiousehold goods 
with ox-teams. He located in Leavenworth 
Count}', making his home on the tract of land 
where Oak Mills now stands. He early identified 
himself v'ith the resolute, fearless men who were 
fighting against slavery, and as an ardent Free- 
State man he was obnoxious to the people among 
whom he had settled, who were strongly pro-slaver}- 
in their sentiments, and he was forced to leave the 
territory, being driven out just previous to an 
election. He went to Missouri, and after living 
there three months, courageously ventured to re- 
turn to Kansas, and made a claim to some land 
near the present site of Winchester, in Jefferson 
County. That claim was soon jumped by border 
ruffians, and he was obliged to seek another loca- 
tion. He then boldly returned to Leavenworth 
County, where he bought a claim, only to be swin- 
dled out of it in the operation, and in tiie spring 
of 1857 he came to what is now Jackson County. 
There were no houses where Holton now 
stands, and the surrounding country was but 
very little settled. He took up a tract of Govern- 
ment land in Cedar Township, and built a log cab- 
in, in which he resided with his family till the fall 
of the year, when he went to Atchison County to 
secure work as a stone-mason, and he was thus em- 
ployed there till the fall of 1858, when he returned 
to his claim, whicli he had entered in the meantime. 
There were no railways here for some years there- 
after and no markets, and at times corn sold as low- 
as ten cents a bushel. Mr. Jones continued to 
carr}- on his trade, building up a large business. 
He erected some of the first brick and stone 



"PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



165 



buildings in IloUon, anrl superintended tlie im- 
provement of liis farm, residing- on it till his death 
at the age of fift.y-six, April 12, 186'.). A v.ahied 
citizen was thus lost to his community, one whose 
genuine worth of character had commended him to 
the confi<lenee of liis fellow-men, and won him the 
respect of all with whom he associated. As a 
noble pioneer of Jackson County, his name is in- 
terwoven with its early historj', and will ever be 
held in honor as that of one who aided in its up- 
building. The maiden name of the mother of our 
subject was Ruth Hannah Zell, and she was born 
in Clarksburg, West Va. She still makes her lionio 
on the old homestead in C!edar Townshi]), and is 
held in high regard by all. wiio know her. She 
bore to her husband ten children, nine of whom 
are now living, as follow.*: Sarah, who married 
Walter Parmenter; .Joanna, who married Colum- 
bus C. Crane, and is now deceased ; Samuel; Mary, 
who married Robert Page; Rlioda; Narcissa, who 
lives at iiome with her mother; Alljert: Mortimer; 
Samantha, who married George Brasbridge; and 
L. Frank. 

Mortimer Jones was five years old when he ac- 
companied his parents to their new pioneer home 
on the wild prairies of Kansas. He attended the 
first schools that were taught in the territory, and 
by diligent study and much reading, became a fine 
scholar, and at the age of twent}- sought to utilize 
his education by teaching. As soon as large enough 
he had begun to assist his father on the farm, 
and gained a good, practical knowledge of agri- 
culture. After his marriage he purchased a farm 
joining the old homestead, and was industriously 
engaged in tilling the soil till 188o, when he was 
called to iiis present position as County Surveyor, 
to which he was re-elected in 1887, and again in 
1889, and when he assumed the duties of his office 
he came to Holton to make his headquarters in this 
city, and has resided here ever since. 

Mr. Jones has established a pleasant home, and 
to the wife who adds to its pleasantness by looking 
carefidly after the comfort and happiness of its in- 
mates, he was united in inarri.age in 1879. Mrs. 
Jones's maiden name was Maggie McClure, and 
she was born in Ireland, near Londonderrj', com- 
ing of an honorable family, her parents, Thomas 



and Isabella McClure, both natives of County Derry, 
being descendants Of those sterling Scotch people 
of the Presbyterian f,<iith, who colonized the North 
of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have three chil- 
dren living — Malu'l. Agnes and Nellie. 

Mr. Jones is held in high personal consideration, 
as he is in every sense a true, manly man, whose 
habits and conduct in life are above reproach. 
While a resident of Cedar Township he took an 
important part in the administration of its govern- 
ment, and was Township Trustee for three years, 
served as Township Clerk, and in 1880 was Census 
Enumerator of that township. He and his w-ife 
arc members of the Jlethodist Episcopal Church, 
and are ever found among the foremost in deeds 
of charit}-, acts of kindness, and in all good 
works. He was formerly a teacher in the Sund.'iy- 
school connected wiUi his church, and Superintend- 
ent thereof. He cast his first Presidential vote for 
Gen. Grant, and has stood with the Republicans in 
politics ever since he attained his m.ajority. 



INLRY M. SMITH. For the past nine 
; years, Mr. Smith, who was formerly one of 
the leading farmers of Jackson County, has 
been a resident of Garrison, and is familiarly known 
to a large portion of its people. He is a native of 
Morrow County, Ohio, and was born Feb. 11, 1836. 
His father, AVilliam Smith, was a native of Berks 
County, Pa., and was born Sept. 4, 1809. The latter, 
when a mere lad, became a resident of Ohio, and in 
1842, having become the father of a familv, re- 
moved to Morrow County, that State, and there 
spent the remainder of his days, passing aw.ay on 
the 12th of August, 1883. He was a farmer b}' oc- 
cupation, fairly well-to-do, and in politics a mem- 
ber of the Republican party. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, was Ne- 
hemiah Smith, a native of Scotland, who crossed 
the Atlantic at an early da}-, and located in Penn- 
sylvania. Subsequently he removed to Morrow 
County, Ohio, where he prosecuted farming suc- 
cessfulh', and died at an advanced age. William 
Smith was married in early manhood, to MissEiiza- 
bolh Speck, a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, 



166 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and born Oct. 8, 1813. Her parents were Augustus 
and Elizabeth Speck, the former of whom was a 
miller by trade, and spent his last }-ears in Guern- 
sey County, d3'ing when quite aged. Mrs. Speck is 
still living and makes her home in Morrow County, 
Ohio. She is a lady of many estimable qualities, 
and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
To her and her husband there was born a family 
of twelve children, three of whom are deceased, 
namely: Sarah, who died when two jears old; 
Thomas, who died at the age of ten j^ears, and Au- 
gustus, who departed this life when a promising 
young man aged twenty-one }-ears and eight days. 
The survivors are Cynthia, Finley M., Mary F., 
Julia A., John, Leander, Clifford, Belle, and Olive. 

The subject of this sketch was the third child of 
his parents, and spent the years of his boyhood and 
youth in INIorrow County, Ohio. He was reared 
amid the quiet scences of the country, his life pass- 
ing in a comparatively uneventful manner, until the 
outbreak of the Civil AVar. In July, 1861, he en- 
listed as a Union soldier in Company M, 3d Ohio 
Cavahy. which was assigned to AVood's Division 
in the 4th Army Corps. He was mustered into 
service at Monroeville, Huron County, and his regi- 
ment was soon sent to the front, where he partici- 
pated in the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Shortly 
afterward he was taken ill and sent home on a 
thirty-days' furlough. His furlough extended an- 
other thirty daj's, and his army life came to a close 
July 3, 1862, when he received his honorable dis- 
charge at Camp Chase. lu the meantime he had 
been promoted to Corporal. 

Upon retiring from the army, Mr. Smith returned 
to his native county, sojourning there until the 
spring of 1866. Tlien, coming to Kansas, he lo- 
cated in America City, remaining there until 1868. 
We next tind him in Jackson County, where he 
homesteaded land and lived upon it until 1880. 
That year he sold out, and purchased property in 
Garrison, of which he has since been a resident. He 
belongs to the G. A, R.. also the' K. of P. Xo. 1'), 
at llolton, in which he is a charter member. 

Christmas Day, 1856, was happily celebrated by 
Mr. Smith, by his marriage with Miss Permelia Sut- 
ton, Mt the bride's home in Ohio. Mrs. Smith, was 
born Feb. 26. 1835. in Washington County, Pa,, j 



and is the daughter of John and Permelia Sutton, 
who were likewise natives of the Keystone State. 
Mr. Sutton departed this life about 1872. The 
mother died in Morrow County, Ohio, about 1850. 
To Mr. and Mrs. .Smith there have been born six 
ciiildren, the eldest of whom, a son, Francis M.. is 
a carpenter and farmer combined, and makes his 
home in Washington County, Idaho; Isaac R. is a 
hardware merchant in the same county; Clara L. 
and Nettie B.. are at home with their parents. One 
child died in infancy unn,imed, and Charles resides 
with his parents. 



1 UWIX M. RANDALL, Sk. No 6uer specimen 
l^ of a farmer can well be found than the 
^ above-named gentleman, and he is not only 



a model agriculturist but a self-made man, having 
begun life for himself at the early age of ten 
years, with only his native talents and the educa- 
tion which it was possible to obtain in the common 
schools in the '30's, as the capital from which his 
varied intelligence and fine property have been de- 
rived, lie has exhibited a most deciiled ability 
in business management, and a determined perse- 
verance, and notwithstanding the temptations by 
which he has been surrounded, has liuilt up a fine 
moral character. 

Our subject is descended from a fine English 
stock in the paternal line, and the blood of tal- 
ented and patriotic ancestors in both lines of de- 
scent has not deteriorated sinre his progenitors 
fulfilled their duties as citizens and soldiers a 
century ago. Nehemiah K:uidall, the great grand- 
father of our subject, was a brother of the grcat- 
grandfatlior of Samuel J. Randall, of Pennsylvania, 
whose talenti are so well known in our day. He 
came to America from England just before the 
French and Indian War, and took part in that con- 
test under Gen. Braddock, receiving a death wound 
in the battle of Ft. DuQuesne. His son, (jershom. 
was born in M.assachusetts, and owned a farm 
where the city of Northampton now stands. He 
was a soldier in the War of 1812. The next in 
direct line was another Nehemiah, who was born 
in Massachusetts in 178-1, and who made farming 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



167 



his occupation in life. In Vermont, in 1810, be 
w.is married to Miss Sarah St. Clair, a native of 
New Hampshire, and the couple made their home 
in the Green Mountain State until 1827, when they 
removed to Orleans Count}', N. Y., and resided 
there during the succeeding twenty years. The\' 
removed to Ohio, and in AVellington, T^oraine 
County, Neliemiah Randall died, in 1848. Tiie 
same year the widow returned to New Yorlv, and 
a few months later removed to Will County, 111., 
where she died, in 1852. To this couple seven 
children were born, four of whom are now living, 
our subject being the youngest member of the 
family. 

The maternal grandfatlier of our subject was 
James St. Clair, of New Hami)shire. One day, 
when about nineteen 3'ears of age, he was plowing 
in a field, when some men with arms in their 
hands passed him on their way toward Boston. He 
inquired their mission, and they replied that they 
were going to figiit the English. He at once said: 
'•Wail until I unyoke my cattle, and I will go with 
you." Hastily disencumbering the oxen of their 
yoke, and leaving the plow in the furrow, the 
young man accompanied the others, and as he had 
no gun, the commander of the party told him to 
wait a fevv moments at Lexington while he pro- 
cured one for him. This was in the month of 
April, 1775, ami while waiting for the arms which 
were promised him. tiie battle opened, and at the first 
fire eight men were killed near where 3'oung St. 
Clair was standing. Snatching a gun from one of 
tlie fallen Colonists, he entered at once into the 
contest, and continued to battle for his country 
during the seven years of the Revolutionary strug- 
gle, among other trying experiences being those of 
the terrible winter at Valley Forge. ' 

The descendant of such ancestors might well be 
expected to prove more than a drone, and one is 
not disappointed in following the history of the 
gentleman whose name initiates this sketch. His 
birth took place in Orleans Count}-, N. Y., July 
18, 1830, and after obtaining such schooling as 
was [)ossible prior to his tenth j'ear, he Ijegan 
•working on a farm. When sixteen j'ears old. he 
left his native State, and s|)ent two years in Ohio, 
following this by a thirty years' residence in Win- 



nebago County, Wis. His settlement at his pres- 
ent place of abode was made Feb. 19, 1878, since 
which time he has been a continuous resident in 
Waraego Township, Pottawatomie Countj\ Four 
hundred .acres of land on section 11, all improved 
and in a body, comprise the estate of .Mr. Randall, 
and all the improvements are due to himself. All 
necessary farm buildings are to be seen, and all are 
sufficiently large for the purposes to which they are 
devoted, and are well designed, conveni-^ntly dis- 
posed, and substantiall}- constructed. Mr. Randall 
is much interested in stock-raising, and keeps ex- 
cellent breeds. He has twenty-two fine Percheron 
horses on the place, which are his personal property, 
and the imported stiUion, "A'ulcan," which cost 
12,500, and is owned by a stock company. His 
Poland-China hogs are as fine as an}- in the State, 
and the drove at this writing comprises seventy 
head. Forty-three head of graded Short-horn 
cattle are also to be seen on the place. The resi- 
dence of Mr. R.andall is not only well built and of 
pleasing architectural design, but is well furnished, 
containing, among other means of cidture and en- 
joyment, one of the finest libraries in the county. It 
consists of a large and well-selected list of miscel- 
laneous volumes, among them being a fine edition 
of Bancroft's History of" the United States, and 
many other historical works. 

The marriage of Mr. Randall took place on the 
16th of March, 1856, and the lady whom he chose 
as his bride was Miss Lucretia C. Steele, who 
was born Feb. I), 1833, in the Old Bay State. She 
is the third of eight children born to Elijah and 
Emily (Ward ) Steele, who were also natives of 
Massachusetts. Her father was a farmer, and was 
a participant in the War of 1812. He was gathered 
to his fathers in December, 1860. His widow still 
survives, and has reached the advanced age of 
eighty-five years. .Mrs. Randall received a good 
education, and taught school in New York State. 
To herself and husljand four children have been 
born. Ida A. is the wife of Frank F. Wood, and 
their home is with our subject. Lillian C. married 
Elmer B. Green, and they reside in Louisville, 
Edwin M., Jr., married Miss Jennie Sweet; he is a 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
located at Osage City, Kan. Frank W. is a youth 



168 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in his sixteenth year, and is attending the High 
School in Warnego, going thence to and from liis 
paternal home. He is a promising _voutb, and is 
one of the best historians for his years in tlie 
county. 

Mr. Randall was Township Supervisor for a 
numl^er of j-ears while living in Wisconsin. He is 
deeply interested in educational affairs, and has 
always been a meuiiier of the School Board. He 
is now serving as School Treasurer of District No. 
79. He takes an active interest in politics, and has 
always been identified with thr Democratic party. 
He is a temperance man. and favors prohibition. 
He affiliates with the Masonic order, and is a mem- 
ber of the Blue Lodge, in Wamego, and of Berlin 
Commandery, No. 18. Green Lake County, AYis. 
He served as Roj'al Arch Cai)tain in the Chapter 
of Wisconsin. ^Ir. Randall and his entire family 
belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is 
Steward in the organization, and has been Class- 
Leader for several years. His sonin-law, F. F. 
Wood, is Superintendent of the Wamego Methodist 
Episcopal Sunday-school, and Mrs. Wood teaches 
a class in the same. The family are regarded with 
an esteem which is bestowed u]ion few, and exert 
a wide influence for good in the realms of mental 
and spiritual culture. 



. ,.g^J# 



m. 

■^I OIIN V. ROWLES. Pottawatomie County 
\ has been the home of this gentleman from 
bis scventpentb year, when he accompanied 
ills parents to this State, from Columbiana 
County, Ohio, wbicli was the place of nativity of 
botli himself and them. The father, Eli M. Rowles, 
is still living in this county, and is engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. He is a member of the 
Baptist Church, and belongs to the Repuhlican 
party. He is the son of John Rowles. one of the 
first settlers in Columbiana County, Ohio. The 
mother of our subject died at an advanced age in 
the Sunflower State. She was christened Sarah, and 
her parents were Joiin and Elizabeth Young, her 
f:ilher a native of Germany, who in his early life 
em grated to America. His occupation was that of 
a feirmcr. and he was a soldier during the War of 



1812. He died in Ohio at the age of seventy-two 
years. Our subject is the first born in a family of 
five children, his lirotbers and sisters being named, 
Florence, Frank E., Harry A. and Laura A., and 
ail being still alive. 

John Y. Rowles was born March 20, 1853, and 
was educated in Columbiana County, Oliio, and 
reared on a farm. After having accompanied 
his parents to this State he was engaged in farm 
pursuits until 1883. when he began a mercantile 
business in Laclede, which he is still carrying on 
and in the conduct of which be exhibits a prudence 
and wise judgment which does him credit. His 
pleasant and affable manners are appreciated by bis 
customers, who find him strictly honorable and 
upright in all his dealings. 

The most important step in the life of our sub- 
ject was taken Dec. 2. 1878, when be was united in 
marriage with Miss Mary J. Wade. The 30ung 
and charming bride was born in Kentuckv, Dec. 10, 
18G0, and is a daughter of James and Americas 
Wade,wlio were also natives of the Blue Grass State. 
The}' came to Kansas about the jear 1871 and lo- 
cated in this county, where they still live. Mr. 
Wade is a minister of the Baptist Church. To Mr. 
and !Mrs. Rowles four children have been born; 
Elmer W.. Berlba and Leslie are still living. Clar- 
ence E., the second born, died at the age of two 
years and one day. 

Mr. Rowles is a sturdj- Republican and exerts all 
bis influence for the party of bis choice. He has 
been Clerk of Center Township for two terms and 
proved a trust worth}- and efficient officer. 



EOUGE II. MACKAY is a man of enviable 
ability, of deep and varied intelligence, and 
of high culture, and is r, worthy descend- 
ant of an honored and honorable family. He is 
engaged in the practice of the Itgal profession in 
St. Mar3'"s, and is a member of the law firm of 
Mackay & Hagen. Among the members of the legal 
profession he holds a high rank for his thorough 
understanding of law and equit}-, and for his wise 
discrimination and keen observation regarding 
points at issue, He has served in several public 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



169 



offices, some of them of more than local import- 
ance, and has filled every office with pronounced 
al)ility. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
P^neas Mackay, who was born in Scotland and wlio 
served in the British army as a Captain of Infantry. 
He took pait in the battle of Bunker Hill, immedi- 
ately after which he resigned his position in the 
British army, being convinced of the righteousness 
of the cause of the Continentals, and located in 
Boston, where he married Miss Mary Hawley, a na- 
tive of the Old Bay State. During the Revolu- 
tionary struggle he was offered a position upon Gen. 
Washington's staff by the General himself, but re- 
fused on the ground tliat he ha<l served under the 
Queen of England up to tiie time of that struggle. 
Soon after his marriage he removed to New York, 
where he remained until his death, teaching school 
for many 3'cars, and educating his three sons in all 
the dead languages. 

Hay S. Macka}-, son of the above named, and 
father of our subject, was born in New York City, 
and was reared and educated in that city, wiiere he 
])racticed law for more tlian sixty years. He was 
a msn of high and varied mental attainments and 
an eminent juror. He married Miss Clarissa ]M.. 
eldest daughter of Dr. George Rogers, of North- 
hampton, Mass., who for many years practiced 
'medicine in New York City, and spent his last 
da3's in Brooklyn. Mr. Maek.ay died in the spring 
of 1872, at the age of eighty-four years, his death 
being the result of an injury received two years 
previous. His widow departed this life in the fall 
of the same year, the family, which included twelve 
children, having been unbroken until the death of 
the father. Three only of the family are now 
living. 

George H. Mackay, of whom we write, was reared 
and educated in his native citj-, New York, where his 
birth took place April 8, 1836. Having obtained a 
fine education in other brandies, lie took up the studj' 
of law and was admitted to the bar in 1863, prac- 
ticing in New York until the Centennial year, when 
he removed to AVinona, Minn., where he continued 
the practice of his profession until the spring of 
1881. when on account of ill health he returned to i 
his native State, and in the cai)ital made his abode 



for about a year. He then, by the advice of his 
physician, came to this State, and was admitted lo 
the bar in Sliawnee County in April, the month of 
his arrival, entering the legal office of •!. B. John- 
son, of ToiJcka. In the fall he came to this city 
and formed a partnership with Horace H. Hagen, 
a connection which still continues. 

At the home of the bride's father, William .lack- 
son, a dry-goods merchant in New York Cit}', the 
rites of wedlock were celebrated Feb. 16, 1869, be- 
tween Mr. Mackay and Miss Mary A. Jackson. 
The groom was bereft of his companion October 
6, of the s.ame 3ear. and about three years later, on 
the 22d of November. 1872. lie married Miss Kate 
M., daughter of the Hon. Henry Smith, at that time 
Speaker of the Legislature of New York. With 
this lady Jlr. Mackay lived until 1882, when a 
separation took place, and the couple were divorced 
three years later. 

Mr. Mackay was the attorney for the Board of 
Coroners for New York from 1861 to 18G8, and 
from 1868 to 1871 was I'nited Sl.ates Internal 
Revenue Assessor. In 1872 he became a member 
of the New York Legislature, remaining in that 
body four j'cars. He also served as a member of 
the Common Council, and of the Sciiool Board of 
New Y'ork City. While in Winona, Minn., he was 
local Judge from 1878 to 1880. 

B. SMYTH, M. D., is not only a skillful 
and successful physician, but he is a com- 
jlj LB petent business man, and is classed among 
the i^roininent financiers of Jackson County. 
His office and home are in Holton, where he is 
very pleasantly situated and enjoys the respect and 
confidence of a wide circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances. Ross Township, Jefferson Co., Ohio, 
is the place of his birth, and Oct. 28. 1844 the 
date of that event. His father, William Smyth, 
was born in Westmoreland Count3% Pa., a son of 
one William Sm3-th, a native of Ireland, who came 
to America with his wife and five children, and 
first located in W'estmoreland County. He subse- 
quentl3' removed to Jefferson County. Ohio, and 
there spent the remainder nf his life. He was- a 




170 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



weaver by trade, and also carried on agrieulUiral 
pursuits, improving a good farm. 

The fatlier of our subject was but a boy when 
his parents removed from his native State to Ohio, 
and there he was reared to a vigorous, self reliant 
manhood in their pioneer home. He was a natural 
mechanic, and he built a woolen mill on Town 
Fork of Yellow Creek, and for some years was 
successfully engaged in the manufacture of cloth. 
He afterward converted his factory into a grist- 
mill, which he operated some time. In 1851 he 
sold his property there and took up his residence 
in Ashland County, where he bought a farm, and 
gave his attention to cultivating the soil in that 
place until his removal to Carroll County, whence 
he came to Kansas in 1870 to make liis home in 
Holton. For a short time after his arrival he was 
ensao^ed in the grocery business with his son-in- 
law, N. L. Mcttrew. He then retired from active 
life, and spent his remaining years free fiom care 
and in the enjoyment of an ample income, which 
he had secured by unceasing industry and sagacious 
management of his affairs. His death occurred in 
this city in tiie i)leasant home that he had provided 
for himself and family Aug. 11, 1889. His amiable 
wife had preceded him in death, dying .Ian. 22. 
1876. Her maiden name was Mary Storey, and 
she was born in Westmoreland County, Pa. Her 
father, John Storey, wns a native of Pennsylvania, 
and was a pioneer of .Jefferson County, Oiiio, 
where he improved a farm, and passed his remain- 
ing days. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah 
George. The following are the names of the six 
children born to the parents of our subject: Sarah, 
wife of N. L. McGrew; Alice Anna, wife of Harlan 
McGrew; Marcus M.; .lolin H.; William A.; M. B. 

The latter, of whom we write, was five years old 
when his parents moved to Ashland County, where 
his boyhood was passed in laying the solid founda- 
tion of a liberal education iu the district school. 
At the early age of sixteen he commenced teaching, 
and afterward further advanced his education by 
attend,ince at the excellent acadera}- at Savannah, 
where he pursued a thorough course of study. He 
continued teaching in Ashland and Richland Coun- 
ties two years, and at the end of that time entered 
upon the study of medicint^ with Dr. C. H. Her- 



rick, of Mansfield, and subsequently attended lec- 
tures at the Homoepathic Hospital College in Cleve- 
land, from which institution he was graduated 
with honor in February, 1868. Ho opened an office 
in Leesville, where he built up a large practice, 
continuing there until 1871. In that year he left 
his native Ohio and came to Kansas, where, as he 
foresaw, intelligent men of his profession are in 
demand, and establishing himself in the .young and 
enterprising, and growing city of Holton, he has 
ever since been a successful praetitioneer here. He 
is well-grounded in medicine, and is a fine repre- 
sentative of the Iloraoepathists, being conceded 
to be one of the leading physicians of that school 
in Kansas, and his fame has brought him a large 
number of patients not only in Holton but far be- 
yond its limits. He possesses a clear, discriminating 
mind, and a great aptitude for business affairs, to 
which he devotes a part of his time, he having ex- 
tensive financial interests. He is one of tiie largest 
stockholders in the Holton Electric Light Company, 
and as its presi<lent he has materially assisted in 
placing it on a solid foundation, his name giving 
prestige and weight to the compan\'. In politics, 
the Doctor uses his' influence in favor of the He- 
publican party. Socially, he belongs to Holton 
Lodge, No. 34, I. O. O. F., and to Jackson Lodge, 
No. 1 764, K. of II. 

Dr. Smyth was verj' happilj' married in 1867. to 
Miss S. J. Mercer, a native of Ashland County, 
Ohio, and a daughter of Abner and Thankful 
(Crabbs) Mercer. She is an active worker in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she is an 
esteemed member. She possesses in a full measure 
the art of making home cheery and attractive, and 
cordially seconds her husband's genial hospitality. 
To them have been born four children, namely: 
L. D., Helscy E., Mary K. and Jay B. 



*-* 



I 



w 



-JLLIAM ROSS FISHER, capitalist, en- 
gaged in the loan and brokerage business in 
W^' Holton, and a Director of the State Bank 
in this city, is an extensive dealer in horses and 
mules, holding public sabs in this and surrounding 
counties, ami he is i)rcnounced the best judge of a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



171 



horse iu all Jackson County. He is well and favora- 
bly known in business and financial circles through- 
out Kansas, and even beyond the borders of the 
State. He is a veteran of the late war, though 
wlien he enlisted he was just seventeen years old, 
but notwithstanding his youth he fought bravely 
in many important battles, and proved himself to 
])Ossess true soldierly qualities. 

Blr. Fisher was born Jan. 23, 1847, Arrington, 
Morgan Co., Ohio, being his birthplace. Cyrus P. 
Fisher, his father, was born in Harrison County, 
Ohio, a son of one of tiie pioneers of that county, 
who was a native of Pennsylvania, and was of Ger- 
man antecedents. He served in the Mexican War, 
and was quite a prominent man in Harrison County, 
serving as Justice of the Peace some years, and 
there his death occurred. 

The father of our subject was bred in the county 
of his nativity, and early learned the trade of a 
machinist, which he followed some years, lie is a 
man of versatile genius and invented and patented 
a metliod of retarding the bloom of frtiit trees, and 
thus earned the title of King of Frost. lie has 
lately invented an improved churn, whicli is likely 
to be of monetary value to hiin when it is thrown 
on the market. He was married in Carroll County, 
in the town of Leesville, to JNIiss Temperance 
Crooks, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Will- 
iam Crooks, vvho was born in Ireland, and emigrat- 
ing to this country became a pioneer of Carroll 
Count}'. Ohio. Mr. Fisher settled in Morgan 
County after his marriage, and there built the New 
Eagle foundry at McConnellsville, and carried on 
the manufacture of sorghum-mill machinery and 
threshing machines for some years. In 18G0 he 
removed to Carroll County and devoted his time 
to farming on his father-in-law's farm, which he 
bought at a later date, and made his residence tiiere 
until 1889, when he came to llolton to live with 
his son. our suliject. Though he lias passed the 
milestone that marks the seventy-fourth year of a 
bus.v and honorable life, he is still hale and healthy, 
sound in mind and liody. and his inventive talent 
has not become rusted by age. but he still interests 
himself in making ingenious contrivances. In 1881 
his life was saddened by the death of his amiable 
wife, who had lieen for many years a true help- 



mate and companion. Four children were born of 
their marriage, three of whom are now living — 
William R.; Joseph, in Pittsburg, Pa.; Am.anda P., 
the wife of Theodore Wingett, of Washington, Pa., 
now living in the Indian Territory. 

In his native State William Fisher grew to an 
active, manlj', self-reliant manhood. Remaining 
with his parents until 18();3, in that year he entered 
upon a mercantile life as clerk in a general store in 
Leesville, Ohio, at a salary of $13 a month for one 
j-ear, Amos Carr being his employer. In January, 
1864, his military career began, as he then enlisted 
in Company D, 80th Ohio Infantrj-, for a term of 
three j'ears or until the war should be brought to 
a close. His regiment was ordered to Mcksburg, 
and thence to Huntsville, Ala., where he and his 
comrades guarded the railway during the summer. 
He then went with Gen. Sherman on his famous 
campaign to Atlanta, and took i)art in many of 
the important battles fought on the way, and after 
the battle of Peachtree Creek returned with his 
i-egiment to Resaca and did garrison duty until fall, 
and then started wit,h Sherman's command on the 
march to the sea, and from Savannah went with the 
wagon train to Goldsboro as guard. Mr. Fisher 
was there injured and was laid off for a short 
time and, then, detailed to care for the cattle, went 
with the command to Wasiiington, antl there took 
part in the grand review, and in the parade he rode 
a steer that had been with the army from Nash- 
ville. After that he w-as sent to Little Rock, Ark., 
and being unable to do any heavy duty he was de- 
tailed to care for the Colonel's horses. He was dis- 
charged with his regiment in August, 1865, and 
returning home started in the livery business in a 
small way in Leesville. That led to his dealing in 
horses and mules, and also in sheep and hogs, and 
he continued his dealings in live stock and resided 
there until 1871. He then came to Holton and es- 
tablished himself in the livery business, but at 
the end of a year and a half he returned to Lees- 
ville and conducted the livery business in that city 
the ensuing seven years. In 187'J he once more 
took up his residence in Holton, and has lived there 
continuously since. For seven years he had a livery 
establishment here, and. then, selling it. he com- 
menced Ijuj'ing and shipping horses and nudes, and 



172 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lias held many public sales in this and surrounding 
counties, and is doing a large and profitable- busi- 
ness in that line, besides doing an extensive loan 
and brokerage business. 

The marriage of Mr. Fisher with Miss Mary A. 
McGrew was consumated May 1, 1860, and they 
liave two cliildren living — Bert C. and Ivan L. 
Bert is engaged in the liver}' business, and Ivau is 
interested in breeding and training fast horses, and 
is the owner of ".Scott Willvcs,'" the noted swift 
pacer. 

Endowed by nature witii an indomitable will and 
great decision of character, large forethougiit and 
sagacious judgment, our subject has built up a 
handsome fortune b}' the e.xercise of tiiose gifts, 
and while doing so has been no unimportant factor 
in bringing about the financial prosperity of this 
city and county. Personal!}-, he is ijopular and well 
liked, winning to himself man}- fast friends bj- liis 
pleasant social qualities and true manliness of char- 
acter. He is a member of the A. F. (k A. M.. Holton 
Lodge, No. 46; and the memory of his army daj-s 
is i-reserved by his connection with the G. A. R., 
which he joined in Ohio; heisalsoa member of the 
L O. O. F. at Holton. Kan. 



-5- 



#^ 



-5~- 



w 



;.ILLIAM A. BLOSSOM, a prominent far- 



* mer and stock-raiser of Franklin Township. 
Jackson County, resides on section 35, 
where he has a good farm of 282 acres of excellent 
land, comfortable, well-finished buildings, and a 
handsome residence. His birth took place on his 
father's farm in Pittsfield, Rutland Co., Yt., July 
21, 1834, and he grew to manhood on the home 
acres, learning many lessons of practical value, be- 
sides those taught in the little red school-house, 
where, sometimes a master, and other times a ma'am, 
instilled the rudiments of the '-three R's" into the 
craniums of the tow-headed farmer boys. 

When our subject became of age, he concluded 
to tr}' city life, so he packed up his belongings 
and traveled to Boston, where he secured work in 
a hardware store, and remained some time in the 
capacity of clerk, then returned to his home in Ver- 
mont. In 1856 he turned his face toward the set- 



ting sun, and bidding farewell to the picturesque 
Green Mountain State, took up his abiding place in 
the fertile meadow-lands of Cass County. Iowa. 
There he obtained work by the month of a farmer, 
and remained in that State until the fall of the 
same year, when he went to what is now Jackson 
County, but was then Calhoun County, and took uf 
a claim on Cedar Creek, in what is now Cedar 
Creek Township. That claim he sold in the fall of 
1857, and then took up one on section 35, which 
he has retained to the present time, and on which 
he now lives. His land lies partly in Franklin and 
partly in Cedar Township. Since becoming a resi- 
dent of Kansas, he has given his attention to farm- 
ing and stock-raising, except about three years, 
wlien he was fighting his country's battles in the 
Civil War. 

The summer of 1862 was a gloomj- one for the 
friends of the Union, although the vouth and man- 
liood of the Xoi'th had liastened to respond to the 
cr}' of danger which resounded through the hills 
and valleys of the New England States, and rolled 
in ever-incre.asing volume over the prairies of the 
AVest. until it reached the golden shores of the far 
California, and echoed among the snow-capped 
mountains, at whose feet rolls the famed Oregon. 
}-et the flag of treason floateil proudly to the breeze 
and tauntingly waved its ominous folds at the very 
gates, so to speak, of the Capital itself. Our sub- 
ject was not one to shirk hit duty, so when the call 
for more defenders was flashed from the citadel of 
the sorely pressed Government, he eagerly re- 
sponded, "here am I, send me." He enlisted Aug. 
22, 1862, in Compan}- B, 11th Kansas Infantr}-, 
which was soon afterward changed to a cavalry 
regiment, and served to the close of the war. Dur- 
ing the march on the ".Shelb}' raid," he was injured 
bj' tlie kick of a horse. His left leg was found to be 
fractured, and he was incapacitated for service for 
a considerable time. Upon his recover}- he rejoined 
his command, and strove bj' bis valor to revive the 
drooping courage of all loyal hearts. He was mus- 
tered out of service at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., and 
at once returned to his farming operations at home. 

Mr. Blossom was married to Miss Sallie E. Fogle, 
Jan. 4, 1864, in Kansas City, Mo. She was born 
in Marion Count}-, Ky., on Dec. 16, 1844, and is a 





yri/ 




^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



17.') 



lady of superio'' intelligence, and cliarraing- domes- 
tic accomiilislnnents. Tbe union has resulted in 
the birth of eight children, of whom five are liv- 
ing. They are named respectively ; William A. ; 
Czarina, Laura M., Freddie O., Maud A.; and 
those deceased, are: Charles O., Robert S., Delia 
M. Czarina is the wife of Augustus Fink, and 
resides in Jackson County. They are an estimable 
family, who occupj- a high place in the esteem of 
the community in which they live. Mr. Blossom 
is a member of Will Mendell Post, X0.-I6, G. A. R. 
Politically, he adheres to the principles of the Re- 
publican party. Mr. and Mrs. Blossom are members 
respectively of the Congregational and Methodist 
Churches. 

The parents of our subject were William R. and 
Czarina (Cole) Blossom. The former a native of 
Pittsfield, Mass., and the latter probably of Ver- 
mont. They were married in Pittsfield, Vt., and 
resided in that place during life. The minister who 
performed the ceremony that united their destinies, 
was the Rev. Mr. Parsons. The parents of Mrs. Will- 
iam A. Blossom were .Joseph B. and Eliza (Riney) 
Fogle, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Vir- 
ginia, respectively. After marriage they settled in 
Marion County, Ky., but subsequently removed to 
Missouri, where they passed the remainder of 
their lives in Independence. In the summer of 
1860, Mr. Blossom crossed the plains to Denver, 
Colo., where he spent a few months, and then re- 
turned to Jackson Countj'. Mr. and Mrs. Blossom 
are thoroughly American in their views and feel- 
ings, and have good reason to rejoice in their stain- 
less ancestry, and covet no man's "noble" lineage, 
since there is no higher nobility than that of good 
character. 



0-^s«<-.i 



-»^4W*i- 



^J/ 



-5»^-<- 



'TrOHN GIBBO 
l! which incluc 



OHN GIBBONS. A volume of this kind 
ides biographies of residents of 



J Jackson Count}', would be incomplete 
without a sketch of the above named gen- 
tleman, whose home is in Netawaka, where he owns 
much valuable property and where he is well and 
favorablv known. He is now retired from .nctive 



business life, but the older citizens of the place are 
well acquainted with his manly character, good 
citizenship, anil thorough work at his trade. He is 
a native of Taunton, Somersetshire. Pinglaud, 
where he was born Aug. 6, 1822. He never had 
any schooling except once in a while going to Sun- 
day-school, and his attendance there ceased when 
the teacher whipped him without sufficient cause. 
He was talking with his brother Boli, when the 
master, who was somewhat out of hnmor, came 
along and struck him over the back with a rattan. 
The lad told his brother he " didn't feel it " but 
the injustice which he did feel prevented his 
further attendance at the school. 

Mr. Gibbons was a lad of nine years when he 
began to learn the trade of a blacksmith,' and at 
the age of twent^'-three he went to the city of 
London, where he spent several years laboring at 
his chosen employment. He then went to Ports- 
mouth in the government emplo}' as " Blueksmith 
to the Queen." While in that city in 18.50 he was 
married, and a short time afterward came with his 
wife to America, landing in Boston, but soon mov- 
ing to Taunton, Mass., where he was employed in 
the Taunton Locomotive Works. While there he 
helped to build the first locomotive tliat was 
brought across the Mississippi River, and which is 
now preserved by the Missouri Pacific Railroad 
Company in their yards in St. Louis. 

After the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr, 
Gibbons was employed by the Bridgcwater Iron 
Works Company, who were heavy contractors for 
the Government. About the first work he did for 
them was to make the stern and stem posts and 
some of the turret work of the original" Monitor" 
which was invented by Erickson, and which won 
the victory over the Rebel ram, " IMerrimac." A 
curious incident occurred in connection with the 
latter boat. IMr. (iibbons happened to be present 
at her launching several years before the war, and 
had helped to work over the old iron of which she 
wa.s made. He also made the posts for the '■ Dicta- 
tor " and "Puritan," built by John Roach. The 
stem posts of these vessels took a bar of iron .5x11 
inches and thirty-seven feet long. Our subject 
continued engaged on Monitor work until after the 
war was over, when for several years he worked on 



17G 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the large Panama steamers of tbe Vanderbilt line, 
assisting in the conslructioii of nine of tliera. He 
also helped in making the gun that Erickson in- 
vented for the Government. 

The eldest son of our subject was suffering from 
that ilread disease — consumption — and for the ben- 
efit of his health, in llie year 1868. the familj' 
moved to Kansas. Mr. Gibbons let a contract for 
the building of a house in Netawaka, which was 
the fourth erected in tlie village and was put up in 
less than twelve months after the first one had been 
raised. The change of climate proved ineffectual 
in saving tlie life of the son. .Tohn, who was re- 
moved from the sorrowing famil)' circle in 1869. 

Mr. Gibbons, immediately upon coming to 
Netawaka, began to work at his trade of black- 
smithing, and continued it for many years. In 
1869 he bought a farm on section 15 adjoining the 
town plat, and his sons carried it on while he con- 
tinued to work at his trade. In 1877, he made a 
contract with the Government agent and became 
blacksmith for the Kickapoo Indians. Purchasing 
140 acres of laud, a large share of which was under 
cultivation, he built a good house, set out over 400 
apple trees, and with his family resided on the 
estate for eleven years. In 1884, he sold out and 
moved to town, where he owns three business houses 
and ten lots, tbe harness shop which his son Charles 
carries on, and his own shop and residence. As 
has been already stated, Mr. Gibbons is now retired 
from active business life, having his shop open only 
for the repairing of pumps. 

The lady whom Mr. Gibbons brought to Amer- 
ica with him as his wife, bore the maiden name of 
Maria Hibbs, and their marriage took place in the 
Kingston Church in Portsmouth, an edifice that is 
noted in the history of England. Mrs. Gibbons 
was a daughter of John Hib!)S, of Langton, Dor- 
chestershire, who came to America the same }"ear. 
Siie bore her husband four children, three of whom 
now survive. Maria is the wife of Thomas Ber- 
ridge, an Englisliman, who is now engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits in Goff, this State; their family' 
comprises six children. Frank is engaged in farm- 
ing near Netawaka; he married Miss Libby. daughter 
of Dr. Paddock. James is a commission merchant 
of Kansas City, is married and has two children. 



Mrs. Maria Gibbons departed this life in Boston in 
tlie year 1856. 

The second wife of our subject, with whom he 
was united in 1857, was Mrs. Mary Ann Simpson, 
a widow with one son. Stephen, who now lives in 
the West. Her union with Mr. Gibbons has resulted 
in the birth of six children. Fostina, a young lady, 
now lives at St. Joseph. Mo.; Fannie is the wife of 
Henry Bibb, formerly of Netawaka and now of 
St. Joseph, and is the mother of four children; 
Mary Ann married Edward A. Meade, of Libertj- 
Townsiiip. this county, where he owns and operates 
a farm, they have three children ; Ezra is unmarried 
and is now living in the Black Hills, S. Dak.; Cliarles 
is unmarried and carries on the harness shop here; 
Emma is at home. 

The subject of this sketch is a son of John and 
Prudence (Stook) Gibbons. His paternal grand- 
fathei' was James Gilibons, a cloth-dresser of Devon- 
shire, and his maternal grandfather, John Stook, 
was of ILaul's Parish. Mr. Gibbons has been a 
member of the M.asonic fraternity for the past * 
forty years, and affiliates with the St. Marx Ro3al 
Arch Chapter in Taunton, ilass.. and the Polar Star 
Lodge. No. 130, at Netawaka. In politics, he is 
independent, voting for the candidate wlrom he 
thinks best fitted for the position. He was educated 
in the tenets of the Episcopal Church, and carries 
out in his life the principles of right living, thereby 
gaining the respect of acquaintances and fellow- 
citizens. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Gibbons is pre- 
sented on another page. 




57>REDERICK HARTWICK is one of the 
rii most successful farmers and live-stock feed- 
ers of Pottawatomie Count}', where he has 
lived since the spring of 1857. During ids early 
years he witnessed, and as his age would permit, 
participated in, many of the hardships of those daj-s, 
and relates incidents of that time with great inter- 
est. As an example bespeaks of the time when the 
family had to grind corn in a coffee mill to make 
bread with which to sustain life; and .when after 
the total failure of crops in 1860, it was necessarj- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



177 



to obtain aid from llie Natiuiial Government, and 
from sister States, and the following winter being a 
severe one, the people liad to shovel roads through 
the snow drifts to Atchison, where provisions had 
been sent for them. 'J"he suffering people endured 
a great deal that winter, thongh other 3'ears gave 
them also many weeks, of hard times as well as 
pleasures, and developed in the citizens a true hos- 
pitality' and good fellowship, which is nowhere else 
so strong, true, and tried, as on the frontier. 

The parents of our subject were Michael F. and 
Anna (Strunske) Hartwick, who were born and 
reared in Prussia, about twentj^-four German miles 
from Berlin. After the birlli of four childicii, our 
subject, William, Ferdinand F., and Herman F.,tiie 
parents determined to make a homo in America, 
and on April 18, 18nG, took i)assage on a saiiiug- 
vcsstl at Hamburg, and after a vo^'age of six weeks, 
landed in New York Cit}'. They went at once to 
Monroe, Green Co., Wis., where, in the fall their 
oldest child. William, was removed from them liy 
death. In the sitring of 1857, with two cows, two 
j'oko of oxen, and a wagon, the}' came overland to 
this county, cami)ing by the way, and reaching 
Lone Tree Township, in July. There tiie father 
tiled a pre-cm|ilion claim foi' 160 acres on section 
12, wiierc the parents of our subject have ever since 
resided. The family was very poor, and it was 
some time liefore the fallicr could save money 
enough to pay for his claim, but he Anally suc- 
ceeded in doing so, and in acquii'ing other prop- 
erty, and is now the owner of several hundred acres. 
The subject of this biography grew to man's es- 
tate in Lone Tree Township, and after becoming 
of age began farming for iiimself, and has since 
made quite a fortune. He first purchased ]6() acres 
and has increased it to 400. liis home farm in jMill 
Creek Towushiii beiiig supplied willi a very fine set 
of farm Iniildings, all well built of stone. M]-. Hart- 
wick endeavors to keep abreast of the best thought 
of the times in every matter connected with the 
management of his land, and so derives a fine in- 
come from his estate. 

The first marriage of our subject took place in 
this township, the bride being Miss Sophia Nicholas 
of Germany, who accmpanicd her parents to this 
county aliout two years before her marriage, she 



being then a young lady. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas 
are now living in Center Township, on a farm. 
Mrs. Hartwick died at her home in this township, 
Feb. 6, 188G, being then past thirty-eight years of 
age. She was the mother of nine children, two of 
whom died in infancy. The living are all now at 
home. They are named respectively: AnnaM. M., 
Ida T., Lena F., Herman V.. Lizzie M., Edward F., 
and Robert F. 

Mr. Hartwick contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance, taking as his wife, Mrs. Sophia Shenkc, 
nee Hinsman, who was born in Prussia, in the year 
1856. Her father died in the Fatherland in 1864, 
and in 1886 the widowed mother and the daugh- 
ter came to tlie United States, and to Kansas, where 
not long afterward the marriage of the daughter to 
Mr. Hartwick took place. Mrs. Hartwick had two 
children Ijy her first husband, William Shenke, who 
died in Germany. The two daughters, Mary and 
Krama M., are still living with their mother. 

Mr. Hartwick is a Republican, and has held the 
minor offices in his township. He and his wife be- 
long to the Presbyterian Church, as did also the 
first Mrs. Hartwick. Mr. Hartwick is well esteemed 
by his fellow-citizens for the intelligence and en- 
terprise that he manifests in his private affairs, and 
in his duties as a citizen, and for his good char- 
acter and kindly nature. 



^«-^-ji«t== 



'^T^TIOMAS J. MORROW. This gentleman is 

((^^ one of the prosperous and energetic residents 
^^^ in St. Mary's, Pottawatomie County, where 
he has lived since 1885, and formerly carried on a 
drug business, which ran from §12,000 to$15,000 per 
3'ear. He wasliorn in Randolph County, i\Io., May 
25, 1850, and until aliout eleven years old, Ids 
home was on a farm. Ills early schooling was in 
the district schools, and he afterward attended the 
Magee College, at College Mound, Mo., and still 
later the State Normal School at Kirksville. He 
engaged in business at College JNlound until 1875, 
and six years later removed to Kansas City, con- 
tinuing the same pursuits in that city until his re- 
moval to St. Mary's, where he has prospered in his 
financial affairs, and has gained many friends by 



178 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his fine character, mental attainments, and business 
honor .and ability. He is a member of the Demo- 
cratic Central Committee of this county, and of 
that of the city also. 

The marriage of Mr. Morrow was celebrated at 
the home of tlie bride's father. Dr. W. T. Lowrey, 
at College Monnd, Mo., Jan. 25, 1875. Tlie bride 
was Miss Willie T. Lowrey, a native of Macon 
County, wliere her parents long resided. Her 
fatlier was a very prominent man, and widelj' Ivnown 
tinougiiout tiie State, and her brotlier. Prof. T. J. 
Lowrej-, is Dean of tlie engineering faculty of the 
Missouri State University, at Columbia. Mo., where 
he has l)een about fifteen years. Iler grandfather, 
Dr. .J. .T. Lowrey, of Howard County, represented 
Ids district in the State Legislature. Both Mrs. 
Morrow's parents departed this life in Missouri. 

The subject of our sketch is the oldest of four 
children born to John S. and Nelsena S. (Richard- 
son) Morrow, both of ivhom were bom near Dan- 
ville, Ky., and made an early settlement in Macon 
Count}'. There the mother died in 1871, at the 
age of forty 3'ears, and the father still lives, having 
reached his threescore years and ten. Both parents 
were lifelong members of the Presbyterian Cluirch. 
The paternal grandparents were also natives of the 
Bine Grass State, and the grandfather, Jesse Mor- 
row, removed to Missouri when quite old, and 
there he and his wife spent their last days. Of tlieir 
family, several of the children still live in Missouri. 
One of them, William Morrow, was the first Sheriff 
of Macon County, and served in that cai>acity 
many yeais. Another son, Jefferson Morrow, has 
been Treasurer of the same county for eight 3ears. 

lOBERT LITTLE is one of the oldest and 
most respected settlers of Jackson County, 
(ii^\ which has been his home for nearly twent}' 
\^ years. He was born in Hendricks County, 
Ind., Jan. 23, 1819, and is a son of Alex and 
Rachael (Robinson) Little. Both the parents were 
members of old Virginia families, and they re- 
moved from Mercer County, K}-., to tlie Hoosier 
State in 1811. There the father "fit Injuns" many 
a time, and there both parents departed this life. 



Our subject remained in his native county until 
the age of twenty- five years, acquiring on the par- 
ental acres a practical knowledge of farm life, and 
such education as was possible to be obtained in 
the schools of that day and from his parents. 

Leaving his boyhood's home and taking to him- 
self a wife, Mr. Little went onto a farm, which he 
operated until 1860, when he came to the Far 
West. The family spent a year in Circleville, 
Kan., during which time our subject purchased 160 
acres on section 32, Netawaka Township, this 
county, to which a short time later the family re- 
moved. At the date of its purchase Iiy Mr. Little, 
not a furrow liad been turned on the place, and an 
old log cabin was the only improvement. An 
addition was made to the cabin, and in it the fam- 
ily lived for several years. In 1S69 one of the best 
houses then in the vicinity was erected, and became 
their home, and in this commodious dwelling the 
family still lives. In the early days of their resi- 
dence here, Atchison was their only market, and 
Capt. Little has more than once hauled corn to 
that cit3', thirty-four miles distant, and sold it for 
twelve and a half cents a bushel. 

The land which Capt. Little took in its primitive 
condition, now forms a well-tilled .acreage, upon 
which are the usual iniiirovements made bj' an en- 
terprising agriculturist. It is well fenced with 
wire, rail and hedge, and finely set with native 
cedar and Norway pine, and other ornamental 
shade trees, and in addition has a large grove of 
black walnut, cottonwood, soft maple, etc. The 
apple orchard consists of about 500 trees, most of 
them now bearing, and some of them are the oldest 
trees in this part of the county. The peach orchard 
is extensive, and while some of the trees therein 
are ver^' old, others have been quite recently 
planted. Grapes and a variety of small fruits are 
also in cultivation. Capt. Little feeds all liiscorn, 
generally shipping his own stock. 

The estimable lad_y who has shared in the scenes 
of pioneer life, in the earlier struggles and later 
prosperity of Capt. Little, is a daughter of Alex- 
ander and Adeline (Verniillia) Worth, who were 
early settlers in Indiana, whence they had come 
from New York Siate. She w.as born in Morgan 
County. Ind., which adjoins the county in which 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



179 



her husband first saw the light, and she (vns christ- 
ened Mariah. Mr. and Mrs. Little are the jiarents 
of six children. Mary Ann first married Jolin 
Myers, formerly of Ohio, who died while on a trip 
to the mountains. The widow, who was left with 
two children, subsequently married Isaac Hoover, 
whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this work ; 
Harriet A. is the wife of A. J. 15est. a physician at 
C'eutralia, and they have four children. Mr. Best 
is a native of Nova Scotia, and was formerly a 
resident in this township; Lawrence A. has a wife 
and six children, and is engaged in agricultural 
work in Straight Creek Townshii); Alice is the 
wife of Angelo Nichols, formerly of this township, 
and tiie mother of two children. Their present 
home is in Holton, where Mr. Nichols carries on 
the watch making snd jeweler's trade; Charles E., 
an educated pharmacist, is in the drug business in 
Circleville; he has one child. ICmnia Belpliene is 
the wife of Isaac N. Askins, of this township, and 
formerly of Ohio; they have one child. 

Capt. Little votes with the Republican part}- in 
all matters of National import, but in local affairs 
gives his suffrage to the best candidate, irrespective 
of party lines. Mrs. Little belongs to the Metho- 
dist Church, and is a highly esteemed member. 
The many sterling qualities in the character of 
Capt. Little, and his intelligent and enter[)rising 
management of his estate, give him a high rank in 
the opinion of his fellow-citizens, and thej- also 
manifest for him the respect which is due to his 
years. 



^^ILLIAM U. GARD, whose home is on sec- 
/ tion .5, Pottawatomie Township, belongs to 



W 



W^J the pioneer element of Kansas, and has a 
large fund of reminiscences of the time when the 
Indian and buffalo made things lively for the ad- 
venturous settlers who braved the hardships and 
dangers of a new country in order to open up to 
posterity new avenues to fame and fortune. He 
was born in Grant Count}-. Wis.. Nov. 22. 1851. 
His father, David Gard was a native of Washington 
County, Ohio, and a ]}ioneer of Grant County. 
Wis. For a period of twenty years he worked in 
the lead mines in the vicinity of Galena. 111., but 



made his home in Grant County, Wis. He brought 
his family to Kansas in 1857, and settled in Potta- 
watomie County on the farm where our subject now 
resides. The mother i^f our subject was .^lary Cook. 
a daughter of Uriah Cook, who settled in Potta- 
watomie County in 1855, among the Indians and 
wild animals. The pirental family consisted of 
nine children, of whom six survive namely: Re- 
becca, Mrs. Duncan; iMary J., Mrs. Spaulding; Lot, 
William U., Charles E., and Rachel, Mrs. Mack. 
David Gard died July 4, 1880, in Galena, Ill.,wliile 
there on a visit. His wife had preceded him to the 
better land about two years, her death occurring in 
March, 1884. 

John R. Gard, brother of our subject, was a mem- 
ber of Company F, 4th Wisconsin Infantry, and 
was killed in Baltimore, Md.. aiiout June 12, 1861. 
His regiment had been detailed to preserve order 
in that city at the time of the riots there in 1861, 
which have since became historical, and he met his 
death in the line of his duty. 

William Gard was only six years of age when 
his parents took up their residence in Kansas. His 
earl\- experience was the usual one of the youth 
of the time and embraced many thrilling en- 
counters with the red men of the forest and the 
wild animals of the plains. His educational ad- 
vantages, as ma}' well be supposed, were of a some- 
what limited character, nevertheless he managed 
by dint of industry and close application to acquire 
a fair knowledge of the necessarj- branches of a 
good English education. An extensive course of 
reading and a wide knowledge of men and close 
attention to business affairs have combined to make 
him one of the most intelligent farmers to be found 
in the county. 

The marriage of our suliject to Miss Mary J. Movv- 
der was celebrated on the 20th of February 1879. 
Mrs. Gard is a daughter of Henry and Anna (Gam- 
ble) Mou'der, of Shannon Township, Pottawatomie 
County. She is a lady of intelligence and prac- 
tical ability and highly regarded in the community 
in which they live. The}' are the parents of five 
chihiren, whose names are: Lillian E., Florence M., 
William W. and Charles C. (twins), and Philip D. 

The farm of Mr. Gard is one of finest and best 
improved in Pottawatomie County, and embraces 



180 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



240 acres of land, all under good cultivation. In 
addition to his farm work, Mr. Gard is extensively 
engaged in the business of stock-raising, in which 
he lias been eminently successful. As a man and a 
citizen he stands high in the esteem and good will 
of his fellowmen, and has held the position of 
Township Clerk for the past four j-ears. He is a 
member of the A. O. U. W., and also of the Re- 
publican party. 



^ ^-i-B- 



jk^l ARTIN S. COMBS. Although not a long- 
/// 111 ''i""^ resident of Belviie Township, Mr. 
I I* Combs has fully established himself as one 
* of its worthy citizens, and one of the most 

intelligent members of the farming community. 
He owns and occupies 1 90 acres of good land 
on section 5, where he makes a specialty of thor- 
oughbred cattle and swine. He usuall}' keeps from 
seventy-five to 100 head of each. His operations 
ai'e conducted in that sj'stematic and businesslike 
manner which seldom fails of success. Mr. Combs 
has never sought notoriety, being content to pur- 
sue the even tenor of his way, and without seeking 
office gives his unqualified support to the Repub- 
lican party. He has been for some years a member 
in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
The native place of Mr. Comlis was in Builer 
County, Ohio, and the date of his birth June 12, 
1840. His father. Andrew B. Combs, was born in 
New Jersey about 1817, and is of Scotch extrac- 
tion. When a 3'Oung man he emigrated to Ohio, 
where he engaged in farming, and died at the age 
of sixty-five years. He was a man of decided views 
and opinions, and a stanch supporter of the Demo- 
cratic party. He was married in early life to Miss 
Martha Pryor, who was born in Richmond, Ind. 
Her father, William Pryor, was a prominent lawyer 
of that State and one of the leading lights in the 
Republican party. To Andrew and Martha Combs 
there was born a family of five children, all of 
whom are living, and who bear the names respect- 
ively, of Elizabeth. Joseph, Jonathan, Martin and 
Wilson. 

The subject of this sketch was the fourth child 
of hia parents, and was reared and educated in his 



native township, living on the farm with his par- 
ents and attending the district school. He sojourned 
in the Buckeye State until the spring of 1870, then 
coming to Wabaunsee County, Kan., purchased a 
farm and lived there until 1881; then selling out 
he established himself as a grocer at Wamego, 
where he operated until 1887. That jear he sold 
out his store and purchased his present farm. Be- 
fore leaving his native State he was married, April 
11, 1861, to Miss Johanna Skelman. This lady was 
born in Ohio, and departed this life at her home in 
Wabaunsee County, May 5, 1878. There have 
been born to them eight children, viz: Albert, An- 
nie, Andrew, George, Thomas, Nettie, James and 
Alvina, all of whom are living. Mr. Combs on 
the 57th of October, 1886, contracted a second 
marriage with Mrs. Mary Regnier. This lady was 
Ijorn in Cooper Courfty, Mo., May 10, 1853, and is 
the daughter of Northeast and Mary (Johnson) 
Davis, wiio were likewise natives of that State. Of 
this union there are four children, viz: Charles, 
Lewis, Laura and Kii-hard. 



•Siri?< 



^i%^ 



VICHARD M. COOK, a pioneer of 1858, 
(f? coming to Kansas in the prime and vigor 
'.l^yrt of early manhood, has since been closely 

^p! identified with the upbuilding of Jackson 
County, and has been especially prominent in se- 
curing valuable educational advantages for tiie 
youth within itsl)orders, and in otherwise elevating 
its social and moral status as well as in advancing 
its material prosperity. The breaking out of the 
war found our subject warmly in sympathy with 
the Union cause, and as soon as he could, he hastened 
to join the ranks who were fighting for the honor 
of the old flag, inheriting from his Revolutionary 
grandsire the patriotic blood that barle him do oi' 
die for his country. To-da}- he is conducting a 
flouris'^ing flour and feed business in Holton, and 
is one of our most respected and trusted merchants. 
Mr. Cook spent his early life in New Brunswick, 
N. J., where he was born Oct. 4. 1836, coming of 
good old New England stock. His father, Jnmes 
Cook, was liorn in Vermont. His grandfather was 
likewise a uati-ve of New England, and- he did 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



181 



gallant service in the Revolution. He was a farmer 
and spent his last jears among tiie granite hills of 
New Hampshire, where he was prominent in public 
life and served in the State Legislature. 

The father of our subject was young when his 
parents moved to New Hampshire, and there he 
grew to man's estate. He went to New Jersey after 
attaining his majority, and was married in tiiat State 
to Maria Merrill, a native of that commonwealth. 
She was a daughter of Richard Merrill, wlio w'as 
born on Staten Island. N. Y., his father spending 
his entire life on that island, where he carried on 
farming. The grandfather of our subject was also 
a farmer. During the war of 1812 he served as 
bugler. After that he moved to New Jersey, and 
settled a half mile from New Brunswick on a farm 
that he liad inherited from his father, and there he 
passed tlie remainder of liis life, dying in 1865 at 
the remarliably advanced age of one hundred 
years. After marriage the parents of our subject 
made their home on a farm tiiree or four miles from 
New Brunswick, and resided thereon till 1854, 
when they sold the place and moved to Wisconsin. 
They settled in Green County, in Jordan Township, 
twelve miles from Monroe in a westerly- direction. 
At that lime Wisconsin was still in the hands of 
the pioneers, and for a time Warren, 111., was the 
nearest railwa}' station. Mr. Cook bought a tract 
of wild land, partlj' timber, and soon erected 
suital)le buildings, improved a part of the land, and 
was living tliere at the time of his death, which 
occurred in Februar}', 1861. He was a man whose 
sterling personal attributes, practical industry, and 
excellent habits won him the respect of his fellow- 
men. The mother of our subject makes her home 
in Abilene with her daugliter, Mrs. Elizabeth .Sisson. 

Richard Cook of this Inographical review passed 
the early years of his life in his native State, and 
he was in his eighteenth year when he accompanied 
his parents to Wisconsin. He remained with 
them in their pioneer home in that Stale till 1858, 
and then he too became a pioneer, starting in the 
spring of that year for the Territory of Kansas, 
making the journey with an ox-team. John Dixon 
accompanying him. (He is now a resident of Grant 
Township.) They cooked and camped on the way, 
and after traveling two months arrived in that iiart 



of Calhoun County now included in Jackson 
Count3'. At that time there was one store with a 
small stock of goods and a few houses where the 
thriving city of liolton stands to-daj-. Mr. Cook 
made a claim to a tract of wild prairie live miles 
west and three miles south of town, joining the 
reservation. He built a cabin and broke a few 
acres of land, but being a single man he did not 
settle on it then. In the fall of 1860 he made a 
trip across the plains with an ox-team, leaving 
Leavenworth the 22nd day of October, with six 
pair of oxen and a load of freight, and on the 
22nd day of December, he arrived in Denver. 
After disposing of his freight he returned to Kan- 
sas, and in the spring of 1861 again journeyed 
across the plains. At that time buffaloes were 
plenty .ind he saw them in large numbers. In Juljs 
he came back to Jackson County, and in August 
he enlisted in Company C, 7th Kansas Cavalry, for 
a term of three j'cars. and did faithful service in 
Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and 
Alabama, fighting bnavely in many a hardly con- 
tested battle. He remained with his regiment until 
the espir.ation of the term of enlistment, and was 
then honor.ably discharged, and returned to iiis 
home in this county. He h.ad previously entered 
his land from the Government, and when he came 
back from the seat of war he settled on it, and at 
once set about the task of developing a farm, and 
was a resident there till 1870. Disposing of his 
property at a good price, he then came to Holton 
to reside. He had been elected County Superin- 
tendent of Schools in 1868, and was re elected in 
1870 and 1872, serving conlinuousi}' six years, 
and in 1884 he was again elected to that respon- 
sible office. From 1874 till 1884 he was engaged 
in teaching, and in the latter year opened his flour 
and feed store, which he has so successfully managed 
since that lime. 

Mr. Cook was happily married in 1867. to Miss 
Lucinda E. Harris, a native of Wisconsin, and to 
them have come three children: Harry. Emma and 
Kate. 

Our subject is a gentleman of culture and of 
progressive and enlightened views, and, as we have 
seen, has been a public benefactor, inasmuch as he 
has done a great deal, not only in directly educating 



182 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the young of Jackson County, but also in securing 
them the advantages of an excellent school system. 
As an iii^right business man, he has the trust of all 
with whom he deals; as a citizen, he is greatly es- 
teemed, and in his domestic relations he is all that 
a devoted husband and wise father should lie. A 
Republican always, he gives his earnest support to 
the policy of his partj-, Qrmly believing it the 
best for the guidance of N.ilional affairs in the in- 
terests of the people. His fellon- citizens have 
called liim to other offices of trust besides that 
mentioned, and while a resident of Grant Town- 
ship he served two years as Trustee, and was also 
Township Treasurer of Franklin Township. Since 
coming here, he has been a member of the City 
Council. 

riACOB MORROW. Thisgentleman was not 
twenty j-ears of age when he became a resi- 
dent of Jackson County, and his experience 
has extended from the troublous dajs of 
the 'oO's, through the period of the anti-slavery 
r.nd pro-slavery difficulties upon the border, 
through the years in which this section was sparsely 
settled bj^ the whites and when wild game and sav- 
ages were plentiful, through seasons of drought and 
devastation bj' rapacious insects, to the more pros- 
perous years when settlements were rapidly spring- 
ing up and the country taking on a more civilized 
beauty from tbe cultivated fields, beautiful groves 
and tastj' dwellings that marked its surface. Be- 
ginning with the labors which he undertook in his 
father's assistance, Mr. Morrovv has borne a full 
share in the work of developing the resources and 
elevating the standard of citizenship and morality 
in this county, and can feel a just pride in the pros- 
perity and advanced civilization of his chosen home 
and his own share in that result. 

The parents of our subject were John and Mary 
(.Stookey) Morrow, the former a native of Lancas- 
ter County, Pa., and the latter of Germany. Tliey 
were living in Winfield County, Ohio, when on 
Oct. 17, 1836. a son was born to them, who was 
christened Jacob, and who is the subject of this 
this sketch. Sixteen] j ears after his birth the 
family removed to Platte County, Mo., where they 



resided four years, thence in the spring of 1856 
coming to what was then Calhoun County, Kan., 
and settling one mile east of Ilolton. There the 
parents remained until the death of the father, 
which occurred early in the winter of 1872. After 
his death the widowed mother lived with her chil- 
dren, and departed this life at the home of a 
daughter in Ringgold County, Iowa. 

Jacob Morrow, the subject of this sketch, was 
the fourth in a family of nine children, and having 
accompanied his parents to this county remained 
with them until his marriage in March, 1859. His 
bride was Miss Louisa Waj'ant, who was born in 
Franklin Count}-. Pa., May 29, 1841, her parents 
being Jacob and Margai'et (Besore) Wayaut, who 
were also born in the Kej'stone State, and who 
came to Kansas in the early winter of 1856, and the 
following spring located in this county, in what is 
now Garfield Township. There the mother died in 
1869, the husband and father surviving until 1870, 
when he too departed this life. Mrs. Morrow has 
borne her husband four children — Samautha J., 
who is the wife of D. W. Cozad; John, who died 
when a little over three years old; Jacob Jr.; and 
one who died in infancy. 

After his marriage Mr. Morrow settled about 
one. mile east of Holton, where he remained until 
the spring of 1866, when he changed his location 
to a point west of the same village. After a short 
sojourn there he settled on section 2-3, Garfield 
Township, where he still lives and where he owns 
250 valuable acres, upon which excellent buildings 
have been erected and other fine improvements 
made. He gives his attention to farming and 
stock-raising, and exhibits an intelligence and a 
desire to keep abreast of the best thought of the 
times in both lines of work, which redound to his 
credit and place him among the better class of ag- 
riculturists. 

Mr. Morrow has an honorable record as a sol- 
dier, having spent some of the best years of his 
manhood in the service of his country and having 
performed the duties of campaign life in a faithful 
and efficient manner. He was enrolled as a member 
of Company B, 1 1th Kansas Infantry, in the fall of 
1862. and a year later the command was mounted, 
serving until the close of the war as mounted in- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



183 



fantry. While in the army our subject was quite 
seriously injured by being run over by a wagon. 
When mustered out of the service he returned to 
his home and took up again the arts of peace, 
and has since continued uninterru|)tedly at his 
work. 

Politically Mr. Morrow is a Democrat. He and 
his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and 
endeavor in their daily life to carry out the princi- 
ples of tlie Gospel. Since the day of their union 
Mrs. Morrow has, in her own department, ably as- 
sisted her husband by her forethonglit and wise 
economy, and her prudent counsel and words of 
encouragement have been highly valued by him. 
Tiie couple have a wide circle of acquaintances and 
many friends in the section where thej' have so 
long made their home. 



AMILTON H. BRADY. Of the represent- 
ill ative citizens of Jackson County-, few are 
more widely known, and none more highly 
respected than this gentleman, who has 
been succcessful both in the profession of a teacher 
and in the occupation of a tiller of the soil. He 
lives on a pleasant farm, which he purchased in 
1882, and which, although in good conditional the 
time of purchase, has been still further impi-oved 
through the labor of the owner and operator. 
Mr. Brady was engaged as a teacher for twelve 
years, during which time he taught 108 months, 
making a total of nine years of constant labor in 
that profession. He gained a wide-spread reputa- 
tion as a good instructor and disciplinarian, having 
taught in various counties and States. 

A native of Barnesville, Belmont Co., Ohio, 
Mr. Brady was born Sept. 30, 1838, and resided in 
that town until he was twenty years of age. He 
was fitted for a teacher, and consequently his edu- 
cation was unusally thorough and complete. In 
1858 he went to Logan Countj', Ohio, where be 
taught one year. There he became so deeply in- 
terested in one of his pupils, Sarah Lorey, that he 
persuaded her to become his wife. The}' were 
married in Lincoln, ]\Larch 16. 1859, and thence 
removed to South I'oint, Mo. This conimunity 



was intensely Southern in its sympathies, and was, 
therefore, so unpleasant for Mr. Brady and his 
wife that the}' removed to Greene County, III., and 
made it their home for four years. 

Being an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of 
the principles of the Union. Mr. Br.idy enlisted in 
the 61st Illinois Infantry, and was elected Second 
Lieutenant of Company A. On account of poor 
health, he was refused when the medical examina- 
tion was made. During the war, however, he did 
good service in assisting to keep tiie guerrillas 
down. While living in Jersey County, 111., busi- 
ness called him away from home during the sum- 
mer of 1864, and his wife was greatly troubled 
by the rebels, who had overrun the county. Sev- 
eral times they took possession of the house, and 
on more than one occasion she drove them away 
from her home at the point of the revolver. In 
1870 Mr. Brady sold his home in Jersey County, 
HI., with the intention of going to Nebraska, but 
instead settled in Henderson County, III., where he 
had secured a school. There they sojourned until 
1874. and then, having rented a farm about four- 
teen miles distant in Warren Count}', the same 
State, they removed to it, and he was engaged in 
farming for five years. 

Upon removing to Kansas, in 1879, Mr. Brady 
lived in Brown County, about forty rods from 
where he now resides. He bought eighty acres, 
which he impioved, and then purchased a piece 
of wild, uncultivated land on section 2. This he 
brought to a fine state of cultivation, and further 
embellished it with a-small frame residence, 1-1x24 
feet, putting up good fences, and planting an orchard 
of fifty apple trees. His present property was 
broken and improved when he purchased it, and 
he afterward set out 700 trees, all being choice 
varieties of apples, and now in fine bearing con- 
dition. He is of the opinion that the south sum- 
mer wind is the most injurious, and has therefore 
placed his wind break on the south instead of the 
north. Upon his farm he keeps stock enough to 
eat his corn. 

A family of nine children was born to our sub- 
ject and his wife, of whom six survive. They 
were named respectively: Katurah Virginia, now 
Mrs. George Miller, of Brown County; Frank D., 



184 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



who married Alice McNara, daughter of John Mc- 
Nara. of Atchison County, and lives on his father's 
farm; Arthur Lee, now in business at Horton : 
George A., also 'in business with his brother, at 
Horton; Walter G., who died in Illinois, at the 
age of seven months; Ella M. and Lorej' M., 
twins, who are deceased; Fred H. and Florence E., 
who are attending school. In tlie interval between 
1885 and 1888 Mr. Brady took Ids family to Mor- 
rill, where they resided. He bought property 
there, which he still owns, though the family has 
returned to the old home place. This removal was 
made for the benefit of their children, who made 
rapid advancement in their studies while in school 
at Morrill. The family are members of the Chris- 
tian Church, and regular attendants thereof. Mr. 
Brady votes the straight Republican ticket, and is 
an energetic worker in the ranks of that party. 

With reference to the ancestry of Mr. Brady, 
he was the son of John and Nancy (Moore) Brad}', 
the latter being the daughter of William and Ellen 
IVIoore, of Loudoun Countj', Va. In that county 
the mother of our subject was born and reared; 
there also she married, removing later to Ohio. 
This long journey was made by her on horseback, 
while her husband walked. Upon arriving in Ohio, 
they had a cash capital of ^2.50, but their poverty 
did not daunt them, for they had unlimited confi- 
dence in their strong hands and stout hearts to 
overcome every obstacle in their wiiy. John Brady 
came from Londonderry', Ireland, when a joung 
man. He was of Scotch-Irish stock, and took part 
in the War of 1812. and also in the Mexican War. 
Grandfather Moore likewise took \mrt in the War 
of 1812, while the great-grandfather of the same 
name took part in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of Mrs. Brady was Silas Lorej', a na- 
tive of New Jersey, and the only child in the 
family. He married Maria Gates, daughter of 
Samuel and Elizabeth Gates, the former of whom 
was a soldier in the War of 1812, and later left his 
home in Pennsylvania and located in the frontier 
districts of Ohio. The father of Mrs. Brady was 
kft an orphan when only a babe. He had one sis- 
ter, who was reared by a family in New York. He 
was an only son, and she an onlj' daughter. He 
was born in New Jersey and reared and educated 



in New York City, where he learned the trade of a 
shoemaker. His health failing, he purchased a 
farm in Athens County. Ohio, where his death 
occurred, at the early age of fort}' years. 



~*>- 



••o*o.-@J^<A^-.o*o.. 




TER. The main points in the 
lis representative citizen of Cedar 
/'' — ^ Township, are as follows: He was born in 
Jefferson County, Ind., Sept. 3, 1837, and when six 
years old was deprived of a father's care by <leath. 
His mother was left with five children in limited 
circumstances, and Eli. being the only son, was 
com]jelled to assist her in gaining a livelihood, thus 
obtaining a very limited education. When ten 
years old his mother was married the second time, 
and Eli then left home and occupied himself at 
whatever he could find to do among the farmers in 
his neighborhood, where he found friends, and at 
the age of fifteen years was paid more than ordin- 
arily good wages. 

When a youth of seventeen years, 30ung Lick- 
lyter, ivi 1854, went to Illinois, and thence in Feb- 
ruary, 1857, came to Kansas. He sojourned a short 
time in Leavenworth, then came to Jackson County, 
and when nineteen j'ears old took up a claim in 
partnership with another man, from the Delaware 
Lands, which had been put into the hands of the 
Government by the Delaware Indians. He had no 
mone3'and proceeded with the improvement of his 
property as best he could, sojourning there until 
enlisting as a soldier in the Union army during the 
second year of the war. In the meantime he was 
married, in 1859, to Miss Susan, a daughter of 
George W. Davis, then of Indiana, but who is now 
farming in Jackson County, Kan. Of this union 
there was born one child, a daughter, Mar}', who is 
now a resident of Birmingham, and is married to 
John R. Douglas; they have three children. Mrs. 
Susan Licklytcr departed this life in 1864, during 
the absence of her husband in the army. 

Mr. Licklyter, in 1862, enlisted in Company B, 
11th Kansas Infantry, in which he served until the 
close of the war, mostl\- in Missouri and Arkansas. 
.In February. 1865, his regiment was sent to the 
West, as far as Montana, to quell the Indian out- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



185 



bi-eak. and during tlie tedious marcli whieli followed 
lost some of its best men. Our subject, however, 
whs neither wounded nor captureil .ind returned 
witii liis remaining comrades to Ft. J^eavenwortii. 
where in September, 1865, he was mustered out. 
He then returned to his farm, where he remained 
until 1867. Then coming to Northern Kansas, he 
purchased the land whicli he now owns, securing 
first 100 acres and later adding to it, until he is now 
the owner of 427 acres lying along Cedar Creek, a 
fine body of land with plenty of limber. He has 
been very successful as a farmer in the .Sunflower 
State, having never suffered a total failure of crops, 
and always having pleut}- for all purposes. In 1866 
he was married, a second time, to Miss Rose A., 
daughter of R. W. Lister. The parents of Mrs. 
Licklyter were natives of Tennessee and came to 
Kansas in 1857, taking up their abode in Douglas 
Township, where the father is living on a farm: the 
mother also is still living. Of this union there has 
been born six children, viz: John, Rose, Cora, Eli- 
jah, Cleveland and a babe unnamed. Politically, 
Mr. Lickl^'ter is a sound Democrat. He farms on a 
large scale and makes a specialty of graded stock. 
He is a member of the G. A. R. His father was 
.Tolm Licklyter, a native of Pennsylvania, and a 
farmer by occupation. The maiden name of the 
motiier was Mary Griffey, daughter of Benjamin 
Griffey, of Kentucky, and the third in a family of 
five children. Grandfather Griffey was a farmer 
by occupation, and spent his last days in Gibson 
Count}', hid. 




f DAM SCOTT is one of the wealthiest and 
most prominent men of Pottawatomie 
Township. He is a man of nioi'e than 
ordinarj' intelligence and well informed 
upon all the current topics of interest. His pleas- 
ant home is located on section .'5. and is a monu- 
ment to his sagacity in business affairs and is a 
delightful retreat from the cares and struggles of an 
active life in the world's hive of industry. 

Mr. Scott was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland, 
ten miles from the I'^nglish bordei', on May 16, 
1828. His father, Robert, now deceased, was also 



a native of the same iilace and was reared on the 
same farm as that upon which our subject grew to 
manhood. Father and son were always farmers 
and made it their business to be good ones, keeping 
a keen lookout for every thing that i)romised im- 
provement in methods of work or increase in the 
measure of success to be attained. The common 
schools of his native place furnished the subject of 
this notice with a fair acquaintance with the practi- 
cal part of an education, and his own reading and 
observation have conti'ibuted their share towards 
making him the intelligent, weil-read man that he 
is to-day. 

On Jan. 16, 1852, Mr. Scott and Miss Elizabeth 
Anderson were united in the bonds of matrimony. 
Mrs. Scott is a daughter of Tliomas Anderson who 
was a native of Scotland. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott 
have been born twelve children of whom one is 
deceased. Those living are: Thomas A., Robert, 
Alex M., Adam, David, Sybella. William, Ebene- 
zer, Elizabeth A., Charles and John M. One 
daughter, Agnes, died when a young lady of 
twenty-six years of age.deepl}' regretted by a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances to whom she 
was endeared by her many good qualities and 
amiable disposition, Thomas married Miss Mary 
McClymont and resides in Chicago, By a previous 
marriage he became the father of one child, Walter 
M,; Robert married Miss Ella Sanders and has one 
child, Clarence; is Cashier of the First National 
Bank of Wamego, Kan,, and resides in a coz}- resi- 
dence in that place; Adam took Miss Minnie Jef- 
frey for his life partner and makes his home in 
Lenora, Kan, One child, Agnes, makes sunshine 
in their hearts and perpetuates the memory of the 
Agnes who basks in the light of the beautiful home 
above, 

Adam Scott brought his family to the I'nited 
States in 1870, and located on his present place 
which he has improved and added to the original 
purchase until the present fine and extensive estate 
is the result of his well directed industry- and ex- 
cellent management. His wife and family have 
nobly seconded all his efforts and to them is due 
their meed of praise. The farm of Mr. Scott com- 
prises some 1 ,400 acres of land, part of wiiicii is de- 
voted to the purposes of stock-raising, to which 



186 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



business he owes a large portion of liis wealth. He 
and his family are held in high regard by thecom- 
nuinity in which they live and Mr. .Scott is now 
serving his third term as Justice of the Peace, in 
which oflice he gives universal satisfaction, hut he 
is not desirous of official honors and can not be 
l)ersuaded to enter the political arena. He i)crforras 
his duty as a citizen by casting his ballot for the 
men of his clioice, whom he has always found thus 
far in the ranks of the Rei)ubliean P.-irty. Our sub- 
ject and his family are consistent members of the 
Congregational Church, to which they are also 
liberal contributors. 



^^^ IMON B. COCKRELL. The mercantile 

^^^ interests of Garrison and vicinity are 

(ll/Jl) worthily represented by the subject of this 

^ notice, who is one of the most prominent 

men in his community, liberal and public-spirited, 

and closely identified with its social and material 

welfare. He is young in years, having been born 

Nov. 7, 1863, and a native of Pottawatomie County, 

his birth taking place in Shannon Township, at the 

family homestead. His father, Mordeeai Coekrell, 

was a native of Washington County, Ind., and was 

born Oct. G, 1821. 

The father of our subject, when a lad of ten 
years, crossed over the frontier with his parents 
into Illinois, and sojourned there until reaclung 
manhood. He then emigrated across the Missis- 
sippi to Cass County, Mo., where he sojourned un- 
til 1857. That year he came to Kansas, and located 
in Shannon Township, Pottawatomie County, where 
he now lives. He opened up a farm from a tract 
of wild land, and bj' a course of industry and pru- 
dence constructed a comfortable homestead, and 
established himself in the confidence and esteem of 
his neighbors. The paternal grandfather, Alexan- 
der Coekrell, was born in Powell's Valley, Va., 
where he pursued his life-long occupation of farm- 
ing. When sixt3--eight years of age he came to 
Kansas, on a visit to his son, and died in Pottawato- 
mie County. He traced his ancestry to Wales. 

The mother of our subject was in her girlhood 
Miss Keziah Bishop. She was born in Clay County, 



111., Oct. 6, 1820, and lived there until reaching 
womanhood. Of her union with Mordeeai Coek- 
rell there was born a family of eleven children : 
Martha, the eldest, died at the age of forty-one 
years; Susannah when thirty-eight _vears old; Mary 
at the age of thirty-six; and Margaret when one 
year old. The others were named, respectively: 
Cintelia, Moses. Esther, Frances S., Sarah E. Emma 
J. and Simon. Simon was the youngest born, and 
spent the years of his boyhood and youtii at 
the old homestead, remaining there until a young 
man of twenty-four j-ears. Then starting out for 
himself, he embarked in the hardware business at 
Garrison, in which he is still successfully engaged. 
He has been quite prominent in local affairs, and is 
at present serving as a member of the Sciiool 
Board and as Township Treasurer. In politics he 
is a decided Democrat. 

Mr. Coekrell was married, at the bride's home in 
Jackson County, Kan., May 16. 1888. to Miss Aggie 
nick. This lady was born in Platte Count}', Mo., 
July 21, 186.3. and is the daughter of the Rev. 
Charles Dick, a native of Kentucky, who came with 
his family to Kansas in 1864, and is now living in 
Jackson C'ount\-. There has been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Coekrell one child, who died in infancy. 
They occupy a neat home in the south part of the 
village, and a good position, socially, among its 
leading people. 



. ^ ■E^.- 



-i.— 



AMES COONEY. The Irish citizens and 
farmers in Jackson County, have a fine rep- 
resentative in the gentleman above named^ 
who is one of the most thorough agricultul- 
ists in the count}-, and whose record as a citizen is 
irreproachable. His residence is located on section 
34, Franklin Township, where he owns 160 acres of 
productive land, and is also the foriunate possessor 
of 130 acres additional. The residence, barn, etc, 
on his place are more than ordinarily well built, 
and the whole estate bears an appearance of thrift 
and prosperity that to the eyes of the stranger 
would mark it as the home of a man of progressive 
ideas, good judgment and enterprise. 

The birth of Mr. Cooney took place in the Em- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



187 



crald Isle Aug. 22, 1842, and about nine years later 
lie was brougbt by his parents to America. Tbey 
first settled in New York, and later in Tazewell 
County, 111., where the father subsequently died. 
Their son James, the subject of this sketch, lived 
with his parents as long as they remained upon 
e:iith. and continued to make his home in Tazewell 
County until 1884, in the spring of which year he 
niade his settlement on his present estate. 

The rites of wedlock were celebrated in Tazewell 
County. 111., between Mr. Cooney and Miss j\Iar- 
garet Flynu. wlio was also a native of the Emerald 
Isle. This estimable lady has borne her husband 
nine children: Mary, .Stasia. William. Edward, 
Maggie and Thomas; three deceased — Ellen, Cath- 
arine and James. Mary is the wife of Thomas 
Whalen, and the mother of three children — Sarah. 
David and James. 

Mr. C'oone}' has been a member of the School 
Board, and is much interested in the cause of edu- 
cation, and an increase in the etficienoy of the 
schools, which already rank so high among those 
of the Nation. In politics he is a Democrat; he 
belongs to the Catholic Church. The keen percep- 
tion and the quick wit of the Irishman are not often 
better displayed than they have been in the life (>f 
this gentleman, who keeps abreast of the times in 
everything which pertains to farm life and work, 
and who has an intelligent understanding of the 
events transpiring about him. His fellow-citizens 
of Irish birth or ancestry may well lie pleased with 
his record as a man and citizen, and point to it with 
jirid e. 

— 'm^- — - 

OHN RABENSTORF. This gentleman has 
made his home in this section of Kansas for 
almost thirty years, residing first in Nemaha 
and later in Jackson County, and his up- 
right cliaracter, his honorable record as a soldier in 
the cause of the I'nion, and his efforts to advance 
himself in life while laboring under a disability to 
do hard work, alike entitle him to respect. He 
now owns ."jGO acres of land in Netawaka Town- 
ship, Jackson County, and for the pnst fifteen 3'eavs 
has made stock raising his principal business. 

Prussia is' the native land of our subject, and 



there he lived from the day of his birth, Nov. 14, 
1835. until he had passed the age of twenty-one, 
when, believing that America afforded better 
opportunities for his advancement than did his 
native land, he took passage across the Atlantic. 
His parents, John and Doratha (Trip) Rabenstorf, 
lived on a farm, and his earlier life was spent there. 
For a time before leaving his native land he was 
occupied in the hotel business in the town of 
Grovesvault, Germany. When in 1857 he be- 
came a resident of the United States, he located in 
Watertown, and afterward in Beaver Dam, Wis. 
In April. 1860, he changed his place of abode to 
Nemaha County. Kan., about six miles from where 
he now lives. 

The warlike spirit which is so early instilleil into 
the breasts of German citizens, was roused by the 
attack upon the Union and the call to arms which 
rang through the northern States, and in October, 
1861, the young Prussian offered his services to 
the North. He became a member of Company H. 
2d Kansas Cavalry, and served in Kansas. Mis- 
souri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, 
Arkansas, Indian Territory, Mississippi and Texas. 
The spring following his enlistment, in company 
with 175 men and otticers, he was detailed from 
the regiment in which he was enrolled, to form the 
2d K.ansas Artillery, which organization was kept 
up until fall, when it was so decimated that the 
men who survived were returned to their former 
regiments. The Cavalry troot) in which our sub- 
ject saw most of his army experience, took jiart in 
some of the large eiig.agements of the war, and in 
the intervals was almost continuously scouting and 
skirmishing with the bushwhackers in Missouri. 
Arkansas and Kansas. 

In the spring of 1864, Mr. Rabenstorf was ser- 
iously injured while the troops were on the Wash- 
ington River, engaged in one of their raids. His 
horse became frightened by a heavy clap of thun- 
der, and jumped a stake and rider fence with him. 
The horn of the saddle caused a rupture large 
enough to insert the hand in the wound, through 
which the bowels protruded. Mr. Rabenstorf lay 
in the hospital for more than six months, and was 
finally discharged in December, 1864. The doctor 
offered to procure him a pension, but he refused to 



188 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



talce it at that time, iioping and believing tliat he 
coulil marie a living for himself. When he after- 
ward became unfit for work on account of the in- 
jury, he accepted a pension of $8 per month, which 
he lias ever since been drawing. 

After receiving his discharge at Ft. Leavenworth, 
Mr. Robenstorf returned to his former neighbor- 
hood in Nemaha County, and a few months later 
bought a part of the land on wiiieh lie now lives, 
and in 1867 began the improvements thereon. A 
log cabin 16x26 feet, with loose fence boards for 
flooring, was his first dwelling here, and it was 
occupied by two families, as our subject was unfit 
to do heavy work, and iiad to have assistance. 
Half of all tlie crops raised were given to his 
helper. The honse cost S50, and was built by its 
owner's own hands, and the original 160 acres 
upon wliich it stood were purchased for $475. The 
homestead and the 400 acres which have been 
added to it are now well cultivated and cared for, 
and bear substantial improvements. Three houses 
are now upon the estate, the large residence which 
the owner now occupies having been erected in 
1876. It consists of a main part and L, each 1 0x28 
feet and two stories high, and all with hard finisli 
plastering and paint. The barn which is now in 
use was also erected in 1876. All the fencing upon 
the estate is done with hedges, and about 300 apple 
trees, grapes and other fruits, and a number of 
shade and ornamental trees, further beautify the 
place. All the grain raised upon it, is consumed 
for family needs and for feeding. 

At the home of the bride in Nemaha County, 
Sept. 19, 1869, the marriage rites of Mr. Rabens- 
torf and Miss Christina Zabel were celebrated. 
The bride is a daughter of Frederick and Louisa 
(Zabel) Zabel, who emigrated from the Fatherland 
when the daughter was but live years of age, and 
settled near Watertown, Wis. They afterward 
moved to Farmington County, where ilrs. Rabens- 
torf was reared and educated, and whence they 
came to Nemaha County when she was seventeen 
years of age. Her father now lives at Wetmore, a 
few miles distant from her own home. The newly 
wedded couple began their married life in the ''log 
cabin on the claim," which the young bride kept 
orderly and neat. The happy couple have been 



blessed by the birth of a large family of children, 
of whom four died in infancy. John F., the eldest 
child living, is now a lad of twelve years. Fol- 
lowing him are George W., Eddie E., Carl C, Clara 
Elizabeth, and Louisa, the baby. 

The suffrage of our subject is given to the Demo- 
cratic part}'. He and his wife belong to the Lib- 
eral Evangelical Lutheran Cliurch. 



-^- 



-^^ 



^ 



^;OHN PETER RIEDERER. proprietor of 
Elk Mills, which are extensively patronized 
by the citizens of Franklin Township, is one 
of the most popular men of his community. 
He was born in the canton of Grubenton, Switzer- 
land, June 29, 1834, and came with his parents to 
America when a lad ten years of age. They settled 
in Wisconsin, where John P. lived until a young 
man of twenty-three years. Then, in June, 1857, 
leaving the Badger State, he came to Kansas, and 
pre-empted 160 acres of wild land on section 1, 
Franklin Township, where he has since lived. In 
1880 he built a stone roller-mill, which has a capa- 
city of fifty barrels daily, and whicli he operates 
successfully in connection with his farm. The lat- 
ter is embellished with good buildings, and other 
substantial improvements, and is 240 acres in ex- 
lent. Under the careful management of the pro- 
prietor, it has become the source of a handsome 
income. 

At the age of twenty-two years, Mr. Riederer was 
married in Washington Count}-, Wis.. October. 
1856, to Miss Johanna Ilildebrandt. Tiiis lady 
was born in the Kingdom of Prussia, Oct. 26, 1838, 
and by her union with our subject, has become the 
mother of eleven children: William F. is a resident 
of Seattle, W.ash.; Loui.sa is now the wifeof William 
Zable,of Franklin Township; Elizabeth is the wife of 
Henry Boothe, of Stafford County, this State: Caro- 
line married Peter Youngdorf, a farmer of Frank- 
lin Township; F^mma, Mrs. J. B. Besore, lives in 
Ness County; Edward, Albert, Henry, and An- 
drew, are at home with their parents; Rosetta and 
Wilhelraina died at the ages of three years and 
eighteen months, respectively. Mrs. Johanna Ried- 
erer departed this life at the homestead in Frank- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



189 



lin Township. Aug. 2. 1878. She was a lad}' of 
many estimable qualities, and a member in good 
standing of the Evangelical Church. Mi'. Riederer 
is a stanch Republican, politically, and at the time 
of Price's raid, was enrolled in the State militia. 

The father of our subject was Andrew Riederer, 
a native of Switzerland, who married a Miss Dorl- 
tha, a maiden of his own country. The}" emigrated 
to America in 1 845. settling in Washington Count}', 
Wis., where they lived until 1857, then coming to 
Kansas Territory, settled in Leavenworth County. 
Two years later, they changed their residence to 
Stranger Creek, in that county, and a year after- 
ward removed to .lackson. where they spent their 
last da}s. Their family consisted of five sons and 
four daughters, of whom John Peter was the eld- 
est born. A sketch of his brother, '.Jacob, one of 
the prominent men of Liberty Township, will be 
found elsewhere in tliis volume. 



<|, IfelLLIAM GRAY. The prosperity of Jack- 
\&J/' **^"' County is due in a large measure to 
VtxP those sturdy pioneers, who, coming here 
from older States, have battled with all the hard- 
ships incumbent upon frontier life, and after ex- 
perimenting with the soil and ascertaining to what 
it is most ada|)ted, have devoted their time to es- 
tablishing pleasant homes, and placing themselves 
in independent financial circumstances. Mr. Gray 
has had his full share of the ditticulties incident to 
such an existence, an<l li.as spent much of his time 
and money in developing his homestead. Upon 
his arrival in this county he thought he could 
succeed in raising wheat, but a few expensive trials 
taught him differently. The speculation, however, 
cost him a considerable amount of money. On the 
other hand, he has found many grains which can 
be raised admirably in this soil, and to the cultiva- 
tion of these he devotes the most of his large farm. 
The father of our subject was likewise William 
Gray, a native of Kentucky. He married M.ary 
Groce, daughter of David Groce, who came at a 
very early date from his home in Kentucky to 
Clark County, Ind. William Gray, .Jr., was born 
in Bloomington, Ind., Sept. 17, 1831, and passed 



the first seventeen years of his life in farm work 
and school duties. He received a good, practical 
education, and attained a considerable reputation 
among the people of that neighborhood as a "cham- 
pion" speller. In those days spelling matches were 
a common occurrence and were attended liy farmers 
for miles around. The fortunate winner would be 
envied by his school-tnates and praised by the 
visitors, and this honor usually fell to the lot of 
our subject, who seldom failed to "spell the school 
down." 

At the age of seventeen years, Mr. Gr.ay went to 
Bedford, Lawrence County, the same State, where 
he was occupied for a period of three years at the 
tanner's trade. He later removed to Chestnut Hills, 
where he followed the same business for a period 
twenty years. He had in the meantime taken 
upon himself the responsiliility of a home, having 
been united in marriage with Elizabeth Norman, 
Jan. 24, i860. Mrs. Gray was the daughter of 
Peter and Nancy (Hays) Norman, n.atives of North 
Carolina and Illinois. In 1869 Mr. Gray sold out 
his business, having resolved to locate in the West. 
and engage in agricultural pursuits, although for 
many years he had done no farm work. He came 
alone to .lackson County in the fall of that year, 
and selected a suitable location for a home on the 
southwest quarter of section 8, Ariiiting Township. 
Here he brought his family in 1870. leaving them 
first with friends in tlie vill.age of Whiting, while 
he came on to the farm and erected a house, lGx22 
feet,which was considered at that time quite a large 
building. Mr. Gray was enal)led to purchase good 
teams, as well as the farming implements necessary 
to the cultivation of the estate. 

Prosperity has attended Mr. Gray in all his 
efforts, and he is now well situated financially. To 
his original purchase he has .added 160 acres, now 
in a good state of cultivation. On his first pur- 
chase there is an old Indian field of about twelve 
acres, which had been cultivated by the red men 
for many years. Having been reared in a wooded 
country, Mr. Gray considered timber essential to a 
good farm, and accordingly was careful when lo- 
cating his claim to select land with plenty of trees. 
He has thus not only had sulHiient wood for his 
own use, but has sold some, and given liljerally of 



190 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his bountiful supply. Most of his estate is under 
cultivutioii, some of it, however, being devoted to 
pastures. In the spruis; of 1871, he set out about 
300 apple trees, which are in splendid bearing con- 
dition. With peaches he was not so successful. 
Smaller fruits, grapes, berries, etc., grow and bear 
well, and are a perfect success. There is also a 
large grove containing over 300 evergreen trees, 
being tiie only thrifty grove of the same in Whit- 
ing Township. They are Scotch pine, about as 
high as the bouse, eight inches in diameter on an 
average, and add very materially to the attractions 
of the homestead. Of the many varieties planted 
by Mr. Gray, the Scotch pine were the only sur- 
vivors. The beautiful catalpa. with its wealth of 
foliage and blossoms, may be found amid other 
shade and forest trees. In the midst of the wide- 
spreading lawn stands the residence, comprising 
one and a half stories, attractive without and re- 
plete on the interior, with evidences of the taste 
of its inmates. In the rear are quite a number of 
sheds and stables, which are essential to a modern 
stock-farm, and to this business Mr. Gray has 
devoted his attention and labor for many years. 
He is particularly interested in cattle and hogs, 
often carrying 100 head of the former and as many 
of the latter. 

In politics, Mr. Gra}' is a supporter of the prin- 
ciples of the Republican part^', while socially, he 
belongs to the I. O. 0. F., being a member of Jack- 
son Lodge, No. 214, at Whiting. He is one of the 
most influential members of the Christian Church, 
at Whiting, and was largely instrumental in build- 
ing the church edifice in that town, at a time when 
he was financialh' embarrassed. The church cost 
over $3,100, and is one of which the village itself, 
and more especially the members of that particular 
denomination, may well be proud. As is usual in 
such cases, a few were obliged to defraj- most of 
the indebtedness incurred in its erection. 

The home of our subject is made happy by the 
presence in it of an amiable and charming wife, 
together with several, children, the most of whom 
have readied years of maturit}-, and are an orna- 
ment to any society. Josephine has received a 
splendid education, having attended the University 
at Holton and the Atchison Institute. She was 



fitted to teach, and followed that profession for 

five years, and until failure of health compelledVier 
to cease the arduous labors incident to the life of 
a good teacher. David P. married Rosa Cordon, 
and resides on a farm of his own located about six 
miles north of Holton. He and his excellent wife 
are the parents of one child. Mary received her 
education at the Campbell Normal University, and 
makes a specialty of music, in which she is quite 
proficient. Kitty also was a student at the Camp- 
bell Normal Universitj-, and is at present at home. 
William Alva is a young man at home, and assists 
his father in the farm work. Thus happily situ- 
ated, and surrounded by all the good things of 
this life, our subject has every reasonable prospect 
of passing the declining years of his useful exist- 
ence in the enjoyment of such comforts as fall to 
the lot of men. 

MICHAEL J. KAVANAGH. Among the 
prominent representatives of the press in 
Pottawatomie County, may be mentioned 
the gentleman with whose name we intro- 
duce this sketch, and who is the able and [efficient 
editor of the Butler City Neics, a paper published 
in Blaine, in the interest of the Republican party. 
Although yet in his early manhood, Mr. Kavanagh. 
by sturdy industry and honorable dealing with all 
men, as well as by the constant practice of a ready 
tact and political shrewdness, has reached his pres- 
ent enviable position, not only as a newspaper 
editor of rare ability, but as a gentleman possessing 
many admirable traits of mind and heart. 

Not only has Mr. Kavanagh become prominently 
identified with newspaper interests, but has devoted 
considerable time to farming, and is now tiie owner 
of 160 acres of valuable land in Pottawatomie 
County, which he has improved from season to 
season, embellishing it with farm buildings and 
planting out fruit and shade trees. 

Of Irish descent, our subject inherits the bold, 
sturdy characteristics of his race, and was born in 
New York City, July 17, 1864, to Michael J.J. 
and Rosanna (Carey ) Kavanagh, natives of Dublin, 
Ireland, and emigrants in early life to the land be- 




■""%». 




[PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



193 



yoiifl the waters, the resort of so many of their 
nationality. Their marriage was celebrated in Al- 
bany. N. Y., after which they removed to Jlilwan- 
kee, "Wis., and later to Madison, tiie father being a 
dry-goods merchant. For a time they sojourned 
in Lenox, Mass., and afterward removed to New 
York Cil3% which continued to be their home until 
1879, when they decided to seek a home in the Far 
West, as Kansas was then, and, indeed, is yet con- 
sidered by the people along the Atlantic Coast. 
Upon coming to Kansas they located in Pottawato- 
mie Count}-, upon a farm near Blaine. 

Of the ten children born to the parents of our 
subject, one alone survives— the gentleman of 
whom we write. He was educated at De LaSalle 
Institute, in New York City, and was bred to mer- 
cantile pursuits. The date of his arrival in Blaine 
was July 1, 1880, and there he soon became inter- 
ested in farming. In 188(5 lie leased a page of the 
Olsburg News Letter, whicii he edited in the inter- 
ests of the jjeople of Blaine and vicinity, and which 
was bright, newsy, and tilled with items of interest 
and instruction. 8o favorably was it received, and 
so much encouragement was given our subject that 
he resolved to publish it separately, and accord- 
ingly, in M.ay, 1889, issued the first number of the 
Butler Cit\' News, which lias a constantly increas- 
ing list of subscribers, and is recognized as an 
influential organ of the Re|)ublican party in Potta- 
watomie County. Mr. Kavanagh is a member of 
the Pottawatomie County Editorial Association, 
alsoof the Northwestern Editori.al Association, and 
has before him the prospect of attaining eminence 
in his particular line of work. He finds his relig- 
ious home in the Catholic Church, which was also 
the religion of his parents and ancestors. 



iy?_^ON. ALBERT C. MERRITT. No raon 
'll )| popular man can be found in Pottawatomii 
'iw County, than the Hon. A. C. Merrilt, jf)in 
((^ propri 



•e 
e 
t 
rietor of the Louisville Roller Mill, and 
interested with his partner, Jacob W. Arnold, in 
the grain business in Wamego. lie is widely known 
for the ability with which he has filled public 
oflices, and especially as i member of the .State 



Legislature, to which he was elected on the straight 
Democratic ticket, by 12.5 majoritj-, in a district 
tliat usually gave five times as great a majoritj- in 
favor of the candidates of the Republican party. 
The good judgment and straightforward dealing of 
i\Ir. Merritt are shown in the conduct of his busi- 
ness affairs, and are oven more conspicuous during 
his incumbenc\' of any public office, while his af- 
fable manners and varied knowledge, justly entitle 
him to the popularity which he enjoys, not only in 
this county, but wherever he is known. 

The parents of our subject were n.atives of the 
Empire State, in which tliej' were married, and 
where they resided until 1833. They then removed 
to Cass County, Mich., and there resided until 
death. The father, William R. Merritt, was a 
farmer and general merchant, and he survived un- 
til 1885. The mother bore the maiden name of 
Adelia Keeler, and her death took place in 1880. 

Hon. Mr. Merritt was born in Cass County, Mich., 
March 9, 1849, and is the eighth in a famil}- of ten 
children. He received a common-school education 
in the district schools, and grew to manhood in his 
native State, remaining under the parental roof un- 
til he was of age. He then began life for himself on 
a farm, his father furnishing him a team and giving 
him one-fourth the crops. After carrying on the 
home farm for a year, he bought a place, making a 
partial payment on it, and operating it for four 
3'ears. being able to paj' the balance due on it at 
the end of two 3'ears. It was a heavily timbered 
farm, and he cleared off tliirt.y-five acres of it him- 
self. During three j-ears of this time he also car- 
ried on the home farm. Selling out at the expira- 
tion of the time noted, he went to Bristol, Ind., 
and spent six months working in his father's store 
there. 

During the Centennial j'ear, Mr. Merritt came to 
this State, and locating in Louisville, bought a half- 
interest in the mill property in company with his 
brother, J. 8. Merritt. The partnership continued 
until the fall of 1884, when our subject bought his 
brother's interest, and was the sole proprietor until 
the spring of 1888, when his present partnei-, Hon. 
J. W. Arnold, became a half-owner. J. S. Merritt 
died in 188;j. The mill was erected in 186.5, re- 
modeled in 1879, again in 1881, and 1888-89. It 



194 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



is now a full roller system, and has the most mod- 
ern of improved maclilnery, giving a capacity of 
seventy-five barrels per day. It is furnished with 
both steam and water power, the latter, a twenty- 
two foot iieadlbeing the best water power in the 
county. The mill is doing a;splendid business, and 
since it was last remodeled," lias 'run continuously 
night and day, employing a force of five men. 

At tlie liome of Almiron Storey, in Cass County, 
Mich., Aug. 1, 1871, tlie gentleman of whom we 
wite, was united in marriage with Miss Elvia J. 
.Storey, daughter of the host. Mrs. Storey was the 
second in a family of three children, and was born 
Jan. 25, 1850, in the county in which her mar- 
riage took place. Her father, a prominent farmer 
of Cass County, was gathered to his fathers in 
1872, and the widowed mother now makes her home 
witli lier daughter, Mrs. Merritt. The happy union 
of our subject and bis wife, has been blessed by the 
birth of two children, only one of whom is now liv- 
ing. Myrtle, who was born in Louisville, Aug. 22. 
1 877. B3' her mother, who is an intelligent and re- 
fined ladj', the daughter is being instructed in all 
womanly graces and virtues, while all possible edu- 
cational advantages are given her. Mr. Merritt 
belongs to the A. F. & A. M., in Wamego, and 
to the I. O. O. F. in this place, being Treasurer in 
the latter order. He is at present a member of the 
City Council, and Treasurer of the School Board, 
and has frequently served as Mayor of this cit}-. 
He is much interested in politics, and until the 
year 1888, had always voted the Democratic ticket. 
Now lie is strongly in favor of Prohibition. He 
still agrees with the Democratic party on the tariff 
question, but left their ranks because of their stand 
in regard to the liquor traffic. In 1883, he re- 
presented the oCth District in the State Legislature. 
In 1885, R. S. Hicks, wlio was a short time before 
elected to the Senate, moved away, and Mr. 
Merritt was nominated in his place. Although this 
county generally gives from GOO to 800 Republican 
majoritj', Mr. Merritt carried it liy a majority of 
ninety-one, after running witliuuta canvass. This 
circumstance proves his unbounded popularity, and 
• his high repute among even his political oijponents. 
Both Mr. and ]Mis. Mefritt are members of the Con- 
gregational Church, and teachers in the Sunday- 



school department. Mr. Merritt is also Superin- 
tendent of a Mission Sundaj'-school six miles 
distant, and is a Trustee in his churcli. 

Among the portraits of influential residents and 
representative citizens of Pottawatomie Countj', we 
are pleased to present that of Sir. Merritt, who, by 
his honorable and successful "career, has won the 
highest regard and unlimited confidence of his as- 
sociates. Beside his portrait, appears that of his 
wife, whose interests aie identified with his own. 

i^^HOMAS .J. CIIEVIS. a member of the firm 
of Green, Chevis & Co., extensive dealers 
in hardware, having a well-appointed, well- 
stocked store in Holton, has for many 3'ears been a 
resident of Jackson County, and has vigorously 
aided in promoting its social, political and material 
advancement. He was for a long time identified 
with its agricultural interests, developing and im- 
proving a fine farm in Garfield Township. A Ken- 
tuckian b.y birth, our subject was born Aug. 21, 
1830, in the town of Carlisle, Nicholas County. 
His father, the Hon. Thomas M. Chevis, was born 
in Spotlsylvania County, Va., Oct. 2, 1806, a son 
of Thomas M. Chevis. The grandfather of our 
subject was an opulent Virginian planter and slave- 
owner. He sold his plantation in the Old Domin- 
ion, and removing to Kentucky with his family an'l 
slaves, was a pioneer of Nicholas County, where he 
bougiit a tract of land, which he cleared and im- 
proved into a farm, upon which he lived till the 
close of his life. 

The father of our subject inherited slaves from 
his father, besides other property. He also became 
a pioneer, removing with liis family to Clay 
County, Mo., in 1835, and subsequently locating 
on the Platte Purchase, as one of the first settlers 
of the village of Barry. He entered land from the 
Government, and bought other tracts, and became 
a large land-owner. Barry is located on the county 
line between Platte and Clay Counties, and by a 
special act of the legislature his residence was de- 
clared to be in Clay County. He engaged in the 
mercantile business, besides superintending the im- 
provement of his farm, which lie worked by slave 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



195 



labor, althous:li he never bought or sold a slave. 
He was a man of [jromiueiice, both in business cir- 
cles and in public life, and he filled many oflices of 
trust, and was a resident of Barry until his deatii. 

From an obituary taken from a local paper we 
extract the following: "Judge Chevis was one of 
ihose kind of men whose place in society is verj* 
difiicult to fill, he having lived for many years an 
exemplar}' Christian life, being a member of the 
Christian Church at Barry, Clay County, Mo., for 
many years, and one of the working members, hav- 
ing been an Elder fur fifteen or twent}' years, and 
always at his post. The Judge was a farmer by 
profession, a kind, affectionate Jiusband and indul- 
gent father; affable, kind and agreeable with all 
his neighbors and acquaintances. To know him 
was to admire and esteem him — he was upright 
and honorable in all the walks of life. He died as 
he had lived, with an unshaken faith in the merits 
of a crucified Redeemer, in whom he had long since 
put his trust. Retaining to the last moments of 
his life the use of his reasoning powers, calling liis 
deeply afflicted wife and children around his dying 
bed, he commended them to the protection of the 
Saviour, and offered up a prayer in their behalf, 
requesting them to prepare to meet him in Heaven. 
Then closing his eyes, his soul took its (light into 
the spirit land, to enjoy blessings consequent upon 
a well spent life, where sickness, sorrow, pain and 
death are feared and felt no more. 

"Tlie Judge leaves a kind, affectionate wife and 
four children to mourn, but not as those who have 
no hope, for their loss is his gain. Judge Chevis 
was born in Spottsylvauia County, Va., Oct. 2, 
1806, emigrated to Clark County, Ky., and thence 
to Clay County, Mo., in 1835, where he lias resided 
ever since up to the time of his death. He was a 
member of the County Court of Clay for a number 
of years, and was honored with a seat in the Leg- 
islature of Kentucky, and filled several civic offices 
with credit to himself. But his labors are over, 
he has passed away. His voice will no longer be 
heard in the church nor in the civil walks of life, 
but his memory will live in the breasts of all those 
with whom he had to do. He bore his affliction 
with that Christian fortitude which marked his 
whole life. He lias, we believe, received that wel- 



come 'Now thy labors are o'er, come up and enjoy 
the rest prepared for the righteous from the be- 
giningof the world.' 

" 'God moves in a mysterious way 
His wonders to perform.' 

•Let angels before him prostrate fall 
And crown him Lord of all.' " 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Annie C. Hughes, and she was a daughter of 
David Hughes. She was born either in Bourbon 
or Clark County, Ky., and died at the home farm 
in Bariy, Mo. 

Thomas Chevis, of this biography, was reared in 
Missouri, and received his education in the local 
schools that were taught on the subscription plan, 
and in the William Jewel Academy at Liberty. 
At the age of seventeen he entered his uncle G. L. 
Hughes' drug store fn that town, and clerked for 
him five j-ears. At the expiration of that time he 
became a clerk in a dry-goods store in Liberty, re- 
taining that situation four years. We next hear of 
him in St. Louis, where he obtained a situation as 
1st Clerk on a steamer plying between St. Louis 
and Keokuk. He was thus engaged five seasons, 
and in 1854 again accepted a position in a drj'- 
goods store in Clay County, Mo., in the town of 
Barry, continuing as clerk there two j'ears. His 
next important step in life was his marriage, in 
September. 1856, to Miss Anna Woods, a native of 
Howard County, Mo., and a daughter of Adam 
C. and Mary (Wilson) Woods. Their pleasant 
wedded life has been blessed to them 'oy the birth 
of six children : Mary A., wife of J. W. Lewis, of 
Jackson County; Martha J., wife of Simeon Woods, 
of Holton; Susan W., wife of Isaiah Berket, of 
Jackson County: Charles A., Thomas M.. and 
Anna. 

After marriage our subject settled down to the 
life of a farmer, buying a farm in Platte County, 
three miles west of Barry, and he was prosperously 
engaged in farming there until 1871. After dis- 
posing of his property in Platte County, Mr. Chevis 
came to this State, and to Jackson County, and 
purchased a farm in what is now Garfield Town- 
ship, three miles east of Holton. He carried on 
agricultural pursuits in that place with good finan- 
cial success for several years. Deciding to make 



196 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his home for the future in Holton. he sold his Gar- 
fiekl Township property at a gootl advance, it hav- 
ing greatl}' increased in value under his skillful 
management, and in 1884 he tooli up his residence 
in tliis city. He was soon appointed Deputy 
County Clerk, and served a little more than a vear 
with entire satisfaction to all concerned. In 1886 
he ncceiiled a position as clerk in a hardware store, 
and in 1?S8S. in tlie month of December, formed the 
l)artnership indicated in the opening lines of tliis 
review. The firm carries an excellent stock of hard- 
ware, has its full share of patronage, and has ac- 
quired a higii reputation for honorable dealings in 
business circles. 

Mr. Chevis is a stalwart Democrat in his political 
belief, and gives hearty and liberal sup|)ort to his 
parly. He is connected with the A. F. & A. M.. a 
member of Holton Lodge, No. 42. He and his wife 
are members of the Christian Church, and contrib- 
ute generously to its support, and arc always found 
among the foremost in any good work in which 
they interest themselves. Mr. Chevis is considered 
a man of sound sense, as well as of moral rectitude, 
and one who can be depended upon as entirely 
trustworthy, and as a steadfast friend, than which 
no higher praise can be given. 



EDWIN M. SHERMAN. The farming- and 
stock-raising interests of Lone Tree Town- 
1 ship recognize a worthy representative in 

the subject of this notice, a pioneer of 1870 who 
came to the Sunflower State in November, thatj-ear, 
and settled upon his present farm which comprises 
the east half of the northeast quarter of section 4. 
Thrifty, industrious and enterprising, he battled 
with the usual difficulties of life in a new country 
during the struggling days of Kansas, and has con- 
tributed his quota to her growth and prosperity. 
He feels a commendable pride in this great common- 
wealth, nhose sons have nobly stood by her side 
through sunshine and storm and who to-day liave 
reason to congratulate themselves upon their 
citizenship. 

We find by glancing at the parental history of 
Mr. Sherman, that he is the son of Abner M. and 



Mary S. (Manchester) Sherman, the former of 
whom was a New Englander Ijy birth and descent, 
and the latter a native of New Brunswick. Abner 
Sherman was liorn in Vermont, May 11, 1800, and 
was reared among the hills of the Green Moun- 
tain State. Being of an ambitious cast of mind he 
turned his eyes toward the far West at an early date, 
resolved to cast in his lot with the venturesome spir- 
its who were migrating hither. He selected his lo- 
cation in Winnebago County, 111., and remained a 
bachelor until nearly thirty-eight years old. On 
the 2d of March, 1838. he was united in marriage 
with Jliss Mar}' Sophia Manchester, who was her 
husband's junior by nearl}' twenty j-ears, having 
been born March 20, 1820. They settled on what is 
now part of the township of Rockford. 111., where the 
elder Sherman had secured 160 acres of land. He 
carried on farming in Illinois until about 1863 and 
was recognized as one of the leading citizens in his 
community, being honest, industrious and a life-long 
member of the Baptist Church. He came to Kansas 
in 1870. and died in Lone Tree Township, Potta- 
watomie Count}-, Sept. 6, 1883, when past eighty- 
three years old. His wife Mary is stdl living and is 
in the seventieth year of her age; she makes her 
home with her daughter in Lone Tree Township. 
She likewise has been a life-long member of the 
Baptist Church. 

Edwin M. Sherman is the youngest of the three 
surviving children of his parents, the other two 
being James E. and Mrs. Kate Tunison, wife of 
Wardell W. Tunison, a resident of Lone Tree Town- 
ship. Edwin M. was born in Winnebago County, 
111., March 8, 1845, and was there reared to man's 
estate, assisting his father on the farm and acquiring a 
practical education in the common school. He was 
but a youth of seventeen years upon the breaking 
out of the Rebellion and on the 9th of August, 
1862, enlisted in the Union army as a member of 
Company H, 74th Illinois Infantry, which he soon 
joined in Kentucky and soon afterward participated 
in the battles of Champion Hill, Stone River, Chat- 
tanooga, Missionary Ridge and Chickamauga. He 
was with the detachment that was sent to the 
relief of Burnside at Knoxville, and subsequently 
participated in all of the engagements of the Atlanta 
campaign, his corps being the one which tore up 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



197 



the railroad running- out of Atlanta, thus forcing 
the Confederates who were within the city to de- 
stroy eighty carloads of amniLinition and supplies. 
Later he was under the command of General 
Thomas during his campaign in Tennessee, taking 
part in the two engagements at Nashville and the 
bloody fight at Franklin. Young Sherman was 
always to be found at his post and on the 1st of 
May, 1865, was promoted to Corporal. Prior to 
this, July 4, 1864, he was wounded at the battle of 
Peach Tree Creek, Ga. but soon recovered and re- 
joined his regiment. After the close of the war he 
received his honorable discharge, being mustered 
out .Tune 10, 1865. 

After leaving the army Mr, Sherman settled iu 
AVinnebago County, 111., where he engaged iu farm- 
ing and sojourned until 1870. In November of that 
3'ear he came to Kansas and secured the land 
which he now owns and occupies. He was aecom- 
pied by his young wife, to whom he had been 
married in Winnebago County, 111., June 20, 1869. 
.She was formerly Miss Betsey, daughter of Ben- 
jamin Allen, who has for some years been a resi- 
dent of Pottawatomie Count3', Kan. Mr. and Mrs. 
Sherman were reared together from childhood and 
of their congenial union there have been born eight 
children, namely : Ella. Edward, Elmer, Eli, Mary 
Jane, Asa, Glad\s and Letitia. Jlr. and Mrs. 
Sherman with their two eldest children are mem- 
bers in good standing of the Baptist Church. 
Politically. Mr. Sherman supports the princii)les 
of the Republican Part}-. 




EORGE W. BRASSBRIDGE. One of the 
line farms of Franklin Townshii) is owned 
bj- the subject of tliis sketch, who settled 
upon it in 1870, shortly after his marri.age. He 
was reared on a farm, and has alwa^'s followed 
.agricultural [ivirsuits. He brought to the cultiva- 
tion of his own place the experience gained iu 
early life, and added to it the enthusiasm that 
usually urges a man to do his best for that which 
is to be his home and the dwelling-place of those 
who arc dependent upon him. Energy, industry 
and wise economy have transformed the wild prai- 



rie where the Indian roamed in search of game, to 
the fields of waving corn, with plumy banners 
tossed aloft to catch the golden sunlight or nod a 
friendly welcome to every passing breeze, and 
acres of }'ellow grain hanging tlieir heavy lieads as 
though mindful of the iluty of providing sus- 
tenance for the master, man. 

Mr. Brassbridge is the owner of 206 acres of 
land on section 26, upon which he has made good 
improvements and erected a fine lot of buildings, 
enough to shelter his stock and farm productions, 
and has also a handsome, well-built modern house 
for the dwelling-place of himself and famllj'. In 
addition to fruit trees, he has a fair amount of land 
devoted to the purpose of tree culture, which 
serves the double i)urpose of affording shelter to 
the stock of tlij farm and of furnishing fuel for 
domestic uses. 

Our subject was born Nov. 11, 1848. in Lee 
County, Iowa, on the farm of his father, George 
W. Brassbridge. The latter was a native of New 
York. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth 
Gibeson, a native of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. 
G. W. Brassbridge, Sr., first settled in Lee County, 
lowa.where they remained some years, then removed 
to Kansas, and located on section 26 in what was 
then Calhoun Count}', but is now Jackson County. 
Their home was in what is now Franklin Township, 
and they passed the remainder of their lives in 
that place. The death of Mr. Brassbridge took 
place in the fall of 1864, and that of Mrs. Brass- 
bridge Dec. 24, 1888. They had only two children, 
of whom our subject was the elder. 

When the jsarents of Mr. Brassbridge removed 
to Kansas in July. 185G, he accompanied them, 
and. as before stated, remained at home until his 
marriage, when he started in life for himself. On 
the 21st of December, 1870, our subject and Miss 
Harriet Jones were united in the bonds of matri-. 
mon}'. She is a daughter of Harlan C. and Ruth 
H. (Zell) Jones and w.as born in Indiana, Nov. 20, 
1852. The parents of Mrs. Brassbridge vvere na- 
tives of Alabama and Virginia respectively. They 
first located in Warren County, Ohio, and then re- 
moved to Pike County, Ind. In the fall of 1 855 the}" 
emigrated to what is now J.ackson County. Kan., 
and settled in Cedar Township, where he died April 



198 



PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



12, 1 870. Mrs. Jones survives, at an advanced age. 
They were the parents of ten children, of whom 
Mrs. Brassbridg-e was the ninth. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brassbridge are the parents of seven 
cliildren, of whom one, George Lorin, is in heaven. 
Their names in order of birth are here given as 
follows: Bertha A., born Oct. 27, 1871 ; Lenna E., 
Jan. 12, 1873; Ruth L., Sept 8, 1874; Myrtle M., 
Oct. 7, 1876; George Lorin, born May 27. 1879, 
died Feb. 5, 1889; Harriet E., born Jan. 22, 1881; 
and Clyde E., April 2. 1884. In politics Mr. Brass- 
bridge is a stalwart Republican. He is a member 
of the Farmers' Alliance, and Mrs. Brassbridge is a 
conscientious member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. As a family, they stand high in the 
esteem of the communitj". and tiieir influence is al- 
ways felt for good. 




JOSEPH HILL, a native of Missouri, was 
born in Andrew County, April 2, 1843. His 
parents, William C and Mclinda (Wells) 
Hill, were born in Tennessee. They were 
married, and made their first home in Pettis County, 
Mo., whence they removed to Andrew County, the 
same .State. Their third and last removal was 
to Doniphan County. Kan., in which place Mrs. 
Hill died, in November, 18G2. Mr. Hill is still a 
resident of that couut3', his home being on section 
30. Burr Oak Township. Mr. and Mrs. William 
C. Hill were the parents of six children, two sons 
and four daughters. Joseph was the second child 
of the familj-, and lived with his parents on the 
farm, in Andrew County, Mo., until April. 1855, 
when he accompanied them to Doniphan County, 
Kan. 

Our subject remained under the parental roof 
until Aug. 2, 18G2. That most terrible scourge of our 
nation, the Civil War.had then been raging through- 
out the land for more than a year, and the friends 
of the Union were greatlj' depressed at the prospect 
of a much less speedy termination of the struggle 
than had been hoped for a year before. On the date 
given above, which was, perhaps, the most gloomy 
period of the war for the Northern army, our sub- 



ject, believing that diit}' called him to the assist- 
ance of his patriotic brethren, who were striving 
to maintain the honor of the old flag against the 
hordes who would have gladly trailed it in the 
dust, enlisted in Company A, 13th Kansas Infantry-, 
and served from that time forward to the close of 
the war. He w.as mustered out of service, June 
2G, 18G5.at Little Rock, Ark., and returned shortly 
afterward to the farm in Doniphan County, Kan. 

Mr. Hill has many interesting experiences to re- 
late of the conflict when '-Greek met Greek." but 
only one can be given here. During the time that 
the contending forces were disputing possesssion 
of the soil of Arkansas, alternately fighting and re- 
treating, our subject was unfortunately attacked 
with malarial fever, and sent to the hospital at 
Cane Hill. A sudden sortie of the Confederate 
troops surprised the Union wing stationed there, 
and compelled them to retreat without being able 
to carry off their sick, who thus fell into the hands 
of the enemy and were claimed as prisoners. A 
few hours, however, sufficed to rally the Union 
forces, and the}', in turn, fell on the Confederates 
and drove them from their position, rescuing the 
prisoners before they had experienced much of the 
unpleasantness of their condition. 

Upon the return of Mr. Hill to Doniphan County, 
he resumed the business of farming, remaining there 
until 1879, when he removed to Jackson Countj-, 
Kan., and settled in Soldier Township, in which 
place he rented a farm for four j'ears. At the ex- 
liiration of that time he went to Liberty Town- 
ship, and located on section 26, where he has since 
resided. He owns 160 .acres of laml, under good 
cultivation, and otherwise improved. 

iSIr. Hill and Miss Annie E. Majors were mar- 
ried. Oct. 7.1881, in St. Joseph. Mo. Mrs. Hill 
was born in Doniphan County, Kan.. Sept. 4, 1860, 
and is a sweet, loveable woman, who has hosts of 
friends. The union has been fruitful in the birth 
of four children, who are named respectively: 
John C, Jesse R., Gracie and Joseph 0. Jesse 
R. died when about one year old. Mr. Hill was 
elected Township Trustee in 1886, and has served 
ever since that time. He also filled the some office 
for three years while a resident of Burr Oak Town- 
ship. He is a member of Will Mendell Post, No. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



199 



46. G. A. R., also of the A. O. U. W., and was a 

inembcr of the Farmers' Alliance while a resident 
of Doniijhan County. Our subject is highl\' es- 
teemed lij iiis neighliors and friends, both in his 
capacit}' as a public servant, and in his private re- 
lations as a citizen and gentleman. 



\f OSEPH DEGRAW. This gentleman is a 
I ! member of the well-known Degraw family 

di which came to Pottawatomie County, twenty 
I ' years before the building of a railroad in 
this region, and before the present flourishing town 
of Oiiaga had an existence. He removed thither 
with his family from Clayton County. Iowa, where 
he had lived for twenty years, and imi)roved a farm 
from a tract of school land. Since coming to Kan- 
sas, he has been greatly prospered, being now the 
owner of 400 broad acres, lying on either side of 
the A'ermilion River, well-stocked and in a high 
state of cultivation. There is probably not a finer 
estate in Mill Creek Township, lying as it does in 
the vicinity of Onaga, on section 35, and being 
well-watered by the Vermilion River. 

The subject of this sketch was born near the city 
of Rochester. N. Y., May 13, 1822, and is the son 
of .Samuel Degrav?, a native of Delaware. The lat- 
ter descended from Holland-Dutch stock, and was 
the son of Cornelius Degraw, who was likewise a 
native of Holland, and whose ancestry flourished in 
the Netherlands generations ago. After emigrating 
to America, Cornelius Degraw was married, and 
spent the greater part of his life thereafter in the 
State of Delaware. Prior to his death, however, 
be removed across the border into Canada, and 
there died in the Province of Ontario, together 
with his estimable wife, when ripe in years. 

Samuel Degraw was one of a large familj' born 
to his parents, and spent his boyhood and youth in 
Delaware. There he was also married to Miss Eliza- 
beth Utle^-, who vv.as of ancestrj^ similar to himself, 
and born in the same State. After they became 
the parents of two children, they removed to the 
vicinity of Rochester, N. Y.. where their son, .Jo- 
seph was added to the household circle. A few 
years later they went into the Dominion, settling 



in the London district. Province of Ontario, and 
where the mother died when about sixty years old. 
Samuel Degraw, after the death of his wife went to 
the home of his daughter, Mrs. Wealthy Whiting, 
in Michigan, and died there when past eighty 3-ears 
of age. Both he and his estimable wife had 
been lifelong members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

After his father's removal to Canada, .Toseph De- 
graw sojourned with the family until his marriage 
to Miss Jaue Gregg. This lad}' was born near 
Lancashire, Lower Canada, Aug. 15, 1825. and was 
the daughter of Reuben and Mary (Bruce) Gregg, 
who were natives of Vermont. Reuben Gregg was of 
Irish extraction, and his wife of Scotch descent, and 
American parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Crregg went 
to Canada when young people, and were married 
in the citv of Montreal, where Mr. Gregg Ijegan 
life .as a carpenter. Later they removed to Upper 
Canada, settling in the London district, where they 
sojourned until 1847. They then came over into 
the States with tiieir daughter and son-in-law. Mr. 
and Mrs. Degraw of this sketch. They died in 
Clayton County, Iowa, both having passed their 
fourscore years. Mr. Gregg, religiously, was a 
stanch Presbyterian, while his wife held to the doc- 
trines of the Methodist Episcop:il Church. 

To the parents of Mrs. Degraw there was born a 
large family. She likewise is tlie mother of eleven 
children, two of whom. Clarinda and Walter, died 
young; Jonas married an Iowa lady, and is living 
in Kossuth County, that State, following his trade 
of a blacksmith at Whittemore; Reuben married 
Miss Mary Williams, and they live on a farm in 
Stafford County, this State; Glendore married .Miss 
Mary Wise, and they reside on a farm in Oregon; 
George W. married Eliza J. Thomas, and is a pros- 
perous farmer of Mill Creek Township; he is repre- 
sented elsewhere in this work. Samuel Byron 
married Miss Anna Bothel. and the}- live in Hen- 
nesay. Indian Ter.; Maiy G. is the wife of Eugene 
Gillett, a farmer of Mill Creek Township; Sanford 
A. married Miss Reaca Schroder, and lived on a 
farm in Saguache County, Colo; he was a large 
cattle farmer until his death, which occurred Dec. 
21, 1889. Etta H is the wife of E. C. Dower, a 
grocery man of Pueblo, Colo; Warren O. marrieil 



200 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Miss E. Guffa, and was in the cattle business with 
his brother Sanford in Colorado, until the death of 
the latter. 

Mrs. Degraw is a member of the Congregational 
Church, and Mr. Degraw politically, votes the 
straight Rei)ublican ticket, and is considered one of 
the representative men of his township. With re- 
ference to the death of their son, Sanford, we in- 
sert the following clipping from one of tlie local 
papers: "Joseph Degraw and wife returned from 
their trip to Saguache, Colo., last Friday, accom- 
panied by the two eldest daughters of their son, 
Sanford, who recentl}' died at that place, and 
tlie news of whose critical illness was the cause 
of their trip. They started immediately upon the 
receipt of tlie sad news, but arrived only to find 
that their beloved son had passed away, and his re- 
mains consigned to their last resting place. It 
was a sore affliction to these aged people to be thns 
suddenly bereft of a beloved son, and the more 
that they were denied the sad satisfaction of hold- 
ing him by the hand, and whispering words of hoi)e 
and cheer as his feel neared the dark river. His 
death was calm and peaceful, with no fears of the 
great hereafter to opi)ress his dying moments. In 
answer to a question in regard to his soul's welfare, 
he replied: "I build my hopes on nothing less than 
Jesus' blood and righteousness." The many friends 
of the deceased in this city and vicinitj', express 
and trul}' feel, the liveliest sympathy for the be- 
reaved family, and deepl}' regret the untimely de- 
cease of this worthy young man." 



Tl 



I ES.SE E. ELLIOTT. The pioneer history of 
Jackson County would be wholly- incom- 
(ilete witliout due mention of Mr. I^lliott, a 
veteran of nearly sixtj'-two years, whose 
foot pressed the soil of Kansas Territory as early 
as 1856. In the spring of that j'ear he came, with 
his wife and three children, to what is now Jack- 
son, but was then known as Calhoun Countj'. He 
entered a claim from the Government in tlie north- 
east corner of section 8, in wiiat is now Liberty 
Township, put up a log cabin and set about the 
improvemeut of his property. The country around 



him was in its primitive state, abounding in wild 
animals and Indians, and gave little evidence of 
its future greatness. The sturdy pioneer saw be- 
fore him hardsiiip, labor and privation, but he 
proved equal to the emergency and came off with 
flying colors. 

Tiic subject of this notice was born in Alabama, 
Dec. 5, 1827. When he was but an infant his par- 
ents removed to Marion County, Mo., where he 
lived until a youth of sixteen j-ears. Then starting 
out for himself he emigrated to Memphis, Tenn., 
where he spent one winter, working with his father. 
who was a carpenter. In the spring of 1844 the 
family all removed to Mississippi, where young 
Elliott remained about one 3'ear, and then went 
back to Missouri and located in Platte County. In 
the spring of 1845 hecommencetl farming for him- 
self, and sojourned there for a period of ten 3'ears. 

In the meantime, when eighteen and one-half 
years old, Mr. Elliott was married, on the 3d of 
Maj', 1846, to Miss Elmira Cook. This lady was 
born in Tennessee, Sept. 21, 1826. In the spring 
of 1856, Mr. Elliott, with his wife and family, set 
out for Kansas, and his subsequent movements we 
have already indicated. They have been pros- 
pered in their labors, and have now a snug home- 
stead of 110 acres, where they live comfortaljh- 
and enjoy the respect of all who know them. Mr. 
Elliott at one time was the owner of 360 acres of 
land. Their first humble dwelling long since gave 
way to a more modern residence, and the rude 
sheds which he first erected have been supplanted 
by other structures, better adapted to the shelter 
of stock and the storage of grain. 

There were born to this worthy couple eight 
children, only four of whom lived to mature years: 
Josiah J. is farming in Jefferson Township; Charles 
A. operates a good farm in Liberty Township; 
Laura J. is the wife of David Keyser, of Nemaha 
County, Kan. ; Jesse E. is a blacksmith b}- trade, 
and cast his lot with the new settlement in Okla- 
homa. Mr. Elliott cast his first Presidential vote 
for Cass, and has alwa\s maintained his allegiance 
to the Democratic party. In former years he was 
a Constable in Liberty To'wnship, and also heUl the 
offices of Trustee and School Director. Both he 
and his estimable wife are prominently connected 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



201 



with the United Brethren Church. During their 
residence of thirt3'-three years in tlie Sunflower 
State they have witnessed scenes, and undergone 
experiences which, if properly detailed, would fill 
a good-sized volume. While enduring the liard- 
ships and privations of life on tlie frontier, they also 
assisted in the growth and development of their 
adopted Slate, and their names will be held in 
kindly remembrance long after they have been 
gathered to their fathers. 



P^NRY PITCHER, now deceased, became a 
resident of Pottawatomie County in April, 
1865, settling in what is now Grant Town- 
'^y) ship when it was an almost unbroken prairie, 
and when Indians were frequent callers at the few 
scattered homes in this vicinity. He first procured 
eighty acres of fine prairie land for which he was 
obliged to go in debt, but being thrifty and hard 
working, he was ere long enabled to pay his indebt- 
edness and secure an additional eighty acres, finally 
adding another forty acres, and putting the whole 
under improvement, suppljing it with good stock 
in sufiieient numbers, and erecting upon it a suit- 
able set of buildings. The place is well watered 
and its soil is capable of producing most excellent 
crops. While enduring the trials which fall to the 
lot of a poor man in a new country, Mr. Pitcher 
lived not for himself alone, but for the future good 
of his famil}', taking an intelligent interest in the 
growth and development of the count\- and rejoic- 
ing in the prosperity which he saw about him. 

The birth of Mr. Pitcher took place in Saxony. 
German)', and his natal day was Feb. 20, 182;i. 
The family of which he was a descendant is an old 
and honorable one in that Kingdom. His father, 
John Pitcher, was a tailor bj' trade and died in 
Saxony when thirty-five years old, his death being 
caused by that dread disease, consumption. He had 
married Effie Magdalina Fox, of Schleswig Hol- 
stein, who survived him thirty-four years, her 
death taking place March 2, 1865, when she had 
reached the age of sixty-nine years. Both parents 
were life-long members of the Lutheran Church. 

The parental family was made up of five sons 



and three daughters, and our subject was the third 
ill order of birth. The family was reduced to the 
widowed mother and four sons in 1848, when the 
survivors set out for the United States on a sailing 
vessel, which was six weeks making the voyage 
across the Atlantic Ocean. After landing in the 
American metropolis, the sous secured a home for 
their mother and then all found work in the ad- 
joining country as farm laborei-s, in this way su|)- 
poting their mother and maintaining themselves 
until all were grown and married. The mother 
was never forgotten by her dutiful sons, but was 
cheerfully and comfortably maintained by them 
until her death which occurred in Indiana. 

Henry Pitcher, in 1848, in Rensselaer Count}', 
N. Y., met and married Miss Louisa AVagner, a 
daughter of George and C. Elizabeth (Graft) AYag- 
ner. The bride was born in Hesse-Darmstadt in 
May, 1830, and was a child of but six years when 
her parents came to the United States, where she 
was reared, remaining with her mother until her 
marriage, when she and her husband settled on a 
farm in the count}- in which their marriage took 
place, remaining there until 1852. They then re- 
moved to Williamsport, AVarren Co., Ind., where 
they lived urilil 1865, when they became residents 
of this townshi|), as before stated. Mrs. Pitcher 
is the mother often children, all still living exce[)t 
Louis, who was accidentally drowned in a cistern 
in the cellar of the house, when he was three years 
old. Three of the children who survive are now 
married and living in homes of their own. Charles 
liecame the husband of Miss Hannah Higgins; 
Adam married Miss Mary S. Shaw; and John, Miss 
Mary DeAVitt; and all are farming in this town- 
ship. AA'illiam and Fred are at home and assist in 
carrying on the farm. Carrie, Matilda, Catherine 
R., and Henry, Jr., complete the home circle. 

The father of Mrs. Pitcher was born in Ilesse- 
Darmstadt and iier mother in the Rhine Provinces. 
They were married in Hesse, and there Mr. AVag- 
ner followed the trade of a wagon-maker until 
1836, when with his wife and thi-ee children he 
took passage for America. One son. George Jr., 
remained with a wealthy uncle in Germany, while 
Jacob, John and Louisa accompanied tlieir parents 
to the I'nited Stales, The voyage was made on a 



202 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



sailer, and three months was consumed in the pas 
sage from Bremer Haven to New York City. After 
landing Mr. Wagner settled on a farm in Rensse- 
laer County, N. Y., and continued his agricultural 
pursuits there until his death, which occurred in 
1841, he being then forty years of age. One son — 
Petei' — was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagner in that 
county. The widow continued to reside there 
until 1877, when she was called from earth at the 
ripe age of seventy-five j-ears. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
Wagner were members of the Lutheran Church and 
highly respected people, who learned to love 
America and placed it side by side with their na- 
tive Empire in their affections. 

Mr. Pitchei-, the subject of this sketcli. was a 
Democrat in liis political faith and practice. He 
was a worthy and respected citizen of this county, 
and his death, which took place at his home, 
March 10, 1888, was deeply regretted by his fel- 
low-citizens, who recognized in him an uprightness 
and Christian manhood which won their lasting es- 
teem. He died in the faith of the Methodist 
Church, of which his widow is also a member, the 
comforts of her religion affording her great con- 
solation in her sad bereavement. 

-^ ^-^ ^^ 



fOHN KELLY. Prominent among the self- 
, , made men of Cedar Township, Jackson 
i Count>', is Mr. Kelly, who came to Kansas 
(^^y poor in purse, and who by a course of per- 
severing industry has become well-to-do. He has 
been quite prominent in local affairs, serving as 
Township Treasurer eight 3ears, and has also filled 
the offices of Trustee and Assessor, serving in the 
latter caiiacity his second term at the present time. 
iSociall}', he belongs to the G. A. R., while he and 
his estimable wife are memliers in good standing 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, 
Mv. Kelly is a sound Republican. 

The sulijecl of this sketch was born in West- 
moreland County, Pa., Oct 14, 1840, and was 
reared in the town of Donegal, being educated in 
its common schools. In 1859, when a youth of 
nineteen years, he emigrated to Ohio, and followed 
the occupation of a shoemaker until the outbreak 



of the Civil War. He enlisted the first year, 1861, 
in Company F, 19th Ohio Infantry, which was 
assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and 
served until the close. Most of the members of the 
regiment then veteranized, Mr. Kelly among the 
rest, and he participated in some very hotly con- 
tested battles, namely : Pittsburg Landing, Stone 
River and others. He suffered considerably from 
illness, and was confined for a time iu the hospital. 
Although experiencing some hair-breadth escapes, 
he was neither wounded nor captured, coming out 
without a scratch after a service of four years and 
three months. He was mustered out at San An- 
tonio, Tex , then returned to Columbus, Ohio, 
where he received his pay and an honorable dis- 
charge. 

Returning now to Stark County, Ohio, Mr. Kelly 
engaged in farming, and after his marriage, in 
1868, removed to LaGrange County, Ind. Four 
years later he pushed on further Westward into Illi- 
nois, living in Vermillion County one year. In 

1872 he crossed the Mississippi into Northern Kan- 
sas, and was a resident of this county one year. In 

1873 he purchased 120 acres of land on section 24, 
Cedar Township, which constitutes his present 
farm. Here he has erected good buiMings, planted 
an orchard, and effected other improvements, and 
now has a very fertile farm, with plenty of timber 
and well watered. He has been usually successful, 
only suffering from a failure of cruixs in 1874, 
although then his wheat was fairly good. 

The father of our subject was .lohn Kelly, Sr., a 
native of New York State, who removed to Penn- 
sylvania when a young man, and there spent the 
remainder of his life. He was a shoemaker by 
trade, which he followed during his years of active 
lab-iir. He was mniried, in early manhood, to Miss 
Elizabeth Bliss, whose family was original!}' from 
the New England States, but later settled in Penn- 
sylvania. John, .Ir., was the second of four chil- 
dren born of this union, and spent his chiklhood 
and youth in a comparatively uneventful manner 
under the home rofif. Then departing from the 
family hearthstone he came to Kansas, and is the 
only member of his family residing in this State, 
the others remaining in Pennsylvania. The wife of 
Mr. Kelly was. in her girlhood, Miss Elizabeth 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



203 



Swan, a (laughter of Levi Swair. a native of Ohio, 
anrl a farmer by occu|)ation. Mrs. Kelly was born 
Feb. 25, 1843, and by her iniion with our subject 
has become the mother of eight children, viz.: 
Orpha, Clara, Olive, Mary, William, Walter and 
Eva. Charles is deceased, dying in infancy. 



-%/W -\tjiC£;®-j@» 



.i-gj^j/zraTt^v^ -\/v»«- 




this gentleman took place in Pottawatomie 
County, and his whole life has been con- 
nected with the interests of this section, 
of which he is now one of the most progressive and 
prosperous farmers. He resides in Mill Creek 
Township, where he owns 700 acres of valuable 
land, the home farm comprising 400 acres located 
on section 9. It is well supplied with living water, 
is well stocked, and furnished with a complete and 
well-built set of farm buildings, and the whole 
estate is conducted in accordance with the intelli- 
gent understanding and approved methods of the 
progressive agriculturist. 

The father of our subject was W. F. Kolterman, 
a native of the Province of Pomerania, Prussia, 
where his birth took place Jan. 23, 1822. There 
he was reared as a Cxerman farmer boy, following 
the occupation in which his father had been en- 
gaged. He lost his mother while he was very 
young, and his father before he had reached man's 
estate. Having reached years of maturity, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Hannah L. Brunkow, 
who was born and reared in the same Province 
with himself. After the birth of three children — 
Christopher, Sophia and William F., Jr. — Mr. and 
Mrs. Kolterman emigrated to the United States in 
1856, landing in New York City some weeks after 
leaving the German port. They atonce journe^'ed 
Westward, and reaching Monroe, Wis., sojourned 
there a year, thence coming to this State, their 
journey being made by ox-team, and requiring some 
weeks' time. They brought with them a couple of 
cows and some household goods, and during the 
trip camped by the wayside for their needed rest 
and refreshment. 

On reaching this county, Mr. Kolterman took a 
pre-emption claim of 160 acres on section 18, Mill 



Creek Township, where he began farming as one 
of the first .settlers of the township. j;ven the 
county was still new and sparsely settled, but he 
lived to see it all converted into pleasant homes, 
wilii towns and villages springing up in their 
midst. He improved a large amount of land, and 
before his death had become the owner of more 
than 1,400 acres. He was not only hard-working 
and oiergetic, but cautious and prudent, and to 
these qualities were due the large measure of suc- 
cess which resulted from his labors. He was an 
excellent citizen, loved and respected by all who 
knew him for his manly and upright character. He 
was a stanch Democrat, and during his life held 
some of tlie minor offices. He and his wife belonged 
to the Lutheran Church, and were among the or- 
ganizers of the society in this part of the county, 
an<1 Mr. Kolterman had been an official member 
most of the time, holding the office of Elder at the 
time of his death, Sept. 15, 1882. Mrs. Kolter- 
man is still living on the old farm, and is quite 
active for one so old. her birth having taken place 
May G, 1824. 

Four children were Ijorn to Mr. and Mrs. Kolter- 
man, Sr.. after their arrival in this State. He 
whose name initiates this notice is the first of these, 
the others being P>nest and Pauline (twins), and 
Lizzie, all still living and married, as are two of 
those who were born in Germany. The eldest 
child, Christian, died soon after the parents came 
to this State, and before he had passed the 3'ears of 
childhood. 

Our subject first opened, his eyes to the light 
Nov. 11, 1857, on his father's homestead in Mill 
Creek Township, where he remained until he be- 
came of age. He was married in Nemaha County, 
to Miss Minnie A. Brunkow, who was born in 
Prussia, July 3, 18G2, and came with her parents — 
William F. and Caroline (Zabel) Brunkow — to the 
United States in 1869. The parents, who arc now 
quite aged, are living in this township, where the 
father has been successfully eugageil in farming. 
Mrs. Minnie Kolterman was reared in this county, 
and was the recipient of the best educational ad- 
vantages to be obtained here, as well as excellent 
home training. She has borne her husband three 
children: Emma L., born March 22, 1886; Otto E,, 



204 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



July 29, 1887, and Ella A., May 19, 1889. Im- 
mediately after their marriage, our subject and his 
wife settled at their present place of residence, and 
there the happy family are enjoying the comforts 
of life and the frequent companionship of their 
friends. 

Mr. Kolterman is a believer in and supporter of 
the principles of the Democratic party. He has been 
Township Trustee and has also held other offices. 
He and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church, 
and not only by the members of the congregation, 
but by their fellow-citizens in general, they are 
held in excellent repute. 



'-^^>^^^k^e^y^^f^ 



jjp^ IDNEY W. MARTIN. There is not a more 

^^^ beautiful homestead within the limits of 
]ll/_jl) Whiting Township, Jackson County, than 



>f 
lan 
that belonging to Mr. Martin. The fine 
residence stands upon a rise of ground command- 
ino- an ample view of the outlying towns of Neta- 
waka, Hiawatha and Wliiting, and in point of 
architectural beauty, is scarcely equaled by any- 
thino- in its vicinity. It is two stories in height, 
with double bay windows on the east, and 130 
feet of porch, handsomely finished, the whole 
involving an outlay of ^3,000. This beautiful 
home forms the nucleus of .550 acres of valuable 
laud, all under cultiv.ation, and largely adapted to 
the raising and feeding of cattle, horses and swine, 
Mr. Martin keeping of these usually 100 of the 
first mentioned, 7.') of the second, and 2.50 of the 
third. He has been greatly prospered in his under- 
takings, and is looked upon as one of the leading 
men of this county. 

A Kentuckian b3- birth, the subject of this sketch 
was born in Estill County, that State, Nov. 2, 1846, 
and nine years later, in 185.5, came with his parents 
directly to Kansas. First repairing to Louisville, 
they journeyed thence by a river steamer to St. 
Louis, and from there overland to Bucluinan 
County, Mo., where they sojourned three months. 
They then removed to a point four miles west of 
Atchison, Kan., taking possession of a place which 
the .Mormons had helil, but were forced to leave. 
Atchison at that time consisted of one store, and a 



small number of »ther buildings utilized as saloons. 
The Martin family lived there until Sidney devel- 
oped into manhood, during which time he acquired 
his early education, under the imperfectly con- 
ducted school sj'stem of that time and place. 

]\Ir. Martin was married, in the twenty-second 
year of his age, at Atchison, Feb. 20, 18G8, to Miss 
Molly White. The bride was the daughter of 
George B. and Mary E. (Lindsey) White, both 
natives of Kentuck}', and the father born in Wood- 
ford County. He, too, left the Blue Grass regions 
at an early da}% removing to Missouri, where he 
lived for a period of twenty years, from 1843 to 
1863. He then took up his residence in Atchison. 
where he lived until 1887. 

The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Martin was 
Richard Lindsey, of Carroll County, Ky. Her 
paternal grandparents were William and Mildred 
(Blackburn) White, of Kentucky, the former of 
whom was a son of John White, of Henry County, 
that St.ate. The Blackburns were a noted family, 
possessing more than ordinary- intellectual abilities, 
and furnishing one Governor and one Senator, 
besides numerous other officers to the State. 

The parents of our subject were Jackson H. and 
Polly (Walters) Martin, the latter the daughter of 
Sampson Walters, and the former the son of Rob- 
ert Martin, who descended from one of the -'first 
families of Virginia." Sidney Martin, while a 
young man, being of an adventurous siiirit. had a 
great desire to fight the Indians, and in 1862 went 
with the Twoshaw expedition, taking along a lot 
of goods which he traded for furs, using an ox- 
team for transportation. Subsequently he hauled 
goods to Denver, Col., and then returned as far as 
Ft. Kearney, where he entered the employ of 
another firm and returned to Denver, this trip 
occupying most of the winter. In 1864 he made 
another trij) to Denver, in the employ of one G. T. 
Smith, a hardware merchant at that place. On 
account of a sick child Mrs. Smith could not go in 
the stage, and her husband got ready a team and 
employed Mr. Martin to drive through. At the 
time of starting lliey had no intimation of any 
Indian troubles, but when reaching Big Sandy 
Creek, the_y met the Blue River ranchmen, hasten- 
ing to the settlements with their families, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



205 



reporting that the savages were on the war path. 
Mr. Martin and his charges staid over night with 
a family, leaving by daybreali. and the following 
night learned that the family wa* murdered after 
they had left. While on the road that morning he 
iiad met a young man who lived near them, whose 
body was afterward found a few hundred yards 
away. Mr. Martin and his party, however, did 
not see any Indians, and the next day arrived at 
Ft. Kearney. On their way thither thej^ overtook 
a train with eleven men and two women, from 
Council Bluffs, and as the scare vvas assuming large 
proportions they remained Witli the train until 
reaching their destination. 

The next day was Sunday, and Mrs. Smithj 
who was a conscientious Presbyterian, wonld not 
allow her escort to drive on thatdav; the re- 
mainder of the train, however, continued on their 
way, and Mr. ilartin and his charge started out 
Monday morning long before daylight, witii a 
good team and a light wagon, and overtook the 
caravan which had pursued its way on the Sab- 
bath. Mr. Martin sto()ped to water his horses 
at a ranche on the way, and while leaving it saw 
the wagons ahead on fire, and the Indians on the 
bluffs. They had descended on the train in the 
night, and killed the eleven men, taking the two 
women captives. There was a slough, and Mr. 
Martin drove down that for quite a distance, and 
in a short time discovered that the red rutliaus iiad 
set fire to the ranch which he had just left, killing 
the proprietor. The Indians were behind him, so 
he put his horses to their best efforts, driving past 
the place where the men of the caravan had been 
killed, and to the next ranch whose buildings had 
also been burned. At the next ranch lie found the 
people all safe, and remained with them that daj'. 
At night soldiers from the fort came to protect 
them. The telegraph had announced that Mrs. 
Smith and her friend were captured by the Indians, 
and their driver killed. They met Mr. Smith on 
the last coach that went through after the sick 
child had died, and finalh' arrived in Denver safe 
and sound. 

The following winter Mr. Martin sojourned in 
Denver, as the Indians were still roaming over the 
country, bent on mischief. In the spring of \H('u>. 



he made a trip to .lulesburg with Government sup- 
l)lies. The next season he went into Montana Ter- 
ritory, where he sojoni'ued four months, in the 
meantime visiting N'irginia City and otlier points. 
He has thus been the eye witness of many thrilling 
scenes on the frontier during the Territorial days. 
In 1867 Mr. Martin returned to Atchison, Kan., 
from Ft. Benton, and the following^-ear was mar- 
ried. Soon afterward he came to Kansas, settling 
in Straight Creek Township. Jackson County, of 
which he was a resident ten years, and opened up 
a farm from the wilderness. He effected good im- 
provements, and lived there until 1878, when he 
purchased that which he now owns and occni)ies. 
He is looked upon as one of the representative men 
of Kansas. A Democrat in politics, he was born 
and bred in the principles of his party, and is a 
man of decided views — one who is not usually 
turned from his convictions. He has been promi- 
nent in local affairs, and at one time was the can- 
didate of his party for Sheriff. He has for many 
years been identified with the Masonic fraternity, 
and with his estimable wife is a member in gr od 
standing of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. 
Martin have no children of their own, but their 
household includes an adopted son, Robert, a 
nephew of Mr. Martin, who was born in Atlanta, 
Ga., Dec. 11, 1868. 



-•'vv.-^iiizcrtiMg- . 



•'5?^S^^J'0 0»■»^'\/vv 



ENRY W. SHOVE. Operating upon the 
i! caution conveyed in the maxim that "a 
i^" rolling stone gathers no moss," this hon- 
(^ ored old pioneer of Grant Township, still 
continues his sojourn upon the land which he pre- 
empted from the Government in January-. 1858. 
The appearance of the country around him at that 
time was anything but prepossessing, being a wild 
and uncultivated stretch of territor3'. traversed 
mostly by Indians and wild animals. It required a 
man of dauntless courage to make up his mind to 
thus settle in the wilderness, but Mr. Shove was 
equal to the emergency, and pitched his tent when 
there was not a neighbor in sight, in the sprinu- of 
1859. The years which followed were rei)lete with 
all the hardships and privations inci<lent to life on 



206 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the frontier, but a course of patience and persever- 
ance, jielded its legitimate reward, and Mr. Shove 
is now numbered among the most prosperous citi- 
zens of this part of the county-. He has added to 
his landed possessions until he is now the owner of 
o30 acres, the greater part of which has been 
brought to a good state of cultivation. Mr. Shove 
in 1877, erected a fine residence, while he has a 
good barn and all the otlier outbuildings required 
by the enterprising and progressive agriculturist, j 
He makes a specinltj' of stock-raising, and in this 
as in all his other enterprises, has realized hand- 
some returns. 

For some years after coming to this region the 
nearest market to Mr. Shove's land, was at Atchi- 
son and Leavenworth, to which he transported his 
produce In- the slow methods of ox-teams. He 
steadily maintained his ground through the politi- 
cal troubles wiiicli followed his settlement here, and 
he may be pardoned for tlic feeling of satisfaction 
which he entertains, in view of the fact that he has 
always had faith in the future of Kansas. He 
crossed the Mississippi from Illinois, where he had 
settled from 1853, and to which he had emigrated 
from Michigan. Prior to this he liad been a resi- 
dent of New York State, and to that region he had 
emigrated from England in 1851. 

Mr. Shove was burn in C'nunty Surrey-, England, 
on the 30th of April, 1830, and eaiigrated to Amer- 
ica sliortly before reaching his majority, sailing 
from London, Feb. 23, 1851, on the "Governor 
Hinckley," and landing in New York City after a 
voyage of six weeks and six da^-s, during which he 
encountered some severe winds. Young Shove 
was the eldest son, and was tlie first member of his 
father's familj' to seek the New World. It was 
proposed that he should come over and see the 
country, and if favoral)l)- impressed, return and ac- 
company the family over, which lie did, returning 
in the spring of 1854, with the parents, brothers and 
sisters and a brother-in-law, with their children, there 
being twenty persons in all. They located first on a 
farm in Avon, Lake Co.. III., where they lived for 
some years. Finally-, in 1858, Henry W., ventured 
across the Mississippi to Pottawatomie County, this 
State, and was joined here by his parents, in 1864. 
The latter, however, finally settled at Hickory 



Point, Jeflferson County. Tlie father, Henry Shove, 
died there in 1866, at the age of sixty-three years. 
He was born in Erith, Kent County, England, but 
afterward lived for some time in Surrey- County. 
where he farmed. He was the son of Henr3' Shove, 
Sr.. a blacksmith by trade, who spent his entire life 
in his native England, dying when about eighty 
years old. The paternal great-grandfather of our 
subject, was the son of an English gentleman closely 
allied to the nobility, a "Lord of the Manor," who, 
on account of drinking heavily, made waj' with his 
property, and died comparative!}' poor. 

The mother of 'Sir. Shove bore the maiden name 
of Elizabeth Woodman. She was born and reared 
in Surrey County, England, and was the daughter 
of William Woodman, who married Miss Ann Par- 
sons. Her parents spent their entire lives in Sur- 
rey County, Mr. Woodman living to be eighty 
years old, while his wife died in middle life, aged 
forty-five years. Both were members of the es- 
tablished Church of England, and the offspring of 
excellent old stock, which produced manv notable 
characters. Mrs. Elizabeth Shove is still living, 
making her home with her children in Pottawato- 
mie County, this State, and notwithstanding she 
has attained to the advanced age of eighty-one 
}'ears, she is yet active and intelligent, with a good 
memory, and able to relate many an interesting 
tale of the 3-ears gone by. 

The tliird in a familj' of ten children, i\Ir. Shove 
was the eldest son of his parents, whose household 
included four sons and six daughters. All came to 
the United States, and all the survivors are mar- 
ried and have families of their own. The eldest 
daughter died when thirtj* six j-earsold; Ileiuy W. 
was reared to farm pursuits, but likewise learned 
the trade of a carpenter, and being a natural me- 
chanic, became very skillful at this business. 

After a residence of seven years here, Mr. Shove 
was married Dec. 30, 1865. in Waukegan, to iliss 
Elizabetii James. Mrs. Shove was born in Pem- 
brokeshire, Wales, Feb. 7, 1838, and is tlie daugh- 
ter of the Rev. George and Martha (Lewis) James, 
who were likewise natives of Wales, and both re- 
presentatives of old and excellent families. Af- 
ter the birth of eight cliildreii, Mr. and Mrs. James 
set out for America, on the 5th of April. 1851, tak- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



207 



ing passage on the sailing-vessel "Fairfield," under 
command of Capt. Loveland. The}- landed in Xew 
Yoi-lv City after a voyage of twenty-one days, and 
soon afterward located upon a farm] in Warren 
Townsliip. Lake Co., III. There Ulr.;; and Mrs. 
James sjient the remainder of their lives, the 
mother dying Get. 3, 1870. at the age of seventy 
years, (having been horu in 1800), and the father, 
Feb. 22. 1872, at the age of sixty-seven.^ Both 
were active members of tlic Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in which Mr. James had ofHeiated as a lo- 
cal preacher, from the time he was a youth of nine- 
teen years, until his death. 

1] Mrs. Elizabeth Shove was one of a family of 
eight children, all of whom, with the exception of 
the eldest son. are still living, married, and have 
families." She w.as thirteen yens old when her par- 
ents landed in this countrj-. and remained with 
them until her marriage. Of her union with our 
subject, there have been born seven children, two 
of whom are deceased, one. an infant who died un- 
named, and Henry 11., who dieil when thirteen 
months old; Jessie M., and Anna E., have been 
teachers in the public schools of Pottawatomie 
County, and the former is quite'profficient in juusic. 
also teaching this art; M.a}- M., George A., and 
R.aymond J., are at home with tlieir parents. 
□ Mrs. Shove is a consistent member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, of which also Mr. Sliove 
is a regular^attondaut. The latter, politically, affili- 
ates with the Republican party. ~ _ He has served 
two terms each as Township Treasurer and Trustee, 
and otherwise has kept aloof from the responsibili- 
ties of office. 



' ocoo 



ri 



ACOB HIXON. This gentleman, who is a 
worthy and substantial citizen of I-'ranklin 
Township, Jackson County, makes his head- 
quarters at a well-regulated farm on section 
11, where he has 160 acres of choice land with 
good improvements. He has been a resident of 
Kansas for the last twenty-five years, having come 
to the young State in the fall of 1861 and set- 
tling iu the spring of 1865 upon the land which con- 
stitutes his present farm. He has been engaged in 
agricultuial pursuits his entire life an<l is greatl}' 



interested in fruit raising, in which he has been uni- 
formly successful, and on account of efficient ser- 
vices is the Vice President of the State Horticul- 
tural Society. 

Mr. Hixon was born in Washington County, 
Pa., June, 6, 1824. and when about six years old 
w.as taken by his parents to Carroll County, Ohio. 
He lived there until reaching his unjority and 
then going into Jefferson County, that State, worked 
out by the month about two years. When approach- 
ing the twenty-fourth year of his age he was mar- 
ried in the last mentioned county. Feb. 20, 1849, 
to Miss Cassandra Stonebre.aker. This lady was 
born in Jefferson County and was there reared to 
womanhood. The newly wedded pair lived there 
one year, then removed to Ashland County where 
Mr. Hixon operated on rented land for about seven 
years. Then leaving Ohio he moved to Putnam 
County. Ind.. and operated his own land until com- 
ing to Kansas. There were born to him and his esti- 
mable wife five children, the eldest of whom, 
John S., lives on the homestead; Samuel died 
Dec. 30, 1882, at the age of thirty -one j'eirs; 
he was well educated and a promising physician of 
Onarga, Pottawatomie County. Columbus M. lives 
in Idaho, and Sarah A. in Holton; Homer L. died 
Dec. 31, 1870, when about eight j-ears old. Jlrs. 
Cassandra Hixon departed this life at her home in 
Franklin Township, Sept. 24, 1885. She was a 
consistaut member of the Presb3-terian Church 
and a lady possessing all the Christian virtues, a 
devoted wife and mother, beloved by her family 
and respected b^' her neighbors. 

In politics, Mr. Hixson isasound Republican, and 
in religion a member of the Presb3'terian Church. 
He has held the office of County Commissioner five 
years; he officiated as Township Trustee four years, 
also as Township Treasurer and Clerk. He has 
traveled quite extensivelj' from Oregon to Louis- 
iana and during the winter of 1888-89 spent sev- 
eral months on the Pacific Slope. He has been 
within the boundaries of thirty-four or thirty-five 
States in the Union, and is a man who has kept his 
e3'es open to what is going on around him in the 
world, becoming thus well informed, and is one 
with whom an hour may be spent in a pleasant and 
profitable manner. He has a comfortable home, a 



208 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



well regulated farm witli pliiiii Iniildinys. but all 
ihat a reasonable iiiati can require in the waj' of 
this world's goods. 

Mr.Hixou contracted a second marriage in Carroll 
County, 111., Aug. 14, 1889, with Mrs. Mary E. 
Updegraff. Mrs Hixon has four children by her 
first husband, William Updegraff. Frank M.. Wil- 
liam A., P>a E., Joseph U., all living. 



OHN G. LONGENECKER. The subject 
of this sketch is one of the substantial and 
reliable farmers of wliich Kansas is justly 
I^^' proud. He was born in the old Keystone 
State in Lancaster County, Aug. 16, 1848, and reared 
on his father's farm where he received a fair edu- 
cation in the common schools of the State. His 
father was a farmer and our subject followed the 
same occupation on his father's broad and fertile 
acres till he decided to move to the Western coun- 
try of which he had heard such glowing accounts. 
When Mr. Longenecker reached the age of 
twenty-three years lie concluded to try his fortune 
on the sea of matrimony, hence he led to the altar 
a blooming and beautiful young maid named Bar- 
bara Brubaker. The ceremony which sent them 
afloat upon the bosom of marital bliss was per- 
formed in Lancaster Count}-, at the home of the bride 
on the 21st of December, 1871. Mrs. Longe- 
necker is a native of the same county as her hus- 
band and was also reared on a farm and educated 
in the common schools. 

The young couple resided in the home of Mr. 
Longenecker's parents until the spring of 1880, when 
they removed to Jackson County, Kan. and 
located on section 35, Franklin Township, where 
they have since resided. Mr. Longenecker, owns 
160 acres of fine land located in Franklin and 
Cedar Townships and also owns eighty acres in 
Garfield Township. He has made all the usual 
improvements to be found on a good farm. The fam- 
ily dwelling is a comfortable an<l cozy residence 
and is the abode of thrift and content. 

Eleven children have come to the home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Longenecker, of whom tvvo have passed away^ 
but nine are left to comfort their parents' hearts and 



eheer them in time to come when old age will steal 
their strength awa}' and compel them to look tu 
others for the services of affection which 
the\- are now glad to give to their loved ones. 
The names of their children are as follows: L'win, 
Anna, Emma, Maria, Lizzie, John, Levi, Katie 
and Mary. The two who have gone before are: 
Christian and Laura. In politics Mr. Longenecker 
is a Republican but owing to the principles of his 
church which forbids taking much interest in poli- 
tical affairs, he is not an active party man. Botli 
husband and wife are members in good standing in 
the Old Mennonite Church, and are highly 
esteemed in the comraunitv for their '• work's sake." 






S^Iv5«£ 



ylLLIAM GREGORY M. D., a prominent 
member of the medical fraternity of Potta- 
W^ watomie County, came to Kansas in 1875, 
and practiced his profession in different parts of the 
State until about 1886. Then establishing himself 
in Belvue he entered upon the career in which he 
has been so successful, and has become one of the 
prominent citizens of his community. 

Dr. Gregory was born in the city of Leeds, York- 
shire, England, Dec. 25, 1841, and is thus in the 
prime of life. He spent his first twenty years in 
his native shire, then emigrated to America. He 
enlisted in the regular army, 15th United States 
Infantry, in the year 1863, and participated in 
some of the most important battles of the war, 
viz : Buzzard's Roost, Funnel Hill, Kenesaw Moun- 
tain, Jonesboro .and Atlanta. He continued in the 
service until the close of the war, and received an 
honorable discharge. 

Prior to entering the army the Doctor had com- 
pleted his medical studies and been regularly grad- 
uated, but did not practice to any great extent un- 
til afterward. He then made chronic diseases a 
specially, and traveled all over the country until 
taking up his residence in Kansas. He is now in 
the enjoyment of a, thriving business, and numbers 
his friends and patrons among the best people of 
tills region. 




\4- 



.^^^^uyjyli/i^'^^' -7^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



211 



' USTIN D. FENN. Seldom does it fall to 

'@/l!|i the lot of the biognxiiher to meet and 




converse with a gentleman so genial and 
^^ entertaining as this citizen of 01sl)iu'g, 

who is familiarly known as "Squire Fenn." A vet- 
eran of the late war, an earl}- settler of Pottawat- 
omie Count}-, an honored and upright citizen of 
one of its principal towns, he certainly deserves 
important mention in a volume designed to per- 
petuate the names and histories of her most influ- 
ential inhabitants. That our subject is appreciated 
by his fellow-citizens is shown by the fact that he 
has served as Justice of the Peace continuously 
since 1873, and has filled that position satisfactor- 
ily. He is serving his second term as Notar}- Pub- 
lic, and is now Assistant Postmaster of Olsburg. 
He is active in the ranks of the Republican party, 
and has served that organization as a delegate to 
county conventions. In many respects he is iden- 
tified with tiie political and social history of this 
count}-, of which he has been a resident since 1872. 
Born of a sturdy New England ancestry, the 
progenitors of Mr. Fenn were men of influence in 
the East, and were ardent patriots during the Revo- 
lutionary War. His grandfather, the Hon. Austin 
Fenn, was a carpenter by trade, and entered the 
ranks of the American army when a lad of sixteen, 
serving during the last two years of the Revolu- 
tion, and until the siege of Yorktown had brought 
peace to the Colonies. Later, he removed to Lud- 
low, Vt., and there engaged in tilling the soil. He 
was an old-liue AVhig, and served several terms in 
the State Legislature, but finally removed to the 
vicinity of Newark, Wayne Co., N. Y., where his 
last days were quietly passed. 

The father of our subject was Joel Fenn, a na- 
tive of Connecticut, who in early manhood went 
to Dutchess County, N. Y., where he was employed 
in a cotton factory. He afterward engaged in 
farming in Wayne County, N. Y., and there passed 
to his last rest. His wife was Anna M. Holmes, 
who was born in Coxsackie, N. Y., and was the 
daughter of Joshua Holmes, a native of New York. 
He served in the War of 1812, and was b}^ occup.a- 
tion a farmer and stock-raiser, having a fine farm 
in Dutchess County, where his death occurred. 
The mother of our subject died in Newark in 1888, 



having attained to the sixty-ninth year of her age. 
She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and was a woman possessed of many 
womanly virtues; her memory is lovingly cher- 
ished by her children, of whom only three survive, 
namely: Austin D., our subject; Jane, a resident 
of Clinton, Wis.; and Joel, vho lives in Beloit, 
Wis. Those deceased are: Mary Chelette, who 
died in Boston ; Harrison and Alice, both of whom 
died in infancy. 

The first three years of the life of Squire Fenn 
were passed in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he was 
born Oct. 27, 1837, removing thence with his par- 
ents to Wayne County, the same State, in 1840. 
He lived on a farm there until he was eleven years 
old, when his father died. Thus early deprived of 
the loving counsel of one whose guiding iiand 
seemed especially necessary, the orphan boy was 
taken into the family of an uncle in Vermont, and 
was given common-school advantages. He was 
also employed on the farm and in various other 
avocations, assisting in a sawmill when only eleven 
years of age. At the age of twenty -one he started 
out for himself, purchttsiug 100 acres of land in 
the township of Weston. This he improved and 
cultivated until June, 1862, when he left uhe quiet 
pursuits of the husbandman for the strife of the 
battle-field. 

Previous to the enlistment of Squire Fenn, he 
had served in an independent organization known 
as the "(jreen Mountains' (4uards." He was mus- 
tered into the Union army at Ludlow, having en- 
listed in Company H, 10th ^'ermont Infantry. He 
served with the Army of the Potomac, and partici- 
pated in the battles of Greenwich and Bristol Sta- 
tion. He was in the famous Gettysburg carapaio-n, 
but was held in reserve witii 7,000 men to cut off 
Lee's retreat. He was also at Locust Grove, Battle 
of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and 
the siege of Petersburg. Afterward he joined 
Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah Valley, and 
was in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill 
Cedar Creek, and other less important skirmishes. 
Later, he was returned to the Army of the Poto- 
mac, and witnessed tlie capture of Richmond and 
Petersburg, was engaged in the battle of Sailor 
Creek, and was an eye-witness of Lee's surrender 



212 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



at the Appomatox Court House. During the most 
of his time he had seived as a corporal, hut at the 
time he was mustered out he was doing sergeant's 
duty. After Lee's surrender lie was sent to Dan- 
ville, N. C, and was within thirty miles of .Tohn- 
ston's surrender, after which he was sent by rail to 
Richmond, whence he marched to Washington, 
and took part in the grand review. He was finally 
mustered out and honoraljly discharged at Ball's 
Cross Roads, .July 29, 1865, and thus was termin- 
ated the career of one of the Union's most valiant 
soldiers. He belonged to one of the fighting regi- 
ments af the war, and took part in every engage- 
ment of his company-. He experienced many hair- 
breadth escapes, but was never seriously wounded. 

After these perilous events, Mr. Fenn returned 
to the quiet of his farm. He bought some land ad- 
joing that previously' purchased, until he was the 
owner of 320 acres of well-improved land, most of 
which was used for grazing purposes. He engaged 
in the dairy business, and erected and engaged in 
running a sawmill. In 1872 he decided to locate 
in the West, and coming by i-ail to Beloit, Wis., 
there bought a team, and'carae overland to Kansas, 
crossing the Mississippi at Quincy and the Mis- 
souri at Kansas City. I' pon arriving in Pottawat- 
omie County, he homesteaded 160 acres of land in 
Green Township, which he improved from a primi- 
tive condition of nature to a highly-cultivated 
estate. 

Upon removi]ig from his farm, in 1881, to 01s- 
burg, Mr. Fenn built his present commodious resi- 
dence, and also erected the fine hotel, which is lo- 
cated on three lots on Commercial street, and which 
he rents. Squire Fenn is a practical carpenter, but 
although devoting some of his time to that trade, 
he is chiefl}' occupied in discharging the duties im- 
posed upon him by his various ofHces. While a 
resident of Vermont, Mr. Fenn was married in 
Weston, that State, to Miss Julia Woodcock, a na- 
tive of the town where she was married. She is a 
consistent member of the Metiiodist F]piscopal 
Church, at Olsburg, and is active in all good works, 
sharing with her husband the respect of the com- 
munity ,where for so many years they have resided. 
The}' stand high both in religious and social circles. 

Among other portraits of gentlemen prominent 



in the 'history of Pottawatomie County, we are 
pleased to jiresent tiiat of Mr.iFenn, who is uni- 
versally' recognized as a man of ability and enter- 
prise. He is identified with the interests of the 
communily, and is a member of the McCoy Post, 
at Randolph. 



-•^•>/v— *(U2J27©^(S-'^ife- ••^>a/3OT*v>-w~. 



ESSE S.^CARPENTER is the able and effi- 
cient editor of [the'.St. Mary's Oazettp, a jour- 
nal founded and conducted by him in the 
interests of the Republican party. It has a 
circulation extending into the thousamls, being 
read not only in tliat community but also having a 
more than local reputation. A six column quarto, 
with news both social and political, it is conceded 
to be one of the most successful pajjers in Pottawa- 
tomie County. 

Since early youth our subject has been connected 
with printing offices, commencing with their hum- 
blest duties and gradually- working his wa}' to prom- 
inence in the editorial staff, and finallj' assuming 
sole control of a paper with its manifold responsibil- 
ities and arduous labors. At tiie age of seventeen 
he began to learn the trade of printing at Council 
Grove, Kan., while he dates his first editorial work 
from his connection with the Ti'Dijierancc Banner, 
which he launched at Council Grove during the 
exciting campaign of 1882. His next enterprise in 
the field of letters was the founding of the Videttv, 
which after three issues w.as removed to Rossville, 
and rechristened the Rossville Nen-s, being pub- 
lished as such for a period of sever.al years. 

One of the most successful ventiu-es in which 
Mr. Carpenter w.as ever engaged, was the establish- 
ment of Carpenter's Kansas Lyre, a humorous 
sheet, filled with anecdotes, and containing flashes 
of wit and words of wisdom as well. In this con- 
nection he worked up quite a reputation. In Feb- 
ruary of 1888, the office was removed to St. Mary's. 
The Gazette has am pi}' filled the needs of that 
organiz.ation and has already gained a good 
patronage. 

James C. and Elizabeth (Fenner) Carpenter, the 
parents of our subject, were residents of Warren 
Count}', Iowa, where their son, Jesse S., was born 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



213 



April 9, 18C3, and when the child had reached the 
age of seven years the family left the Hawkey e 
State, and homestearied a claim in Kansas near 
Council Grove, Morris County. This farm was 
improved gradually by the combined efforts of the 
household and our subject was by no means a 
laggard in the development of the estate. After 
residing there about three years, in 1873, they 
located in the village of Council Grove, where the 
father was interested in horses. The early educa- 
tion of Mr. Carpenter was gleaned in the common 
schools of his district, but he early developed those 
traits of independence which still so successfully 
accompany him, and since a lad of fifteen he has 
carved for himself his own pathway, and has 
climbed the rugged road leading to fortune with 
very little aid from others, excejrt the assistance 
given him in the shape of kind words and loving 
counsel. 

A few years since Mr. Carpenter chose for him- 
self a helpmate, being united in marriage Ang. 
22, 1886, with Laura Frishman, daughter of Samuel 
and Rosalia Frishman, natives of German}-. Mrs. 
Carpenter was born in Lawrence, Kan., Aug. 2.5, 
1867, and has become the mother of one child, a 
son, Willie. 

• — "♦■" I ' ^ ' l ' S ' l" '^ -' 

^LLEN B. SCHOLES. In speaking of the 
i@£j| pioneers of a country, the tlioughts fly first 
of all to those who have broken the soil 
and improved the farm lands, enduring 
tlie perils and privations always suffered by those 
who live remote from human companionship. No 
doubt the foremost place is deservedly theirs, but 
following very closely come the mechanics who in 
the various branches of handicraft have built up 
tlie new countries. Were it not for the builders, 
and the makers and repairers of tools and machin- 
ery, our agriculturists would endure much greater 
hardship than has been theirs. The gentleman 
whose name heads this notice is entitled to great 
credit for his labors in Kansas, of which State he 
has been a citizen for thirty-one years, spending 
his time at the trade of a carpenter. He is now 
Postmaster inWestmoreland. Pottawatomie County, 
having taken tnut position the 1st of October, 1889. 



Th e eyes of our subject were first opened to the 
light in Ashland County, Ohio, Jan. 17, 1834, and 
in that county he spent seven years. His parents 
then removed to Mason County, 111., where lie re- 
mained until twenty-four years old. He obtained 
a good education and learned the trade of a car- 
penter, which he followed from that time until his 
appointment to the office of postmaster. On April 
1st, 1859, Mr. Scholes with his wife set out for 
Kansas with an ox-team, and on reaching the Ter- 
ritory located at Ilolton, .Jackson County, there 
being but nine houses in the village at that time. 
During the next ten years, Mr. Scholes and his 
partner, Mr. VanNuys, built the most of the town. 
The former continued his labors as a contractor 
until about the year 1881, when be became foreman 
for Mr. Chase, who was a heavy contractor. Two 
years later he removed to this county, continuing 
work at his trade, both as an active builder and as 
a contractor, until called upon to serve in a more 
public capacity. Mr. Scholes owned a farm in 
-Jackson County, and still owns a tract of land in 
Sherman Township, this county, which he operates 
as a general farm and which was his home until he 
became a denizen of the city of Westmoreland in 
1887. _ ^' 

Mr. Scholes was intensely loyal to the cause of 
the Union, and not many months had elapsed after 
the first call for troops to suppress the late Rebel- 
lion, before he was enrolled in the ranks of his 
country's defenders. Leaving a young wife and 
two small children, he enlisted Aug. 18, 1862, in 
Company B., lllh Kansas Cavalry. The regiment 
was in the Army of Arkansas a greater part of the 
time, and soldiering mostly on the frontier. Mr. 
Scholes took part in the engagements at Prairie 
Grove, Cane Hill, Lexington and Independence, 
Mo., and Westport, together with the scouting that 
appertains to cavalry service. He was mustered 
out f)n June .5, 186.5, at the close of the war, return- 
ing toHdlton with an honorable record and findino- 
his family in good hcaitli awaiting his return. 

The lady who lias been Mr. Sclioles' most valued 
companion for many years, was in her maidenhood 
Miss Eliza P. Walters. She was born in Washing- 
ton County, Iowa. March 3, 1813, and at the time 
of her marriage was residing at North English, 



214 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Iowa County. To Mr. and Mrs. Scholes nine chil- 
dren have been born, all still living, and of whom 
we note the following: Frank married Miss Alice 
Harrison, of Holton, and now lives in Colorado; 
Belle is the wife of Mark Keeney, of Otisburg; 
Ellsworth married Mary YanGilder, of Morris 
County, where thej' now live; Virgil married Miss 
Rosa Conway, and now lives in Topeka; Albert, 
Ramie, May, Maggie, and Bruce are still single. 

During his residence in Jackson Country, our 
subject served as Deputy Sheriff and as a member 
of the School Board. He is one of the oldest men 
now living, that settled in Northeastern Kansas as 
earl3' as the spring of 1869, and might give much 
interesting information regarding the development 
and growth of this section. lie is a man of moral 
worth, highly spoken of by all who know him, and 
has many warm friends in the communit}^ He is 
a member of the Christian Church, as is also his 
wife. 



<f) OHN W. JOHNSON. In Kansas, as in other 
Western States, one is stronglj^ impressed 
with the fact th.at positions of prominence 
^^i in public life, in business circles, and among 
land owners are filled by men young in j-ears, but 
active, enterprising and possessed of sterling busi- 
ness qualities. Pottawatomie County has her full 
share of these young and successful men, and 
among them stands the gentleman whose name ini- 
tiates this notice. His home is pleasantl}' located 
on section 28, Blue Valle}- Township, and on the 
220 acres of land which he there owns he is en- 
gaged in farming and stock raising. He uses the 
latest improved labor-saving farm machinery, 
keeps abreast of the times in his stock-breeding, 
and has spared no pains or expense in adding to 
the comforts of his home. 

Mr. Johnson is the second child in a family of 
seven children born to N. P. Johnson, whose sketch 
occupies another page in this book. He was the 
first Swedish child born in Kansas, his birth having 
taken place in Blue Valley Township, Dec. 30, 
1856, and he can well remember when the sur- 
rounding countrjr presented little that would be- 



token the residence of civilized men. He was 
reared on his father's farm on the banks of the 
Blue, and the first schools wlncli he attended were 
held in log houses with slab l)enches, the instruc- 
tion there received, however, being quite thorough, 
and his own education being completed in the Man- 
hattan Higli School. He remained at home until of 
age, when he rented a farm from his uncle, John 
A. Johnson, and a year later purchased 100 acres 
of his present estate, upon which scarcel3- any im- 
provements had been made. He broke the soil 
and engaged at once in farming and stock-raising, 
subsequently adding to his original purchase 120 
acres, the whole being now fenced in convenient 
fields, and well improved. It is watered b}' Shannon 
Creek, and borders on the Blue, 100 acres of it lin- 
ing on the bottom lands, and having the deep, rich 
soil of th.at valle}'. Mr. Johnson is a practical 
farmer, and has made a success of his labors both 
in the raising of crops and stock. He raises three- 
fourth grade Short-horn cattle, feeding about one 
car-load per j'ear, and three cars per 3'ear of full- 
blooded Poland-China hogs. He also raises graded 
Norman horses, having fourteen head on the farm, 
and using three teams in farm work. In addition 
to the stock which he raises, he is engaged to some 
extent in buying and shipping. His residence is a 
pleasant frame house lix28 feet, with a wing IG feet 
square, and is situated one and a half miles from 
Cleburne. A fine stone barn 28x38 feet w.as 
erected by Mr. Johnson in 1881, and his corn-cribs 
cover an area of 10x115 feet. 

The pleasant and hospitable home of Mr. John- 
son is under the care of an excellent housewife, 
with whom he was united in marriage at her home 
in Blue Valley Township, Jan. 12, 1879. Mrs. 
Johnson bore the maiden name of Alma Burklund, 
and is a native of Sweden, having come to Kansas 
when a child with her father, Jacob Burklund, a 
homesteader and prominent farmer of this town- 
ship. Three brigiit children cluster around the 
fireside of 'Sir. and Mrs. Johnson — Hilma, Alphia 
and Alice. 

Mr. Johnson is a stockholder in the Blue Valley 
Stock Breeders' Association, and an interested 
member of that body. He has been Supervisor of 
Roads for a year, and is now serv ing as Treasurer 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



215 




of the school district. He has served on the petit 
jmy one term. Mr. Johnson is a prominent mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church at Maviadahl, and in 
regard to his politics says he is a Republican first, 
last and always. 

if LONZA H. ROBERTS is one of the most 
enterprising and successful farmers of Pot- 
to watoniie County, where he has a fine 
estate, comprising eiglity acres of land, on 
section 2, in Rock Creek Township. The residence 
is a convenient and comfortable one, pleasantl}' lo- 
cated and cozilj' furnished. 

Mr. Roberts passed the early part of his life in 
Waterboro, Me., where liis birth occtn-red March 
17, 1843. He grew to a stalwart manhood, in the 
meantime obtaining that knowledge wliieh is in- 
dispensable to business success. He remained on 
the homestead several years after he attained to that 
age wiien one is empowered by law to act for him- 
self. Believing he could meet with greater success 
financialh' by changing his location, he removed 
to liiddefurd, Me., and eng.aged in the grocery and 
provision trade. He remained there some time, 
then removed to Sackville. where he carried on his 
business until 186'J. During the years 1869-70 he 
was the proprietor of the "Ocean House," at Old 
Orcliard Beach, which was built as it now stands in 
accordance witli his plans. In 1871 he sold out 
his business, anil removed to Boston, where he cm- 
barked in the fruit and vegetable trade. In this 
he continued until he finally left the New England 
States and located in the West. 

Accompanied by his family, Mr. Roberts, in 
1881, proceeded Westward and located in Pottawat- 
omie County, Kan., where they now reside. It was 
not thickly settled, when, having resolved to make 
it their home, they purchased a tract of raw prairie, 
on which they commenced to labor with zeal. Our 
subject pushed his improvements, so tiiat in a 
comparativel}' short time he had his homestead 
under excellent cultivation, with the buildings, 
orchards, fences and other imiuovements tliat are 
always to be found on a well-regulated country 
estate. To the occupation of a farmer, he has 



added that of stock-raising, and keeps on his place 
Shire horses and Cleveland Bay stallions; he also has 
five imported horses: "Hector," "Maxwell," "Da- 
mon," "Addington" and "Bellefountain." He makes 
a specialty of buying and shipping horses to the 
State of Maine, having sent several carloads there. 
Although not an active politician, Mr. Rolierts 
votes with the Republican party. He was united 
in marriage with Fannie L. Broderick, of Boston, 
Mass., July 16, 1878. Their two children are- 
Chester W. and Samuel D. Mrs. Roberts was born 
in Massachusetts, near Boston, and passed her child- 
hood da3's in Holbrook, Mass., l)ut in early girl- 
hood removed to Boston, where she passed the 
years prior to her marriage. She is a lady of many 
graces of character, and is a member of the Mctlio- 
dist Episcopal Church, Winlhrop street, B:j>ton. 
Mr. Roberts is a man of superior intelligence and 
business capacity, and, with his family, receives 
the hearty respect and kind esteem of neighbors 
and friends. 

^^)EORGE J. BLANEY, County Commis- 
sioner of the First District of Pottawatomie 
Count)-, is one of the most prominent and 
influential men in this section of country, and 
makes his headquarters at one of its finest home- 
steads, comprising 480 acres of land on section 2, 
Spring Creek Township. He was elected to his 
present office in the fall of 1887 liy the Republican 
partjr, for a term of three years. He is a liberal 
and public-spirited citizen, a member of the School 
Board of his district for many years, and politi- 
cally a strong Republican, a man foremost in the 
councils of his party in this section and frequently 
sent as a delegate to the county and State conven- 
tions. By the exercise of industry', economy and 
prudence, he has accumulated a good property, 
being practically independent. 

The Blaney family originated in Ireland, whence 
the great-grandfather of our subject emigrated to 
America at an early day. He reared a fine famil)-, 
among whom was Josiah, the grandfather of our 
subject, who was born in Hartford County, jNId., 
and was given a thorough education, being gradu- 



216 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ated from a Maryland college and designed for 
the priesthood. He. however, was not inclined to 
holy orders, but turning his attention to worldly 
business, became the owner of a large plantation, 
which was operated by slaves. Among his sous 
was Thomas, the father of our subject, likewise a 
native of Hartford County, Md. The latter learned 
the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and rem.ained 
a resident of his native county until after reaching 
his majoriti'. He afterward removed to York 
County, Pa., where he engaged in farming. He be- 
came well to do and finall}' retired from active labor, 
and removed to the town of York, Pa., where he 
spent his Last dajs. He was a liighl3"-rcspected 
citizen and a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

The maiden name of the motlier of our subject 
was Frances Keener. She was born in York 
Countj-, Pa., and was the daughter of John 
Keener, likewise a native of the Keystone State. 
Grandfather Keener owned about 400 acres of land 
upon which he prosecuted farming successfully and 
.also operated as a distiller. Tl)e Keener family- 
was of German descent. To Thomas and Frances 
Blane}' there was born a family of tliirteen cliil- 
dren, eight of whom lived to mature years. Sarah 
A. died in York County, Pa.; .John T. is a resi- 
dent of Quincy, 111.; Mary E., Mrs. Handley, re- 
sides in Lancaster, Pa.; William M. is in York, 
Pa., James R. is a resident of Irving, Kan.; 
Henry E. resides in Bigelow, this State; George 
J. is next to the youngest born; Melissa, Mrs. 
Mohr. makes her home at Mt. "Wolf, Pa. John, 
during the late Civil War, served six months in an 
Illinois regiment; William M. served nine 
months in the ■209th Pennsylvania Infantry; 
James R. served four months in the 103d Pennsyl- 
vania Infantry; Henry E. served three years ten 
months and four days in the 87th Pennsylvania 
Infantry, being the last ten months and ten d.ays 
in Andersonville prison. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Lower 
Chanceford, York Co.. Pa., Dec. 1, 1814. He 
■was brought up on the farm and received a lim- 
ited education in the old-fashionerl log school- 
house of those times. He remained under the 
parental roof until a youth of eighteen years, then 



leaving the farm, engaged on a canal-boat and 
made his w.ay up from tow-boy to captain. In the 
fall of 18C5 he was employed as a teamster by the 
United States Government in the Eastern Army, 
which at the time operated in the State of Penn- 
sylvania. On June 26, 1864, he enlisted as a 
regular sokUer in Company C. 195th Pennsylvania 
Infantry, being mustered in at Harrisburg and his 
regiment assigned to the Arra^' of the Potomac. 
The regiment was sent into the Shenandoah Valley 
to guard the passes and other points, but engaged 
in no skirmishes with the cnenij-, being in the 
Third Provincial Division. Mr. Blaney remained 
in the army until the close of the war, being mus- 
tered out at Summit Point, in June, 1S65, and 
receiving his honorable discharge at Harrisburg. 

Upon returning home Mr. Blaney engaged as a 
l)oatman on the Tidewater and Pennsylvania Canal. 
Soon afterward he ijurchased a boat which he op- 
erated during the summer seasons, while his winters 
were sjjeat chopping in the pine woods of Pennsyl- 
vania, near AVilliamsport. He w.as thus occupied 
until the spring of 1869, then determined to see 
what lay beyond the Mississippi, although he had 
no intention of remaining iiere. In accordance 
with his usual habits of industry lie engaged as a 
farm laborer about two years in the vicinity' of 
Irving, and finally becoming favorably impressed 
with the countr3', homesteaded 160 acres of land 
which formed the nucleus of his present farm. He 
put up a shanty and began liandling live stock, not 
beginning farming until 1873. Since that time he 
has been mainly eng.aged in agricultural pursuits, 
although making a specialty of stock-raising, 
feeding large numbers of cattle and swine. For 
seven years he w.as engaged in buying and ship- 
ping. He keeps about seventeen head of graded 
Hambletonian general-purpose horses. In 1880 he 
rented his farm and invested a portion of his capi- 
tal in a stock of general merchandise, establishing 
himself in Olsburg and becoming a member of 
the firm of Carlson Bros, cfe Blaney. Two years, 
later, however, he sold out his interest in the busi- 
ness and returned to the farm. He has 400 acres 
in Pottawatomie County and eighty acres io ]Mar- 
shall Couuty adjoining. The whole is improved 
with modern buildings .and 160 acres under the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBTTM. 



217 



ploiv. The fields are lendereil fertile by runnino; 
water and one of the best springs in Kansas. Mr. 
Blane}- has planted fruit trees of various kinds in- 
cluding a fine apple orchard and keeps himself sup- 
plied with tlie latest improved machinery for the 
general purposes of agriculture and stock-raising. 
In Manhattan on the 26th of .September, 1872, 
Mr. Blaney was united in marriage with Miss Anna 
C. Carlson, a native of Sweden. Mrs. Blaney came 
to America with her parents about 1856 remaining 
under the parental roof until reaching womanhood. 
She is noiv the mother of two children — Stella M. 
and Georgia E. The family occupies a high social 
position in the communit}- and Mr. Blaney is 
looked upon as one of those men who have aided 
materially in the growth and development of 
Pottawatomie County. , 



>Ma^ 




EWIS HAVERMALE. Among the many 
worth}' young men of whose success Potta- 
watomie County lias just reason to be 
proud, prominent mention belongs to the subject 
of this biographical sketch, who is already on a 
solid basis financially, and has before him every 
prospect of the full fruition of the hopes so 
ardently cherished by himself and his many friends. 
Overcoming the timidity and dependent feeling 
which usually accompanies youth, and which can 
be dispelled only by contact with the world, he 
bravely faced adversity and ])overty, and has by 
slirewd business management, risen above their 
immediate influence. He is at present the editor 
of the Olsliurg NfV-slHler. a five column quarto, 
devoted to the interests of the Repulilican party 
and an important political organ of tiie county. 

Mr. Havermale was born of substantial and wor- 
thy German ancestors, his grandfather, Peter Haver- 
male, being a native of the Eatlierland. and an 
emigrant first to Maryland, and later to Ohio, 
where he located in Fulton County. He was b}- 
occupation a weaver in Germany, but in America 
followed farming. His death occurred in Fulton 
Countj-, when he lacked only four years of round- 
ing out a full century. While he resided in Mary- 
land, liis sou, George W., the father of our subject, 



was born, and later went with his parents to the 
Buckeye State. He was a member of the first class 
that graduated from the Garrett Biblical Institute 
at Evanston, III., and soon afterward began his ser- 
vices in the Jlethodist Ediscopal Church as a 
preacher of the Word. Ever since he commenced 
to work in the Master's vineyard, he has been a 
faithful steward, never ceasing to labor for the 
cause, and devoting all his time to his chosen field 
of work. He is located in Morgauville, Kan., 
and owns 137 acres of fine land in Johnson County, 
twelve miles from Kansas City. 

The mother of our subject was in her youth 
Miss Delia A. Buyz, and was born in Poughkeepsie, 
N. Y. Her father was a painter in that city, and 
afterward removed to Chicago, thence to the Up- 
per Peninsula of Michigan. His death occurred 
in Chicago. She is a woman of unusu.al talents, 
refined, accomplished, and noted as a teacher. She 
has held the position of principal of schools in 
Garrison, Irving and Hughes, where she is recog- 
nized as a fine disciplinarian and good instructor. 
George W. Havermale is a Republican in politics, 
and a strong advocate of temperance. To him and 
his wife were born six children — Arthur; Alice, 
(Mrs. Bajdes). a resident of Green Township; 
George, a farmer of Wabaunsee Countj', Kan.; 
Charles, who died in 1874; Lewis, our subject and 
Albert, who is associated in business with Lewis. 

During the residence of his parents in La Ilarpe, 
Hancock Co.. 111., our subject was born May 10, 
1867, and was educated in different places. When 
only eleven years of age he began working for 
himself, and was there fter variously employed. In 
1870 he came West with his pnrents, who locateil in 
Eastern Kansas. When abiuit fourteen years old, 
our subject commenced to learn the printer's trade, 
working on the Winchester Argus, in .Jefferson 
County. In 1883 he went to Manhattan and was 
employed on the Manhattan NationaUst for three 
years, being prcimoted to the res'ionsilde duties of 
local editor during the last .year. He commenced 
the publication of the Neivsletter in 1886, and in 
.January of the following year moved to Olsburg, 
and published the paper in jiartnership with J W. 
McDonald. After continuing in this wa}- for nine 
months, our subject bought out his partner's inter- 



218 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



est, and has since managed it independently. He 
has increased its circulation, and has established a 
job department, from which is turned out 6rst class 
work, and whicli in consequence of reasonable 
prices and good work is receiving a constantly Iht 
creasing patronage. In 1887 he started a book 
and stationery department, which is jielding him a 
fair rennmeration. That same year he commenced 
the publication of the Butler Citj- Neirs, continu- 
ing it through tlie medium of his columns for six 
months, and then selling it to M. J. Kavanaugh, 
who now conducts it independently. He cast his 
first vote for Harrison, and had the proud satisfac- 
tion of knowing it was not lost. 

Nov. 28, 1889, was a very important date in the 
life of Mr. Havermale, as he w.as then united in 
marriage at Denver, Col., with Miss Minnie M. 
Joneson, daughter of Mrs. Sophia Jonesou, of 01s- 
burg. 



■— ""S*^-«*|«'** 



^USTAF OSCAR MAXELL is one of the 
III J—, prosperous and progressive farmers of Pot- 
^^^il! tawatomie County, owing and operating 
400 acres of land in Blue Valley Township, for 
which he has paid from $6 to §18 per acre, and 
where he is engaged in general farming and stocik- 
raising. The estate is pleasantly located two miles 
from Cleburne, is watered by Shannon Creek, the 
banks of which are lined with timber, and 100 acres 
of the estate are situated in the bottom land. 

Before outlining the life of our subject, it may 
be well to devote a brief space to his paients and 
family. His father, Axel Axellson, was a native 
of Sweden, where he died in the spring of 1868. 
When a 3'oung man he was overseeer of a large es- 
tate, and later engaged in farming for himself. The 
mother, Anna Gustafson,was born in Linkopingslan, 
Sweden, and still resides on the old homestead. 
The family comprised seven brothers, the subject 
of this biography being the oldest son, and he, 
after coming to America, changed his name from 
Axellson to Maxell for convenience. His brothers 
are: August, who still lives in Sweden ; Axel, whose 
home is in Axtell, Neb.; the Rev. Charles who 
resides in Colorado; Otto, whose home is in Ax- 



tell. Neb., and 'Nels, who lives in Sweden. The 
fifth of the family — Ludvig — departed this life 
in 1S88. 

Mr. Maxell first saw the light Nov. 16, 1844. in 
Linkopingslan, Sweden, and was reared and edu- 
cated in the rural district. At the age of twenty 
he hired out as a coachman for an Ade or noble- 
man, remaining in his employ until 1869, when he 
determined to try his fortunes in the United States. 
Taking leave of his native land he went to Liver- 
pool via Gottenburg and Hull, thence to New York 
by the steamer "City of Boston" which made the 
ocean trip in thirteen days. 

Landing on American soil, our subject came at 
once to this State, where for a year he labored in 
Blue Valley Township, following this by working 
for Mr. Richards near Westmoreland for three suc- 
ceeding years. In 1870 he homesteaded land in 
Riley County, but it being too far from his em- 
ployer's for him to attend to it, the claim was 
jumped. Returning to this township in 1873, he 
took charge of J. A. Johnson's farm, which he man- 
aged until the spring of 1878 when he bought 160 
acres of the land which he now owns. It was raw 
land, bare of improvements, and Mr. Maxell im- 
mediately set to work to make himself a home. His 
success is proven by the large acreage which he 
now possesses and the substantial basis of his 
finances. His estate is fenced into fields of conven- 
ient size, and upon it, are a bearing orchard, a stone 
residence 31x33 feet, with a wing 14x18 feet, 
which was erected in 1886, and a stone barn 31x53 
feet in dimensions, which was built in 1878. The 
dwelling is well furnished, and with its pleasant sur- 
roundings presents an attractive appearance, invit- 
ing approach to its hospitable doors. Mr. Maxell 
keeps from eighteen to twenty head of graded 
Norman horses, at the head of the stud being the 
imported Norman horse "Tony."' He is engaged 
quite extensively in raising, buying and selling 
cattle and hogs. 

The lady who was the chosen companion of JMr. 
Maxell, bore the maiden name of Miss Emma John- 
son, and the rites of wedlock wei'e celebrated be- 
tween them in this county. May 23, 1873. She was 
born in Galesburg, III., and is a daughter of N. P. 
Johnson, whose sketch occupies another page in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



219 



this volume and contains a historj'- of her ancestry. 
Mr. and Mrs. Maxell are the parents of two chil- 
dren, a pair of twins named Ida and Ettie. 

Mr. Maxell is active in enterprises which promise 
well for the public good, displaying the same 
energ}' in the duties of a citizen wiiich he has done 
in his personal affairs. He belongs to the Bridge 
Building Committee, is one of the Directors of the 
Orphans' Home, and Treasurer of the Blue Valley 
Stock Association. He lias been Township Treas- 
urer one year and School Clerk three years, and 
has served on the Jur}' two terms. He is a straight 
Republican and has been a delegate to county con- 
ventions. In the Lutheran Church in Mariadaid 
he is an active member, and has been Trustee for 
the last nine 3'ears. The positions which he holds 
are proof of the esteem in which he is held by his 
fellow-citizens, his wife sharing with him in their 
respect and good will. 



-5— 



#^ 



ellARLES W. SHEHI, one of the Trustees 
of Spring Creek Township, Pottawatomie 
County, and a sou of one of its old settlers, 
is looked upon as a young man of much promise, 
being industrious and energetic, and operates a 
part of his father's farm on section 83. He is the 
son of George W. Shehi, one of the pioneers of 
Pottawatomie County, and a sketch of whom will 
be found elsewhere in this Album. 

The second in a family of ten children, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, a native of Kansas, was born at 
his father's ranch in Spring Creek Township, Jan. 
14, 18G3, and there reared to man's estate. He 
grew up amid the primitive scenes of life on the 
frontier and can remember the time when wild 
game was plentiful and when Indians to the number 
of 500. sometimes passed through this section of 
country. His first studies were conducted in a log 
cabin with slab benches, under a system of educa- 
tion widely different from that of the present time. 
He remained under the home roof until a youth of 
seventeen years, then entered the Gem City Business 
College at t^uincy. 111., from which he was gradu- 
ated in December, 1881. Then returning home he 
became the book-keeper and cashier of his father's 



bank at Greenleaf until it was sold, and then re- 
turning to the farm he worked tliore until the fall 
of 1886. 

At this time young Shehi once more left the 
farm and engaged in clerking for the general mer- 
chant, J. H. Young, at Fostoria. Five months of 
this experience, however, satisfied him and return- 
ing home he commenced operating a part of his 
father's farm and has been thus engaged since that 
time. He makes a specialty of grain and stock- 
raising and occupies a neat residence on Spring 
Creek which with its surroundings makes a ver}' 
attractive home. He was married in Westmoreland, 
June 9, 1887, to Miss Ella Vroman. This lady was 
born in Shannon Township, Dec. 18, 1868, and is 
the daughter of David Vroman, a native of Ohio. 
Her paternal grandfather, Timothy Vroman, like- 
wise a native of the Buckeye State, came to Kansas 
at an early day and was a successful farmer of 
Pottawatomie County. His son, David, located in 
Shannon Township in 1860, while Kansas was a 
Territory, and is now a well-to-do farmer, owning 
about 500 acres of land. He married Miss Maria 
Fenn, a native of Ohio, and to tliem there were 
born seven children, viz.: Arthur, who is deceased; 
Ella, (Mrs. Shehi); Addie, Carrie, Lucy, John, 
deceased; and Christine; the survivors are at home 
with their parents. Mrs. Shehi was reared and 
educated in Shannon Township and is now the 
mother of one child, a son, John Orris. 

Mr. Shehi like his father and brothers, is a Re- 
publican of the first water and is quite prominent 
in local affairs, serving at the present time his sec- 
ond term as Township Trustee, and he is also 
Township Assessor. He is a general favorite in 
the social circles and possesses those sterling quali- 
ties which maintain his standing in his community 
as one of its most valued members. 



<^ Ij^ASHIXGTON B. HAZEX. Few men in 
wM/ l^o^^'^^'^tomie County would be considered 
W^ more thoroughly identified with its inter- 
teresls than this gentleman, who is now a member 
of the firm of Daily & Ilazen, grocers, in West- 
moreland. He has been a resident of this county 



220 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



from a very early period, both in its history and 
Iiis own life, having arrived hei'e on Nov. 6, 1855, 
when about six months old. His parents, Isaac 
and Elizabeth (Wright) Hazen. were the earliest 
settlers within the borders of this county, their set- 
tlement being made one-half mile south of this 
city, which the farm now adjoins. Isaac Hazen 
was a native of Ohio, going from that State to 
Iowa when quite young. In the Hawkcye State he 
married and lived in Jackson County until his re- 
moval to this State. He died in the fall of the 
year in wbich he became a resident here, leaving 
his widow in a new country with the care of an in- 
fant, and the nearest family one and a half miles 
distant. Her first home was a log house, and the 
groceries were brouglit from Leavenworth, a dis- 
tance of 100 miles, the trip with ox-teams consum- 
ing two weeks' time. Milling was also done there, 
and mail was brought from the same cit}- a few 
times a year. Mrs. Hazen. after a time spent in 
widowhood, married John McKimens, and is still 
living on the farm which was her first home in 
Kansas, she being now the oldest settler living in 
the vicinity. 

W. B. Hazen grew up amid the scenes of i)ioueer 
life which tend to develop a rugged and sturdy 
manhood, unknown to those whose earl\' lives are 
spent in scenes of luxury and in older communi- 
ties. He received an excellent practical education 
.It the common-schools, one of the first objects 
sought for and obtained on the frontier, being the 
establishment of institutions of learning. He re- 
mained on the farm until reaching manhood, after 
which he engaged in mercantile pursuits, first as a 
clerk, and in 1877 established himself in business. 
Since that time he has been numbered among the 
business men of Westmorland, and connected with 
its interests and welfare. The present firm was es- 
tablished less than two years ago, the senior partner 
being A. P. Daily. 

The great step of Mi'. Hazen's life was taken on 
Dec. 28, 1876,vvhen he became the husband of Miss 
Jolian Lunbeek, of this township. She was born 
in Iowa, Nov. 12, 1855, the date of lier luisband's 
birth Ijeing May 18, of the same year. Iler father. 
Silas Lunbeek, was born in Ohio, and married Miss 
Sarah Paschal, and after some years residence in 



Iowa, came to Kansas in 18(58. Mr. and Mrs. Lun- 
beek first settled on a farm, but are now living in 
Garrison, having left their rural home five years 
ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Hazen four children 
have been born, three of whom still live. ■ They 
bear the names respectively, of Thomas A., Sarah 
E., and Davis J. 

IMr. Hazen always votes with the Republican 
part}'. He has not been a political aspirant, but 
I was prevailed upon to serve his fellow-citizens as a 
member of the Cit}' Council. He belongs to the 
social order of the A. O. U. W. A reliable citizen, 
upright in his dealings and honorable in every re- 
lation of life, Mr. Hazen enjoys the respect of his 
fellow-citizens, his estimable wife sharing with 
him in their esteem. 



S7 EVANT L. BADGLEY, Clerk of the Dis- 
il (^ ''''■''' ^'ourt of the .35th District, is now an 
Jli^^ honored resident of Westmoreland. Potta- 
watomie County. He is one of the young men of 
the section, having been born May 5, 1851, and 
his residence in this State dates only from the 
spring of 1880. He was born near Lake Chautau- 
qua, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., on the farm occupied 
by his parents. Curtis and Arcelia (Caulkins) Badg- 
ley. The father was a native of the same county, 
being one of its earliest pioneer settlers. Mr. and 
Mrs. Badgley had two children — our subject and a 
brother, John, when the^' left the Empire State and 
took up a home in Wisconsin. While building a 
house thereon, Mr. Badgley w.as stricken with the 
cholera and died. The mother and sons returned 
to New York, a)id there the widow subsequently 
married a Mr. McDonald, and is still living in 
Chautauqua. 

The gentleman of whom we write was but three 
years old when his father died, and he grew to 
man's estate under his mother's care. He finished 
his education at Jamestown Institute, after which 
he entered a grocery store at Corry, Pa., where he 
was emp!o3"ed for a period of three j'ears. He then, 
in 1876. came to Kansas, and after spending a year 
in Louisville, returned to the Keystone State, lo- 
cating at PleasantvlUe, Venango County, this being 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



221 



in the oil region. He entered the employ of Hol- 
nian & Hopkins, dealers in general merchandise and 
groceries, being head clerk and manager of tiie 
grocery department for three years. 

Again turning his face toward the setting sun he 
came once more to this State, and in' March, 1880, 
engaged as a book-keeper for C. W. Bittmann. dealer 
in general merchandise at Louisville. He remained 
in the employ of Mr. Bittmann during tiie succeed- 
ing eight years, and then having beea elected on 
the regular Republican ticket in the fall of 1888, 
to the position which he now occupies, he entered 
upon the duties of that office. He is filling the 
position with credit to himself, and in a manner 
acceptable to his constituents and to the people at 
large. 

At the home of the bride's parents in Sugar 
Grove, AVarren Co., Pa., May 18, 1874, the rites of 
wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Badgley and 
ISIiss Henrietta Warner. The bride was born in that 
place on the 23d day of May, 1847, and is a daugh- 
ter of Robert and Mar3' (Thorpe) Warner, who still 
live there. Mr. Warner is an old resident of the 
Keystone State, where he has been engaged in farm- 
ing. During the California gold excitement he spent 
some time ou the Pacific Coast. He and his wife 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and reared their daughter to a useful and respected 
womanhood. To Mr. and Mr. Badgley four chil- 
dren have been born, of whom two— Vera M. and 
Lena A. — still live. Guy was taken from them on 
Sept. 18, 1882, at the age of six j'ears; and Rena, 
on October 4, the same year, aged two years. 

Of the social orders, Mr. Badgley holds member- 
ship in the A. O. U. W. and the L O. O. F. He is 
a young man of ability- and of high standing in the 
county, his character being excellent and his man- 
ners courteous and well-bred. 



-^ 



-5— 



*¥^ 



' OHN II. FREY. Among the business men 
of Louisville, Pottawatomie County, is the 
gentleman above named, who is engaged in 
' harness-making, and who. with a fair share 
of patronage in his line, has also won the esteem of 
his neighbors during his three vears' residence in 



this city. He is a capable workman, and deserv- 
ing of credit for the position which he occupies 
among the young business men of the State. His 
f.ather, John C. Frey, was born in Lancaster County, 
Pa., and having gone to Illinois, was there united 
in marriage with Sarah Shaw, a native of England. 
Mr. Frey was a harness-maker, and after his mar- 
riage pursued his employment in Illinois until 1870. 
when he removed to this State. Settling at Wani- 
ego, he remained there until 1887, and then jour- 
ne3'ed to California, where he and his wife still 
reside. The parental family was made up of eleven 
children, eight being still alive. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this notice, 
is the eldest child of his jiarents, and was born in 
Will County, 111., June 22, 185,5. In his boyhood 
until the age of fourteen years, lie was a recipient of 
the advantages to be obtained in the commou 
schools, and was then set to work to learn his trade 
under the eye of his father. Five years later, when 
nineteen years old. he began life for himself, and 
for several yeai'S was something of a rover, passing 
bis time in Eldorado, Winfield. and other Kansas 
towns, until his marri.age, when iie adopted a more 
settled mode of life. Three years .ago, he opened 
his present business here, on a capital of 813. and 
has built up so good a trade, .as to place his finan- 
ces on a verj' comfortable basis. 

The most important step in the life of Mr. Frey, 
Was taken in the spring of 1881, when he became 
the husband of Eliza C, daughter of James and 
Sarah Stewart of this place. The parents of the 
bride were originally from the Buckej'e State, 
whence they removed to Iowa, and finally took up 
their residence in Kans.as about thirty years ago. 
Their family was m.adc up of six children, and Mrs. 
Frey is the fourth in order of birth, her natal day 
being August, 1862. Born in this State, she has 
had good advantages of education .and training, 
and is a capable, as well as loving companion. To 
herself and husband four children have been born, 
but two have been removed from them by the 
hand of death. The survivoi'S are George, a bright 
child of seven 3-ears, and Hattie. five j'cars younger. 

Mr. Frey is conservative in politics, and always 
votes the Republican ticket. He has filled the 
office of City Clerk, of Louisville. He belongs to 



222 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the A. O. tl. W. of this place, and has been through 
the chairs; and he is also a member of the Im- 
proved Order of Red Men of Wamego. Though 
the schooling which he obtained in his youth, was 
somewhat meager, he has read extensively, and to 
good purpose, and is more than ordinarily well-in- 
formed and intelligent. He is possessed of pleas ■ 
ant manners and fine social qualities, and is an 
entertaining companion as well as a citizen who is 
interested in the development of tlie town in which 
he has made his home. 



-i!^ ORNELIUS TEEHAN. There is not a more 
_ honest, industrious and useful citizen in 
/'' Clear Creek Township, than Mr. Teehan, 
who is the Treasurer of School District No. 74, 
and takes a warm interest in educational matters. 
He has been a member of the Roman Catholic To- 
tal Abstinence Union of America, for over twenty- 
three years, and is a lifelong Catholic in religion. 
His occupation is that of a farmer, and his well- 
regulated homestead in Clear Creek Township com- 
prises the south half of the southeast quarter, and 
the south lialf of the southwest quarter of section 
21, which he lias built up from the primitive soil, 
and which is recognized as one of the best farms 
in that vicinity. 

A native of County Kerry, Ireland. Mr. Teehan 
was born about 1835, and lived there until a youth 
of seventeen years, attending the common schools, 
and learning the art of sowing and reaping as con- 
ducted in the Emerald Isle. As a youth he was 
thoughtful and ambitious, and seeing no prospect 
of realizing his hopes on his native soil, he re- 
solved upon emigrating to America. For Ave 
years thereafter he lived in New York City, and 
employed liimself at whatever he could find to do. 
Finally going to St. Louis, Mo., he sojourned there 
until 1878, coming that year to Kansas, and set- 
tling where he now resides. Later he purchased a 
quarter of section 28. and now has a half-section of 
well-developed land, which under his careful man- 
agement produces ir. abundance the rich crops of 
the Sunflower State. He is an extensive stock- 
grower, making a specialty of cattle, horses, and 



swine. He has been greatly prospered in his labors 
and has accumulated a sufHciency of this world's 
goods to insure him against want in his old age. 

Mr. Teehan was married Jan. 25, 1861, to Miss 
Ann, daughter of Peter Ginty, of Laehram, Ire- 
huul. Mrs. Teehan is a native of that place, and 
was born about 1839; she came to America when a 
maiden of seventeen years, and by her union with 
our subject, has become the motlier of fourteen 
cliildren, viz: Joseph, Julia Ann, Michael, Jolin, 
James, Daniel, Peter, Edward, Cornelius, Annie, 
Mary, and Nellie, and two who died in infancy. 
Joseph Teelian, the father of our subject, spent 
his entire life in County Kerry. Ireland, and 
died in the year 1864, in the sixtieth year of 
ills age. The mother bore the maiden name of 
Julia Sullivan. She also was a native of County 
Kerry, and died there in 1864, in the fifty-fifth 
year of her age. They were honest and highly re- 
spectable people, and conscientious members of the 
Catholic Church. Cornelius was next the young- 
est of their six cliildren, the others being Mary, 
John, Joanna, Johannah, and Michael. Tliey all 
emigrated to America, but only tliree are now liv- 
ing — Mary, Cornelius, and Michael. 



=E>- 



"l|_^ ON. LAAVRENCE W. CROWL. A com- 
'^V, pendium of Pottawatomie County bio- 
^ graphics would be incomplete witliout a 
®)) sketch of the above-named gentleman, who 
is one of the oldest of the '• old settlers " now 
living, liaving come to Kansas during the troub- 
lous times preceding the late Civil War. He has 
been closely identified with the history of the 
county as an .agriculturist and land owner, a mer- 
chant, and a public offlcial, and in each and every 
capacity has fulfilled the duties incumbent upon 
him in a manner alike creditable to his physical, 
mental and moral capacities. 

Mr. Crowl was born in Columbiana County, 
Ohio, Feb. 22, 1834, and being the son of a farmer, 
early received a practical training in the life of an 
agriculturist. He was the recipient of good ed- 
cational advant.ages in the schools of that county, 
and home training at the parental fireside. His 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



223 



parents romoveil to Illinois wliile lie vvas j'et in liis 
teens, and after remaining in that State a j'ear, he 
returned to liis native county, and engaging in a 
sawmill business, followed that occupation for 
about tive 3'ears. He was married Oct. 16, 1857, 
and tlie following month he anil his wife came West 
and took up some raw land in St. (4eorge Town- 
ship, this county. He first built a log house, and 
began improving and cultivating the farm, continu- 
ing his work thereon until after the breaking out 
of the kate Civil War. Their neighbors were for 
some time scattered at rather remote intervals, and 
life on the frontier had its privations and discour- 
agements, but Mr. Crowl li.ad not only his own 
: spirit to sustain him, but the companionshij) of a 
lady who uobly shared in the trials of those early 
3'ears. 

Mr. Crowl was an earnest patriot and during the 
struggle for American unity he entered Company 
L, 1 1th Kansas Cavahy, serving as Orderly Ser- 
geant, his time being mainly spent attached to the 
Army of the Frontier under Gen. Blunt. The date 
of his enlistment was Feb. 24, 1863, from which 
time he served until the close of the war, being 
mustered out and receiving an honorable discharge 
In October, 1865. Returning to St. George Town- 
ship where his wife and three children remained, 
he eng.aged in merchandising, continuing so em- 
ployed till 1869, when he again became a resident 
of the farming district. He owned five'farms of 
about 400 acres, and lived in the country until 
1886, when he moved to Westmoreland, and again 
turned his attention to a mercantile business. 

In 1870, Mr. Crowl was elected County Treas- 
urer and served the full term of two years, though 
he did not leave his rural home. In 1883, he was 
elected Sheriff, and qualified for office in .January, 
1884, serving as acceptably as he had done as Treas- 
ui-er. At the close of this term of public service he 
became a citizen of the county seat, and in the spring 
of 1889, w.as chosen to fill the Mayor's chair. Mr. 
Ci'owl was one of the first count3' commissioners, 
and is the onl}' one of them now living. He acted 
in that capacity for four or five years, and also in 
an early day was Chairman of the Board in St. 
George Township. 

The wife of Hon. Mr. Crowl was in her maiden- 



hood. Miss Mary E. Emmons. She was born in 
Columbiana County, Ohio, a daughter of Jacob 
Emmons, a farmer of that county, where she lived 
until her marriage and departure with her husband 
for the frontier. Their happy union has been 
blessed in the birth of seven children, four of 
whom still live. They are : Florence, now Mrs. W. 
P. Sheehan of San Francisco, Cal.; Laura, Mrs. C. 
B. Brown, whose husband is the present partner of 
Mr. Crowl in the mercantile business; Nellie; and 
Harry, a stenographer of Arkansas City, Kan. 

The parents of our subject were John and Lydia 
Ann (Majors) Crowl, of the State of Maryland, 
the father having been born in Frederick County, 
in 1804. They grew to maturity in their native 
State, and were there married, removing after a few 
years to Ohio. Mr. Crowl, Sr., was a farmer, and 
as a pioneer of Columbiana Count3-, he cleared a 
farm, on which he lived till early in the '50's, when 
with his family he went to Illinois. There he 
located in Hancock County, and continued his for- 
mer occupation, dying in that county in 1869, aged 
sixty-six 3'ears. The mother had departed this 
life in the Buckeye State 1846. Their family con- 
sisted of ten children, eight of whom lived to ma- 
turity. 

Hon. L. W. Crowl is well and favorably known 
throughout the county as a man of probity, intelli- 
gence and ability, and as such receives the respect 
of his fellow- citizens. He belongs to the G. A. R., 
and the Masonic order. He and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. 



^ OHN W. SELBT, an old soldier a 
I' of Pottawatomie County, reside 



m 



and a pioneer 
es on section 
III 1, township 8, range 8. He is prominent in 
((^/' his township, not only by reason of his past 
services in behalf of his country's safety when im- 
periled b3' the rage of civil war, nor yet alone be- 
cause he assisted to blaze a path for the car of 
progress to roll in safety across the boundless 
plains, but for his present deep interest in the 
prosperity of his chosen state, and his activity in 
promoting whatever will contribute to the welfare 
of his immediate neighborhood. 



224 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Our subject was born in Athens County, Ohio, 
March 10, 1844. His father, Hines C, is living as 
a retired farmer on the old homestead in Bern 
Township. Athens Co.. Ohio. Ilines C. Selby is 
a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, and was 
born on the "Washington County line. The motlier 
of our subject was Sarah A. Rardin, a native of 
Athens County, Ohio, and daughter of William 
Rardin, deceased, a pioneer of that county and a 
hunter in the early days of its history. Dyar 
Selby, the grandfather of our subject, was a native 
of New York and a pioneer of Ohio. He was a 
man of varied capabilities, especially in mechanical 
appliances, being at once a millwright, carpenter, 
cabinet-maker, wheelwright, and blacksmith. His 
ingenuity was so largely developed and his observa- 
tion so keen that he was able to make almost any- 
thing in iron, wood, brass, horn, or steel. He built 
a number of sawmills and found constant occupa- 
tion at some one or other of his different trades. 

John W. Selby is the third in order of birth of a 
family of twelve children, of whom eight are liv- 
ing at present, he being the eldest. He was reared 
on the farm of his parents and received a com- 
mon-school education. Upon the breaking out of 
the late war he enlisted in Company H, 186th 
Ohio Infantry, and served vvith credit till the 
close of the conflict. In April 1866 he went to 
Washington County, Ohio, and the spring of 1870, 
he removed to Pottawatomie County, Kan., loca- 
ting at first in Union Tuwnship, where he remained 
one year, then settled on his present place. 

Mr. Selby was married in Athens Countj', Ohio, 
April 8, 1866 to Miss Lydia A. Parkins, a daughter 
of Marshall and Catherine (Murray) Parkins. The 
father of Mrs. Selby is a resident of Bern Town- 
ship, Athens Co., Ohio, but her mother has passed 
over the deep flowing river of death and taken 
up her abode in the land of perijetual sum- 
mer. Mr. and Mrs. Selby have become the parents 
of eight children of whom seven survive to the 
present time. The}^ are named respectively: 
William S., Dyar K., Hines C, Marshall J., Sarah 
C, Jeremiah J., and George E. The}' are all at 
home under the parental care. 

Jlr. Selby owns a fine farm of IGO acres of land, 
well improved and under good cultivation. He 



also raises stock for the market and has had good 
success in that branch of agricultural life. He and 
his family stand high in the esteem of their neigh- 
bors and Mr. Selby's superior qualifications have 
iminted him out in unmistakable terms as a man 
fitted to fill positions of trust, so they have, very 
properly, elected him to a number of such places 
in all of which he gives perfect satisfaction. He 
has been Township Treasurer, Township Clerk, 
School Director and Clerk of the board for eleven 
years, besides other positions. He is an active 
worker for his party, which is the Republican one, 
and is a member of the G. A. R. Mrs. Selby and 
her eldest two children, William and Dyar, are de- 
voted and worthy members of the Christian Ciiurch. 
They are not contented with a mere profession of 
religion but are active in all Christian work and 
charity. 



\f/KSSE ARGANBRIGHT is the owner of a 
fine farm comprising 250 acres of fertile 
land in Center Township, Pottawatomie 
^^j// Countj'. and is engaged in farming pursuits, 
being interested not only in the raising of grains, 
but also of stock, and having an average of sixtj^ 
head of cattle and seventy -five head of hogs. Not 
onl3' is he a man of influence among other farmers, 
but he is well-known in political circles, and sup- 
ports the Republican party, with the principles of 
which he is in hearty sympathy. The Methodist 
Protestant Church has him enrolled as one of the 
members thereof, and his life is an exemplification 
of his religious belief, being consistent, and above 
reproach. He is connected with the School Board, 
and in other wa3's identified with the interests of 
the community'. 

Mr. Arganbright, whose native State was Ohio, 
was born M.ay 24, 1844. His father, Abraham 
Arganbright was a native of the Buckeye State, 
and vvas born March 22, 1822. In the home of 
his birth he still resides, being interested in agri- 
cultural pursuits, which has been his lifelong occu- 
pation. Politicall}', he is a Democrat, and has 
held minor offices within the gift of his part}' in 
Ohio. He married, in early life. Miss Susanna 
Tweed, who was born Oct. 2, 1820, in Ross County, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



225 



Ohio. She closed her eyes to the scenes of earth 
in 1876, when about fifty-six years of ni^e. Her 
parents were .Tesse and Rach.ael (Hickson) Tweed, 
both of whom were natives of Virginia, whence 
they removed to Ohio at an early day. Mr. Tweed 
was by occupation a bl.acksmith, and died in the 
Bucke3-e State when seventy years of age. His 
wife survived to the age of eightj'-one j'ears. 

A family of eleven children was born to the 
parents of our subject, who are named as follows: 
Sylvester, Jesse, Mahlon. Mary, Martha, Emeline, 
Henr}', Sarah, Elting, and two who died in infancj'. 
Henry died when twenty-three 3^ears of age, and 
Martha at the age of thirt}'. Our subject was the 
second child in the family, and passed his youth in 
the ordinary, uneventful manner, of farmeis' boys. 
He was deeply interested in farming pursuits, and 
being quick in resources, aiul fertile in plans and 
ingenuity, he was enabled to prosper where others 
failed. However, he realized that Ohio contained 
little for him in comparison with the broad prairies 
of the Western .States, and forthwith, resolved to 
seek a home lieyond the "Father of Waters." 

In 1887 Mr. Arganbright came to Kansas, and 
locating in Pottawatomie County, devoted his la- 
bor and time to the development of a homestead. 
His original purchase was eighty acres in Center 
Township, but the acreage has been increased to 
250, located on sections 8, 20, and 30. His resi- 
dence is on section 8, and is a commodious and 
conveniently arranged rural home, with outbuild- 
ings adapted to the needs of the estate. On his 
farm Mr. Arganbright has good gi-aded stock, of 
which he makes a specialty. He has been success- 
ful in this venture, and finds stock-raising fairly 
remunerative. 

That Mr. Arganbright is a fortunate u'an, none 
will dispute after becoming acquainted with liis 
wife, who is a model wife and mother, affectionate 
and devoted to her own family, and hospitable to 
guests beneath her roof. She was in youth Mary 
A. Ault, and was born in Ross County, Ohio, Nov. 
9, 1848. Her parents were William and Kllzabetb 
(Jones) Ault, likewise natives of Ohio. Mr. Ault 
is a farmer by occupation, and is now past his three- 
score years. Our subject and his wife were united 
in marriage Dec. 31, 18G7, and have become the 



parents of seven children, named respectively: 
Lydia, James, Chauncey, William, Minnie, Porter, 
and Sarah M., all living. They are receiving good 
educations In the district schools, and are being 
prepared for whatever station of usefulness awaits 
their future. Socially, they are welcomed into the 
best families, whom they, in turn, entertain be- 
neath their hospitable roof. 

^ ,'-r .''^'4y^^;^fL^^J.__,., 




U<X\ ALKER FALINE. Since his first arrival in 
Kansas in 18G0, this gentleman h.as suc- 
ceeded above the average of mankind in 
accumulating this world's goods, and is- 
finaneially speaking, the most independent farmer 
of Blue Valley Township, Pottawatomie County. 
His splendid estate comprises 800 acres in that and 
Spring Creek townships, the entire amount being 
tillable land, and 400 acres possessing the deep and 
inexhaustible soil of the Blue bottoms. The estate 
is well improved, with neat fences and substantial 
farm buildings, which Include a stone house, 
stone barn, and a windmill and tank, while an or- 
chard beautifies the place and adds its fruits to the 
comforts and remunerative products of the home. 
Mr. Faline is extensively engaged in raising cattle, 
generally having from 1 50 to 200 head, and feeding 
about two cars of cattle and two of hogs per year. lie 
breeds full-blooded Poland- China swine and graded 
Norman horses, having now twenty-five head of 
the latter on tlie farm, in the work of which he 
runs five teams. 

Mr. Faline is the son of Magnus and Anna (Nel- 
son) Faline, who died in Sweden, their native land, 
in 1874. The father operated a farm, and both 
parents were worthy members of the Lutheran 
Church. The grandfather of our subject also l)ore 
the name of Magnus Faline, and for thirty years 
belonged to the Swedish army, serving in the Fin- 
land War three years and the French War five 
j^cars. During the latter he was taken jii-isoner at 
Lubeck, Germany, and held in captivity in France 
for a long time. After leaving the arm\- he en- 
gaged in farming. The parental family consisted 
of eleven children, four of whom — Christine, 
Krick, Alfred and Anna — died In infancj'. Of the 



226 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



seven who grew to manhood and womanhood, 
Charles J. is now living in this township; Louisa is 
deceased; Magnus lives in Sweden, as does August, 
also; Charlotte, Mrs. Linbloom. lives in this town- 
ship; and Gustav is deceased. 

The natal day of our subject was Oct. 24, 1836, 
and his place of birth Linkopingslan. .Sweden. Ke 
remained at home until the age nf nineteen, and 
from that period worked out by the jear until 1858, 
when he left his native land for a borne in America. 
Leaving Gottenberg he sailed to Liverpool, where 
he took passage on the sailing vessel "Julia," after 
forty-three days spent on the Atlantic landed at 
Castle Garden, New York City. His journey was 
performed in the fall, and he worked on a farm 
near Galesburg, 111., until tlie spring of 1860, when 
he went to Burlington, Iowa, theuce by boat to 
Kansas City, Mo., and thence on foot to the home 
of J. A. Johnson, in this township. 

Purchasing 160 acres on section 14, which formed 
the nucleus of his present flue estate, Mr. Faline 
remained in this vicinity six months, and then re- 
turning to the Missouri River on foot, continued 
his journey by rail to his former place of residence, 
where he again worked upon a farm until the fall 
of 1862, when he returned to Blue Valley Town- 
ship, and began the improvement of his farm, per- 
forming his work with oxen. On Aug. IG, 1864, 
he enlisted in Company C, 17th Kansas Infantry, 
was mustered into the service at Leavenworth and 
sent out on the plains scouting after the Indians and 
protecting the stages. On the 4th of November he 
was mustered out,the time of his enlistment having 
expired, and returning to his farm resumed his ag- 
ricultural employment. He has added to his origi- 
nal purchase and for the land which he owns has 
paid various prices, ranging from SI. 25 to §17 per 
acre. 

Mr. Faline is a member of the Blue Valley Stock 
Breeders' Association and is a stockholder in the 
National Bank at "Westmoreland. He was one of 
the principal instruments in securing the building 
of the bridge across the Blue, working hard for that 
object .and subscribing a large sum of money 
toward its accomplishment. He takes great inter- 
est in educational matters and in the endeavor of 
the citizens to keep up good schools, and has 



served as School Director four ^ears, and also 
helped build the first school-house in the district. 
In 1864 he cast his first Presidential vote,;his fa- 
vored candidate being Abraham Lincoln, and the 
party to wliich he then gave his adherence has re- 
tained his suffrage from that time. He is an active 
worker in its ranks, and has been a delegate to 
countj' conventions. Mr. Faline belongs to the 
Swedish Mission Church at Balla Guard. Liberal 
and public spirited, of keen observation and active 
intelligence, and with the cordial nature and 
sturd3' enterprise of the race from which he sprang, 
Mr. Faline is justly regarded with great respect by 
his fellow-citizens and has many and warm friends 
among them. 




Ifk/A ARTIN V. INGRAHAM. Among the in- 
telligent and . highly-respected business 
men of Westmoreland, ti;e above-named 
gentleman deserves notice for bis energy 
and integrity in business affairs, and for his ui)- 
rightness and stability of character. His fellow- 
citizens have not been slow to recognize his worth, 
and are turning his business ability to their own 
advantage by placing him in the offices of Street 
Commissioner and City Marshal. His private 
business enterprise in Westmoreland, is the conduct- 
ing of the Big Red Liver\^ Feed, and Sale Stables, 
of wliich he is the owner. 

The father of our subject is Abram Ingraham, 
whose birthplace w.as near Parkersburg, W. Va., 
and bis natal day, July 28, 1811. When a young- 
boy he went to Ohio, and on arriving at man's es- 
tate married Miss Eleanore Horn, settling as a far- 
mer near Alexandria, Licking Countj', where he 
still lives. His wife died in 1848, when her son 
Martin, was but a small boj'. 

The gentleman of whom we write first saw the 
light in Licking County, .Jan. 3, 1840, and lived 
there until tliirtj' j-ears old, getting a good prac- 
tical education, and the knowledge of agricultural 
pursuits acquired by spending one's early life on a 
farm. In 1862, he engaged wilb two older bro- 
thers in mercantile pnrsuits in Findlay, and after a 
residence there of two years, changed his location 
to Cardin<i;ton, where he continued in business un- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



227 



til 1868. He then went on the road as a salesman, 
following that employment for fourteen j-ears. 

Daring the first four years of his life as a com- 
mercial traveler, Mr. Ingraliam covered Oiiio. 
New York, Pennsylvania and Indiana, bj- rail and 
by driving. He was then transferred to a route 
which covered Missouri, Kansas. Nebraska, Iowa, 
and Southern Dakota, and having traveled this 
every year until 1882, he purchased a farm of 240 
acres of land in this count}', on which he engaged 
in farming and stock-raising during the succeeding 
five j-ears. In August, 1887, he moved into West- 
moreland, bujing a livery on Third Street, between 
State r.nd Main, and a sliort time after\yard erect- 
ing a substantial and attractive dwelling on Main 
Street. He still owns 160 acres of outlying land, 
and is engaged in breeding Norman horses. 

The marriage of j\Ir. Ingraham was celebrated 
at tlie home of the bride on Pleasant Run, this 
county, June 14, 1882, the lady whom lie chose 
as a companion in life being Miss Inez, daughter of 
George and Sarah (Tibbets) Van Dusen. Slie was 
born in Iowa, May .5, 1865, and her parents soon 
after removing to this county, she was reared and 
educated here. Her union with Mr. Ingraliam lias 
resulted in the birlh of two bright ciiildren — Sadie 
and Fred. 

Mr. Ingraliam lias not sought pulilic office, the 
positions which he now holds having been thrust 
upon him by the citizens who saw in him an al)le 
public servant. He afHliates with the Masonic or- 
der, but does not belong to an}' other social body, 
nor to any religious organization. His financial 
standing is the result of his own capabilit}-, and the 
higii regard in which he is held bj' all who know 
him, is the natural result of his fine principles and 
character. 



c^^HOMAS B. FORTUNE resides in Louis- 
m^^) ^'"^ Townsliip, Pottawatomie County, on 
^>^^ land which became tiic family home in 1873. 
The 240 acres ij'ing on section 4 of the above 
named township, which was raw land when settled 
upon by this family, is now thoroughl}' cultivated 
and well improved. Stock-raising is the principal 
business conducted upon it, and large numbers of 



graded stock are handled from year to year. Be- 
neath the hospitable roof of the dwelling good 
housekeeping and good cheer abound, and no 
settlers in this vicinity are held in higher repute 
than those whose home is beneath tliis roof. 

Thomas Fortune, the father of the gentleman 
whose name initiates this notice, was born in Edin- 
burgh, Scotland, .Ian. 6, 1812, and came to Amer- 
ica when a mere boy, settling in Esses Count}', N. 
Y. There he grew to manhood and learned the 
business of a quariyman and marble worker. He 
moved into Maryland, where in 1851 he was uni- 
ted in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Ann Bussey, a 
native of Harford County, of that State. Mr. 
Fortune owned a marble quarry near Baltimore, 
from wliich he furnished stone for two wings of 
the Patent Office, stone for the first 180 feet of the 
great Washington monument, and the pedestal of 
the Jackson monument, all in our National capital. 
Mr. F''ortunc is a master of his trade, and one 
whose noble qualities of heart and mind are 
quickly recognized by all with whom he comes in 
contact. His wife is a worthy companion, possess- 
ing in her own nature many flne'qualities, and both 
are very much liked in tliis vicinity. Though 
quite advanced in years they are still hale and 
hearty. Of the six children that have been born 
U) them, three are now living. Our subject, with 
whom they make their home, is the eldest. Harry 
married Patience Johnson, and lives in Union 
Township this county, their family including two 
children. Bettie is the wife of Robert Pope and 
their home is in Topeka. They also have two ciiil- 
dren. 

The subject of this notice was born in Maryland, 
Dec. 16, 1853, and received an excellent common 
school education. F'rom his native State he came 
to Kansas with his parents in 1873, and built the 
home which he still occupies, and began the culti- 
vation of the estate which is now so attractive and 
valualile. Tlinugh still a young man he has already 
a fine standing as an intelligent agriculturist and 
an able manager of his business affairs, as well as 
a high reputation for morality and uprightness of 
life. In lf<86 lie was united in marriage with Miss 
Eva, daughter of William and Ruth Johnson, of 
Centre Township, Pottawatomie County. Mr. 



228 



POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Johnson died in 1885, and his widow now makes 
her home with the brother of our subject in Union 
Township. She is now sixty years of age. The 
happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Fortune has been 
blessed by the birth of two children: Katie' and 
Thomas A. The former was born Jan. 24, 1887, 
and the latter Oct. 31, 1889. 

Mr. Fortune is a member of Lodge No. 122, 
I. O. O. F. of Louisville. He takes an active interest 
in politics and votes the Democratic ticket. 



^g-JC#L»is 



■^f" OHN J. DAVIS is one of the pioneers of 
Pottawato:r,ie County, having located on 
his farm hi 1-69. At that time lie had no 
nearer neighbors than the few settlers who 
lived from two to three miles away, but game and 
Indians were frequently seen and served to vary 
the monotony of the lonely life on a new farm. 
Mr. Davis was bom in Utica, N. Y., Sept. 5, 1841. 
When he was but a small child his parents re- 
moved to Racine, Wis., and continued to reside 
there until the time of their death, which occurred 
when our subject was only four years of age. Da- 
vid and Elizabeth Davis, the parents of our sub- 
ject having been laid to rest, the little orphan was 
kindly cared for by friends and taken to Dane 
County, Wis., where he grew to be a youth of 
nineteen years. The friends who reared hira were 
farmers, and he learned many valuable lessons from 
his contact with farm life. 

The black war cloud which loomed above the 
horizon in the fall of 1860, grew in density and 
volume throughout the winter of 1860-61, until it 
complete!}' overcast the political firmament of the 
Union. The first flash which indicated the begii\- 
ning of the storm shot athwart the sk}^ from Ft. 
.Sumter, and immediately the mass of gloom which 
hung abi)ve the nation like a heavy pall, resolved 
itself into two migiity foices contending for tlie 
ma<tcry. What the issue would he no one ".is wise 
enougli to foretell, and our sniijcct did not wait to see 
which side would conquer, hut threw himself into 
the struggle to battle for the right as he was given 
to see the right. Althou<rh but ay-ulh of nineteen, 
he enlisted in Company E, 8tn Wisconsin Infantry, 



and set forth to fight for the honor of the old flag. 
His regiment carried a live eagle with them known 
as "Old Abe,'' and it accompanied them every- 
where. They were successively attached to the 
armies of the Mississippi, Tennessee, the Cumber- 
land and the Gulf. The}' took part in the battles 
at Corinth, Fredericktown, Island No. 10, New 
Madrid, Corinth, second engagement :Shiloli, reach- 
ing the Beld as the battle was almost finished; 
Farmington, luka Springs, Champion Hills, Yicks- 
burg and Nashville. They were through the cam- 
piagns of Richmond, Louisiana and up the Red 
River. On that expedition our subject was twice 
taken prisoner, the first time at Bear Creek, where 
while fighting gallantly he was surprised by the 
enemj' and detained a few hours, when he was res- 
cued. The next time was at luka; at night the 
Confederates were not able to guard their prison- 
ers closely, owing to the fact that they were re- 
treating, and Mr. Davis watched his chance and, 
without saying farewell, quietly slipped off. If in 
the future he should chance to^meet his captors, he 
will take pleasure in making amends to the best of 
his ability for his lack of courtes}' at that time. 
However, his haste to be off ma}', perhaps, be ex- 
cused, considering the circumstances. Mr. Davis 
was in the army from Aug. 23, 1861, to Septem- 
ber, 1865, a little over four years. 

When our subject was mustered out of service 
he returned home and attended school during the 
f.all and winter. In the succeeding spring he went 
to Kansas City, Mo., and secured work at running 
a steam sawmill. While in that business he was 
injured, and was obliged to leave it. He then 
went to Coatsburg, Hancock Co., 111., where he re- 
mained a short time, then leaving, he removed to 
Kansas and located on the farm where he is at pres- 
ent. He tot)k up raw land and has made all the usual 
improvements since that time. In doing the work 
requiied he was obliged to depend upon himself, 
as he w.as not able to hire it done. He has a good 
house, first-class barn and an orchard of 600 trees. 
In addition to this he has a fine lot of excellent 
shade trees, which are not only of great use to tlie 
I cattle, but are an ornament to the entire place. 

The marriaire of Mr. Davis and Miss Laura A. 
Newton was; celebrated in Olathe, Kan., Aug. 28, 



PORTRArr AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



229 



1873. They have become the parents of five chil- 
dren, whose names arc: P^dna L., James L., F. 
Arthur, L^dia A. and Frank. Mrs. Davis was 
born in "Wisconsin in 1843, and lived in tliat State 
until 1871, when she came to Kansas and engaged 
in teaching. She is a fine, intelligent woman, .an 
affectionate wife .and mother, and a good neighbor, 
always ready to respond to the call for help from 
whatever source it may come. 

Mr. Davis assisted in organizing the district in 
which he resides and was its first Treasurer, liolii- 
ing the office for ten successive years. He has no 
political asjiirations, however, and prefers to let 
others fill the positions of honor and emolument. 
He is a man of splendid ability, and has demon- 
strated the fact by the management of his place. 
He has now a well-cultivated estate of 255 acres 
of land and is spoken of by all who know him as a 
man of sterling integrity, unimpeachable veracitj', 
and a generous friend in time of need. 



'j^^ ILS PETER JOHNSON ranks higli among 
I jjj the influential Swede settlers of Pottawat- 
11\JjL) omie County, being, with one exception, the 
owner of the largest amount of landed property 
belonging to any citizen of Blue Valley Township. 
His estate is pleasantly located on section 12, and 
comprises 1,700 acres of fertile land, 600 of which 
are located on the wide and extensive bottoms of 
the Blue, while the entire tract is in a good state of 
cultivation and embellished with farm buildings of 
a modern type. Probably the most attractive spot 
on the farm is the site of the residence, a stone 
structure, built in 186G, and surrounded by a beau- 
tiful lawn, with evergreens and other trees, while 
in the distance may he seen the orchards and groves. 
The pastures are admirably adapted to the wants 
of the fine stock with which the place is stocked. 
He usuall}- feeds from 200 to 250 head of cattle, 
principally Shcrt-horns; twenty-five head ;if horses, 
grade Normans, and owns two shares in the Blue 
Valle}' Stock- Breeder's Association. Not only is 
this the result of INIr. Johnson's unaided efforts, but 
even his education li.as been principall3f self-ob- 



tained, and proves what can be accomplished by 
unremitting energy and careful business manage- 
ment. 

The ancestral history of our subject is quite fully 
given in the personal sketch of his brother, John 
A. Johnson, also a prominent citizen of the same 
township. Of Swedish birth, Mr. Johnson was 
born in Linkoping, Nov. 30, 1828, and as it was 
prior to the time of free schools, his education was 
limited, and his youth was passed in a compara- 
tively uneventful manner. His early religious 
training was received from his mother, with whom 
he remained until twenty-one years old, and then 
was employed b}' a minister, whose estate he man- 
aged until 1852. At that time he took the most 
important and wisest step in his life, determining 
to come to America, and to seek within her almost 
boundless borders a home for himself and family. 
In company with his brother, and his wife, with 
whom he had been united in marriage only a few 
weeks, he sailed from the port of Gotten berg, 
May 12, 1852, embarking on the sailing-vessel 
"Virginia," and landing in New York City after a 
V03'age of six weeks and four days. 

In Galesburg, 111., our subject established a 
home, buying a house in partnership with three of 
his countr3'meu. He was emploj'ed on various 
farms in that vicinity until 1856, when he came ;o 
Kansas. His brother, John A., had preceded him 
here and located on the Blue. In the spring of 
that year our subject, accompanied by his wife and 
child, took passage in a prairie-schooner, drawn by 
two 3'oke of oxen, and thus started on their long 
trip. The Mississippi was crossed at Okowanka, 
and the Missouri at St. Joseph. Had he not been 
a foreigner he would doubtless have had didiculty 
in getting beyond the latter city, as it was in the 
possession of people of Southern sympathies. They 
presumed he was a Democrat, as were most of tlie 
foreigners at that period, and allowed him to pass 
on. He made his w.ay, with Isaac; Walker and sev- 
eral other old settlers of Marshall County, to Bar- 
ret's Mill, where he left his team and famil3- and 
started out on foot to look for his brother. He 
accidentally met the latter as be was coming out of 
his shaniy, which he had built on a part of his 
present possessions. He found it veiy difficult to 



230 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



bring his team and wagon down to his present 
place, as he was compelled to traverse seemingly 
perpendicular bluiis, and often was obliged to lock 
all the wheels of his vehicle. However, he was 
successful in pre-empting his homestead of 160 
acres, which he did May 22, 1856, the day Law- 
rence was first burned. This claim he purchased 
in 1859. His was the first Swedish family in Kan- 
sas, his brother being a single man at that time. 
Mrs. Johnson enjoys the distinction of being the 
first Swede lady in the entire State. 

AVhen Mr. .Johnson located in Blue Valley Town- 
ship, wild game was plentiful, and he had great 
sport in hunting turkeys and other small game. He 
has watched with keen interest the growth and de- 
velopment of the surrounding country, and has 
been an important factor in its progress. He was 
impressed with the beauty and fertility of the Blue 
Vallej', and the farm which he selected has become 
so endeared to him bj^ associations that he says 
nothing could induce him to leave it. He has 
added to its mouej^ value every year, and has im- 
proved it, having all modern conveniences tiiat are 
now found on well-regulated estates. He owns 600 
acres of land located near Garrison, 160 acres 
near Olsburg, while the balance of the 1,700 is 
situated in Blue Valley Township. In earl3' days 
the pioneers went to the river ports to trade, the 
trip occupying a week. Corn was hauled to Marys- 
ville, and by this means Mr. .Tohnson paid for the 
land he purchased in 1859. 

In the spring of 1864 Mr. Johnson left home and 
family, joined a Kansas regiment, and went out on 
the plains after the Indians. In October thej' were 
sent against Price, going as far as Kansas City, 
when the}' ascertained that he had been conquered. 
He was mustered out at Leavenworth. In politics 
he is a Republican, first, last and always. Of the 
Lutheran Church at Mariadahl he has been Deacon 
and Trustee for ni.any years, and was one of the 
charter members thereof. He is a stockholder of 
the Bank of Randolph, and has been School Treas- 
urer for six years, assisting to build the third 
school-house in this county. He is also Supervisor 
of Roads. 

The wife of our subject is of Swedish birth and 
parentage, having been born in Linkoping, that 



country ,Oct. 2, 1829. She was in youth Sophia Ole- 
son, and was married to Mr. Johnson April 1 2, 1852, 
only a short time prior to their departure for the 
United States. Seven children have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, namely: Emma, John W.. 
August, Alma, Victor E., Matilda and Otto. Emma 
became the wife of J. O. Maxwell, a farmer in Blue 
Valley Township. John W. is a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and owns 200 acres of land : he married Alma 
Burklun. August is on the home farm; Alma is 
the wife of the Rev. C. E. Elving, of Omaha, Neb.; 
Victor E. married Alice Peterson, and is now cash- 
ier of the Bank of Randolph; Matilda and Otto 
are under the parental roof. Oct. 2, 1889, a reunion 
of the Johnson family w.as held at the home of our 
subject, celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of his 
mother's arrival in Kansas. He being the oldest 
member of the household was president of the oc- 
casion. The representatives of this family in Pot- 
tawatomie County now number more than seventy, 
and all of them are influential citizens and worthy 
members of society. 

p. BISHOP has a very pleasant and attract- 
., ive home on East Fifth street, in Holton, 
which he erected in 1869. He has Ic-ng 
been a resident of this city, coming here 
when it was in its infancy, and has been an active 
factor in promoting its development. He was for 
a period of fourteen j'ears prosperously engaged in 
the drug business here. He has also been exten- 
sively identified with the agricultural interests of 
Jackson County for a long time, improving no less 
than four fine farms, three of which are still in his 
possession, and under his excellent management 
have become valuable property. 

A native of "Washington Count}', Ohio, April 
12, 1829, was the date of his birth. His father, 
Gilbert Bishop, was born in New York. Jan. 19, 
1802. His father, bearing the same name as him- 
self, was also a native of the Empire State, and was 
one of a famih' of nine sons and one daughter. 
The grandfather of our subject was reared in his 
native State, and early learned the trade of a car- 
penter. He was one of the first settlers of Ohio, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



231 



locating fourteen miles from Marietta. He took up 
a tract of timber land in the primeval forests of 
that region, and besides worl<ing at his trade cleared 
his land and improved it into a farm before his 
death. He reared three sons and live (laughers 
to good and useful lives. 

The father of our subject was nineteen 3-ears 
old when his parents removed to Ohio, and he ac- 
companied them, and after his marriage there, 
bought a tract of forest-covered land in Washing- 
ton Count}', and for a time devoted himself to its 
clearance and to its cultivation. But after the 
death of his wife he turned his attention to the 
study of raedicini'. and attended medical lectures 
at Chicinnati two winters. He became a successful 
physician and surgeon, and practiced manv 3'ears 
in Hocking, Muskingum and ^Monroe counties, 
Ohio, where he was considered one of the leading 
members of his profession. In 1845 he removed 
to Logan, Hocking Count}-, and, opening an office 
there, for more than thirty years he engaged in his 
calling in that place till his busy career was cut short 
by the hand of death in March, 187G. His face and 
form were familiar in many a household where he 
was the venerated physician and friend, and his 
removal from the scene of his labors n-as mourned 
by many, while the memory of l;is lionoral)le, well- 
spent life is warmly cherished by all who knew him. 
Our subject was early called to lose the loving care 
of a mother, as she died in 1831, while 3'et j'oung. 
Her maiden name was Harriet Ford, and she was 
born in Washington County, Ohio. Her father, 
Judea Ford, was a native of ]Massachusetts, and a 
pioneer of Washington Count}', where he cleared a 
farm, whereon he died in the fullness of years. 

He of whom we write early sought to gain an 
education, attending school whenever opportunit}' 
offered in the newlj' settled countr}- where he was 
reared, for. in his^'outh, Ohio was still in the hands 
of the pioneers, and schools were held in the 
jirimitive, rudel^'-built log houses, with puncheon 
floors, chimneys on the outside and built of sticks 
and earth, slal) benches with wooden pegs for legs, 
and greased paper inserted in the openings from 
which a log bad been removed, admitting the light. 
After his father's removal to Logan, our subject 
attended the village school, and later worked on a 



farm and in the woods getting out ties, hewing and 
sawing lumber, etc. He made his home in Logan 
until 1866, when he and his wife came to Kans.TS 
with a team, bringing with them a part of their 
household goods. They located in Ilolton. which 
then had about 250 inhabitants, and tlie surrounding 
country was but thinly settled, the nearest rail- 
way station being at Atchison. ^Mr. Bishop at 
once established himself in the drug business in 
company with J. L. Williams, buying out the first 
drug-store ever opened here. Later he bought out 
his partner and continued in thebusiness until 1880, 
having in the meantime greatly extended it, and 
then sold stock and leased the building. Mr. 
Bishop had previously invested a good deal in land, 
and since retiring from the drug business he has 
devoted himself to improving farms, and still owns 
three of the four that he has developed since that 
time. 

Maj' 1, 1859, Mr. Bishop took an important step 
in life, whereb}' he secured a faithful wife, who has 
devoted herself to his interests, and has greatl}- 
aided him in the establishment of their commodious, 
comfortable home. Mrs. Bishop's maiden name 
was Catherine Scanlin, and Ireland was her place of 
birth; she came to this country when she was six 
months old. 

A perusal of this brief biograjjh}' will show that 
Mr. Bishop has met with unqualified success in life 
from a financial point of view, and he has won an 
honorable place in the business circles of this 
county, and among his fellow-citizens, by whom he 
is M'ell regarded, as he possesses those traits of 
character that mark an honest man. one who is kind 
and considerate in his dealings with his neighbors, 
and is open handed and liberal with his means. ■ 

XDERS VICTOR JOHNSON. There are 
ij^yjj within the limits of Blue Valle}- Township, 
11 11 few men more widely or favorably known 
;^ than the subject of this notice. He is in- 

dependent, financially, and has been prominent in 
local affairs, holding the various otHces and other 
positions of trust and responsibility. He has a 
beautiful home, presided over by a very intelligent 



232 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and accomplished wife, and is the owner of 665 
acres of land in Blue Valley Township, besides 160 
acres near Garrison; his residence is on section 2. 
In the biography of J. A. Johnson, on another 
page of this volume, may be found a sketch of this 
branch of the Johnson family who for generations 
back were born and reared in Scandinavia. An- 
ders v., now a man of fifty years, was born Sept. 
20, 18.39, in Linkopingslan, Sweden, and enjoyed 
the advantages of the first public schools in his na- 
tive country, which were opened when he was a lad 
of nine years. He assisted his father on the farm 
until he was sixteen years old, and meanwhile com- 
menced an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, 
but as he did not like this he only followed it one 
year. Afterward he resumed farming, i-emaining 
a resident of his native country until the spring of 
1859. At this time, when twenty years of age, he 
determined to emigrate to America, going first to the 
port of Lubeck, Germany, on the steamer '• Bore," 
and thence bj' cars to Hamburg, where he boarded 
a sailing vessel the " Donan," which after a voyage 
of forty-six days landed him safely in New York 
City. In the meantime the voyagers encountered 
severe storms, by which they were driven so far 
north out of their course that they could see the 
sun for twenty-one hours in succession, and al- 
though it was in the month of July, they were ob- 
liged to wear their overcoats. 

From the metropolis Mr. Johnson proceeded by 
rail to Leavenworth, Kan., and tlience by team to 
his brother's place on the Blue River. He en- 
gaged by the month at farming, and in the spring 
of 1860 entered a claim of 160 acres of his present 
farm by means of a land warrant. This was located 
on Shannon Creek, and Mr. Johnson at once be- 
gan the improvement of his purchase, building first 
a log house. lie cultivated part of the land, but 
during 1862-63 added to his cash income by freight- 
ing, making two trips to Denver and the mountains 
with ox-teams. In the fall of 1862 he worked in 
the Russell Gulch Mines for three months. A year 
later he was in the State militia, doing guard duty 
at Manhattan after the burning of the city of Law- 
rence. In the fall of 1 864 he was with tlie State 
troops two weeks during Price's raid, going as far 
as Kansas City. Later he turned his whole atten- 



tion to farming, in which he was thereafter uni- 
formly successful, and by degrees increased his 
landed possessions, until he became one of the lead- 
ing land-owners of his township. He has laid over 
600 rods of stone fence, has planted forest and 
fruit trees, erected buildings, and effected all the 
other imin'ovements naturally suggested to the 
mind of the enterprising farmer. His land lies 
along the Sliaunon Creek, being thus well watered 
and amplj' supplied with timber. 

Mr. Johnson put up the first residence on the 
Shannon in 1867. He has a commodious barn and 
other necessary outbuildings, a windmill, water- 
tanks, a tenement house and the latest improved 
farm machinery. His laud is mostly devoted to 
live stock, including graded Short-horn cattle, of 
which he feeds from one to two cars each year, and 
two car loads of swine. He makes a specialty of 
graded Norman and Cleveland Bay horses, having 
eighteen head in all. He is a jirominent member 
of the Blue Valley Stock Breeder's Association and 
at present the Secretary. 

Mr. Johnson was married in St. George, Pot- 
tawatomie County, Aug. 15, 1867, to Miss Maria 
L. Simkins. This lady was born in Columbiana, 
Ohio, Aug. 12, 1846, and is the daughter of the 
Rev. J. W. Simkins, a native of LaFayette County, 
Pa. The paternal grandfather was Daniel Simkins, 
who was born in Wales, and who upon emigrating 
to America settled first in Pennsylvania, whence he 
removed later to Columbiana County, Ohio, set- 
tling upon a farm where he spent his last days. His 
son, J. W., fitted himself for a teacher, which 
profession he followed principallj' during his after 
life, although he learned brick-laying, at which he 
occupied himself during the summer seasons. lie 
left the Buckeye State in 1862, coming to Kansas 
and purchasing a farm in the vicinity of St. George. 
He also followed teaching here for a number of 
years, and from early manhood officiated as a min- 
ister of the Christian Church, laboring thus in the 
Master's vineyard for a period of forty years. He 
is still living and is now seventy-eight years old, 
and still owns his farm near St. George where he 
resides. He has been prominent in local affairs, 
serving .as County Assessor two years, County 
Commissioner two years, was Justice of the Peace 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALRT'M. 



233 



several years, and usually voted with the Republi- ■ 
can party. His sympathies are now willi the Pro- 
hibitionists. 

The mother of Mrs. .Johnson was in her maiden- 
hood Miss Prudence Blackburn, likewise a native 
of Columbiana County, Ohio. Her father was 
Samuel Blackburn, a native of Ireland, and who 
when a child emigrated to America with his par- 
ents, they settling in Maryland. Samuel when a 
young man emigrated to Columbiana Conntj', Ohio. 
He participated in the AVar of 1812, and after it 
was ended returned to the farming and blacksinith- 
ing pursuits in which he had been bred. When an 
old man he went to live with his son in Meigs 
Count3'. and there spent his last days. 

Mrs. Prudence (Blackburn) Simkins, was born 
in 1812 and became a bride in 18.30. She and her 
husband celebrated their Golden Wedding nearly 
ten j'cars ago. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Simkins nine children, the eldest of whom, a son, Al- 
liert, is emiiloyed in the office of The Mall and Ex- 
presH in New York City ; during the late war he 
was connected with the United States Treasury De- 
partment at Washington, having first served as 
Private Secretary under Salmon P. Chase. Mar- 
garet died when about forty -six j^ears old ; Mannassa 
was Superintendent of Schools in tills county four 
j'ears, but is now deceased; Fanny, Mrs. Carson, 
lives in Cincinnati, Oliio; Lizzie, Mrs. Tinker, is a 
resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Maria L., Mrs. John- 
son, was the next in order of birth; Emma, Mrs. 
Hartwell, lives in Meriden. this State; Charles died 
when two years old; Mnry died when six years of 
age. 

Mrs. Johnson was reared in Cheviot near the 
city of Cincinnati, Ohio, and acquired a very good 
education in the public schools. She came to Kan- 
sas with her parents in 1S62 and soon aftei'ward 
began teaching, at the age of sixteen year.s. She fol- 
lowed this professsion in Jefferson. Pottawatomie 
and Davis (now (jeary) counties, until her niaiiiai;e. 
Slie first taught in the old log school house, into 
which light was .ndmitled by a row of window 
panes running the length of the room, and uheii the 
Indians frequently rode up and looked tliiough. 
frightening both teachers and scholars. They, 
never, however, offered any violence, but would 



frequently remark to the neighbors "white squaw, 
heap children," evidently under the impression 
that all the children were her own and that she was 
keeping house. Later this remark was partially 
verified, as of her union with our subject there 
were born six children, viz: Stanley who died when 
sixteen months old; F. Lelia, Leslie, Mertyn and 
Elwyn, twins; the latter died when five years 
old ; Carol. They have also an adopted child, Le- 
nore. The eldest daughter was for a time a stu- 
dent-in Campbell University at Holton, where she 
paid considerable attention to the art of painting, 
and Leslie is now attending that institution. 

Mr. Johnson during the early days was an expert 
with his rifle, and frequently went out hunting, 
and upon one occasion killed five buffaloes. He 
hauled the shingles for his house from Atchison in 
18G7. He alwaj's maintained a warm interest in 
the growth and development of the count}-, and es- 
pecially encouraged the building of school-houses 
and the employment of "the best teachers. He has 
been the clerk of his scliool district since 1863. He 
also officiated as Justice of the Peace two years; 
Towship Trustee five 3'ears; Township Treasurer 
eight 3'ears and Township Clerk two years. He 
assisted in the building of four churches at 01s- 
burg, including the Methodist, of which donomin.a- 
tion he has been a member since earl}^ manhood. 
Politicallj', he is a live Republican and active as a 
temperance worker. 



^ OIIN THORNBURROW is one of the large 
land-owners of Jackson County, and an old 
resident of Netawaka Township, where he 
took np a claim in 18.58, beginning his resi- 
dence upon it in tlie 3'ear ISO I. He is a son of 
Edward TliDrnl'urrow, a praclicd farmer, and game 
keeper for Lord Lonsdale, in WcslniMreland, Eng- 
laiul. where our ^ubject was born June 28, 1833. 
He leceived a limileil education in the common 
schools of tli;it county, anil .1 pr.ictic-d Iraiiiini; in 
the occupation which his father so well undc-rstood. 
He was in the twentieth year of his 'ige, when he 
left his native country for a home in Am^ nci, id 
first headquarters in this country being Blooming- 



234 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ton, 111., where he worked in the hrickyards, fol- 
lowing it by working in the mines at LaSalle, 111. 

After having spent two years in the United 
States, Mr. Thornbiirrow returned to England for 
a few months, during which time he was united in 
marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of George and 
Hannah Burn, of his own shire. This was in 1855, 
and returning to America, accompanied by liis 
wife, Mr. Thornburrow lived in LaSalle until 1858. 
The couple then came to Kansas, and after filing 
upon a claim went to Kickapoo. where Mrs. Thorn- 
burrow was taken sick, and where she died a short 
time after their arrival. She left no children, two 
whom she had borne, having died in their infancy. 

Our subject remained near Leavenworth about 
two years, and Jan. 1, 1860, married, his second 
wife being the daughter of William Thorp, of 
Prestwitch, near Manchester, England. In 1861 
they came to the claim in this county, which con- 
sisted of the northwest quarter of section 7, Xeta- 
waka Township, and in proving up on it, ilr. 
Thornburrow bought a warrant for SI 60 with which 
he paid for his land, receiving his |)atent from tiie 
Government. Our subject has since added to his 
landed estate 1,300 acres in the neighborhood of 
bis home, and all well-fenced. Having made the 
cattle business his principal occupation since com- 
ing here. Mr. Thornburrow devotes the greater part 
of his land to pasture and meadow, raising grains 
only for family use and for feeding, and also buy 
ing large quantities from his neighbors. 

On his places our subject has two dwellings, one 
of them being his own fine residence on the origi- 
nal homestead. The tenant houses are substantial 
frame buildings, and his own dwelling is a two- 
story structure, 28x28 feet, with six foot porches 
running on two sides. The latter was begun in 
the year 1861, and rebuilt in 1879, together 
with a barn, 34x54 feet, with stables, which is 
built on a side hill, the main building being 
eighteen feet high, with a mow for fifty tons of 
ha}-, granary for 1,500 bushels of grain, and stall 
room for twenty- two head of horses. Apple and 
other fruit trees have been set out around the dif- 
ferent houses, and such other improvements made 
as one would expect from a pi-osperous and enter- 
prising farmer. Mr. Thornburrow has always aimed 



to get the best Durham stock, his experience being 
that the cattle of that breed are the most profitable 
to raise. He has always fed and shipped from two 
to six car-loads per season. 

Mrs. Mary Thornburrow, the second wife of our 
subject, departed this life in March, 1869. She 
had borne six children, all of whom survived to 
mourn her loss: Edward W. is unmarried, and 
lives on a farm near Goff, in Nemaha County; 
Mary A. is the widow of M. Scott, of this county, 
who died March 23, 1887, leaving one child, .Jen- 
nie E.. aged three years; Robert is married, and 
lives on his own farm, which adjoins that of his 
brother near Goff; Samuel, who is unmarried and 
at home, owns a farm in Nemaha County ; Eliza- 
beth Ann, a finely educated 3'oung lady, is still at 
home; John, who was the youngest child of Mrs. 
Mary Thornburrow, died at the age of five j-ears. 

The third wife of Mr. Thornburrow, bore the 
maiden name of Ellen "SVhimple, and was born in 
Chautauqua County, N. Y. She departed this life 
in 1872, leaving one son, Ch'de C who is attend- 
ing the business college in Lawrence, and who in- 
tends to complete the course of study there. 

In politics, Mr. Thornburrow is a Republican. 
He was reared in the faith of the Episcopal Church. 
A high degree of business prosperity has attended 
his efforts in life. As a man of uprightness and 
morality, of intelligence and kindly spirit. Air. 
Thornburrow is regarded with respect by his fel- 
low-citizens, who look upon him as one of their 
most reliable and substantial associates. 



-^m^ 



ARRIS J. THOMPSON. The gentleman 
whose name is here presented is one of the 
leading men of Shannon Township, where 
'>i^) he owns 960 acres of land, embracing the 
whole of section 29 and one-half of section 19, the 
family residence being on the latter section. He 
was an old settler of Jackson County, h.aving lo- 
cated in that county in 1868 when he first became 
a citizen of Kansas. He was born in West Groton, 
Tompkins Co., N. Y., Feb. 7, 1828, and resided in 
the home of his childhood until his twenty-seventh 
3'ear. He attended the schools of his native place, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



235 



but was sent to Ithaca, N. Y., to complete his edu- 
cation. When it was finished he entered the ranks 
of the teachers, and taught school during the fall 
and winter seasons, but kept on working at the 
farm in vacations, until he was twenty-six years of 
age. 

November 15, 1853, is a day long to be remem- 
bered by our subject, as upon that day he was 
wedded to Miss Lucinda Owen. After his mar- 
riage he removed to Locke, N. Y., and engaged in 
the business of general merchandising. He next 
removed to Milan, Livingston Co., Mich., in 1861, 
and engaged in the milling business. Subsequently 
he went to Norwalk, Townsend Station, Huron Co., 
Ohio, where he was occupied in milling and wood- 
bending for two years. Nov. 3, 1868, after casting 
his ballot for Gen. Grant, our subject started with 
his family for the West, going from Cincinnati to 
St. Louis via boat, and thence bj- rail to Grasshop- 
per Falls, now Valley Falls, Kan. Immediately after 
his arrival he set up in the business of general mer- 
chandising, and also took up 160 acres of land in 
Jefferson Township, near Circleville. This was 
raw land, with no houses within many miles. In 
1869 he moved upon the place, and built a shant3- 
12x18 feet in which to shelter bis family until he 
could improve the land and build a better house. 
Energetically he set to work and broke up the sod, 
planted a crop, set out trees for shade and shelter, 
planted orchards of various fruit trees, such as 
apple, peach, pear and cherry, and also put in a • 
stock of small fruit, including a large supply of 
strawberries, and in general made all improvements 
that are usually found on the most enterprising 
farms. He also leased and improved 160 acres, 
building good stables and corn-cribs on each place, 
and also engaged in the business of stock-raising. 
He made a fine farm of it, and resided there till 
1880, when he disposed of his entire lot of stock, 
machinerj', and everything, even to an ox-team. 
Included in the sale were 100 head of fine horses 
and the same number of hogs, showing that he had 
prospered during the time that he had been on that 
place. 

LTpon leaving the farm in Jefferson Township, 
Mr. Thompson went to Holton and engaged in the 
livery business, which he carried on in connection 



with the farm that he had just moved from. In 
1884 he removed to Pottawatomie County, and 
bought a large farm of raw land, with no fences, in' 
the neighborhood. During the years that have 
elapsed from 1884 to 1889, he ha,s made surprising 
progress in the way of improving his place. He 
has 600 acres under plow, and expects to break the 
balance of his land, some 360 acres, in 1890. He 
has all the place fenced and cross-fenced, and had 
this year (1889) corn rows that were a mile long. 
He purchased the fine farm residence that he now 
lives in, and has a comfortable and elegant home. 
His farm is one of the finest and largest in the 
township. His land is all tillable, and to guard 
against the possibility of a drouth, he has put up a 
windmill that will supply all the water needed on 
the large estate. 

Mr. Thompson has no political aspirations, and 
is not a member of any party, but votes as his 
judgment dictates. Mrs. Thompson was born in 
Venice, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Dec. 29, 1831. When 
only one j'car old her parents removed to Genoa, 
N. Y., which they m.ade their home till 1850. She 
was educated in the schools of Milan and Groton, 
and accompanied her parents to Dryden in 1850, 
where she remained till her marriage. She taught 
school from the time she was thirteen and one-half 
years of age up to the time of entering the home of 
her husband, and attended school during the vaca- 
tions. She is a bright attractive lady, and has 
kept up her reading all through the years of her 
life since coming West. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomp- 
son have been born two children: Frank II. and 
lone, both of whom are of home with their parents. 

Daniel Owen, the father of Mrs. Thompson, was 
born in New Jersey, in March, 1800, and accom- 
panied his parents to Genoa. N. Y., when quite 
young. He grew to manhood in the latter place, 
and there married his wife. Miss Elizabeth Johnson, 
of Locke, N. Y., who was also born in the year 
1800. They resided in that place till 1850, when 
they removed to Dryden, N. Y., and remained 
till 1869, when they once more changed their resi- 
dence, and settled in Groton, Tompkins County, 
where they now live at the age of eightj'-nine 
years. They are devoted members of the Bap- 
tist Church, and have been in that communion 



236 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for many j'ears. They are highly respected peo- 
ple, and have mai^y warm friends in the neighbor- 
hood. Mr. Owen keeps in vigorous health, and as 
an instance of his vitalit}' it may be stated that in 
1887, when he was eight5'-seven 3'ears of age, he 
walked two miles to the polls, and having expressed 
his political preference by depositing his ballot, 
walked back home. 

Jacob H. Thompson, the father of our subject, 
was born in Lansing, Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1804, 
and grew to man's estate in his native place. He 
learned the carpenter's trade, and worked at it till 
he was twenty-eight years old. During the time 
that he was engaged at the trade he built some of 
the finest houses of that date in the cit^' of Au- 
burn. He was united in marriage with Mrs. Susan 
Allen, nee Sellen, about November, 1826, and re- 
moved afterward to West (iroton. They lived 
in the same house in that place during all the 
rest of their lives, and were finally removed from 
it by the messengers from the other world. The 
father departed for the better land in 1876, but 
the mother continued to reside in iier earthly home 
till about 1880. Tliev were consistent Christian 
people, and members in good standing of the 
Ch.istian Church. Mr. Thompson, who is the sub- 
ject of this sketch, and his familj-, occupy a lofty 
position in the regard and esteem of the people of 
their community, and are in every respect worthy 
of the confidence which is reposed in them. Mr. 
Thoraijson is a man of whom it can be truthfully 
said, that -'his word is as good as his oath." 



c 



HAKLES E. MOKRIS, who is now filling 
,., _ the otlice of Sheriff of Pottawatomie Countj-, 
^^^J is one of the most high!}- respected citizens 
of the county, where he has resided for almost a 
score of years. He settled in Lone Tree Township, 
in March, 1870, taking up a homestead of raw land, 
reclaiming it from its primitive condition, and 
making of it a beautiful and highly productive 
estate. When he first came to his homestead, most 
of the things necessary to sustain life and furnish 
a home were brought from Wamogo, twenty-five 



miles distant. His rural estate is now marked b}- 
all the improvements which an enterprising farmer 
could desire, and is a home both attractive and 
comfortable. When elected to the position which 
he now holds, two years since, Mr. Morris removed 
to Westmoreland, where he now resides. 

The birth of Mr. Morris took place near Chicago, 
111., Feb. 7, 1849, and his early life was spent in 
Ogle County. His father died when he was but 
five months old, and his mother was taken from 
him when he was but seven j'ears of age. Not hav- 
ing the advantages of early schooling, such as are 
common to most boys, he has, by his individual 
efforts, obtained a good practical education, and 
overcome the deflciences of his early years. Though 
"only a boy," Mr. Morris had a patriotic spirit, 
and at the early age of fifteen years entered the 
Union army, his enlistment dating from Oct. 9, 1 864, 
and he being enrolled in Company K, 2d Illinois 
Light Artillerj-. He was sent to the AVestern Di- 
vision, his first active service being at Memphis, 
after which he continued to faithfully discharge 
his duties until Aug. 14, 1865, when he was dis- 
charged at Chicago. 

Returning to Ogle County, Mr. Morris remained 
there until 1868, in the spring of wliich year he 
went to Marshall County', Iowa, and two years 
later came to Kansas, as above stated. He had not 
long been a resident of this county ere obtaining 
companionship in the person of Miss Susie M. Baker, 
with whom he was united in marriage Jan. 25, 
1872. The lad}-, who has been his capable and 
loving associate in home life, was born and reared 
in Adeline, 111., and is the daughter of William C. 
Baker, a farmer there. To Mr. and Mrs. Morris 
seven children have lieen born, of whom one lias 
been taken from tliem by death. The survivors 
are: Alice. Melva. Katie, Henry, Mary and Donald, 
who will receive the best educational advantages 
which tlie loving desires and worldly means of 
their parents can compass. 

Mr. Morris is a ma'iof thorough business ability 
and energy, and is highly respected bv the people 
of the county. He filled the office of wliich he is 
now the incumbent in a creditable and acceptable 
manner during his first terra, and was re-elected, in 
1889, by the handsome majority of 935 votes. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



237 



has held every township office, except that of Just- 
ice of tlic Peace, serving as Trustee for a number 
of years. He iielped to organize School District 
No. 53, and was Treasm'er of the same for eleven 
years. He holds membership in the social orders 
of the 1. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. 

The parents of Mr. Morris were Charles E. and 
Liieinda (Warner) Morris, both of whom being na- 
tives of the Empire State. They went to Michigan 
in the early part of the century, and in that State 
the father died, the mother departing this life a 
few years later in Illinois. 




II. WILLIAMS. In this gentleman. Jack. 

(.@'£Jl! son Count}' has one of its representative 

i*> citizens and business men, one wlio has 

passed much of his life within its bordersi 

las witnessed its developjuent, and since attaining 
mnnliood has been influential in iiromoting its 
welfare. From his pioneer home in tliis part of 
Kansas, he went forth to battle for his country 
when lie was scarcely nineteen years of age; and 
since the close of the war he h.as been variously 
identified with the interests of the county, and for 
several j-ears activcl}' aided in maintaining law and 
order in the responsible position of Sheriff. Since 
1888, in company with W. H. Webster, he has been 
successfully engaged in the real-estate and insurance 
business, representing some of the leading insurance 
companies, with his office and home in Holton. 

Sept. 27, 1843, our subject was born in Union 
Township, Morgan Co., Ohio, to J. W. and Eliza 
(McKeever) Williams, natives, respectively, of 
Ik'lmont County. Ohio, and Count}- Derry, Ire- 
land. The paternal grandfather of our subject, 
Richard Williams, was a Virginian by birth, and a 
son of William Williams, who was a farmer and 
spent his last years in Morgan Count}-. Ohio. The 
grandfather of our subject removed from his na- 
tive State to Ohio, and was a pioneer farmer of 
Belmont County, and later of Morgan County, 
■where his death occurred. The maternal grandfather 
of our subject. Clark McKeever, was a native of 
County Derry, Ireland, and his father was a native 
of the same county, being a descendant of Scotch 



ancestry. He visited America, but returned to 
Ireland to die in his old home. "^. The grandfather 
of our subject located in Westmoreland County, 
Pa., after coming to this country, and from there 
removed to Ohio, and was a pioneer settler of 
Morgan and Hocking counties. In 1857 he came 
to Kansas Territory, and bought Government land 
in Douglas Township. Jackson County, at the gen- 
eral land sale. This venerable pioneer of the 
county resided on his homestead until his death, 
in 1889, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. 
The maiden name of his wife was Jane Wallace. 
She died in 1859. 

The father of our subject was bred to a farmer's 
life in his native State, and shortly after his mar- 
riage tliere he bought a tract of partly-improved 
land in Union Township. In the log house that 
stood on the jilace our subject was born. Mr. 
Williams resided there until 1856, busily engaged 
in improving .ind cultivating his land, which he 
then sold, and the two ensuing years lived in Hock- 
ing County. At the end of that time he left Ohio 
and came to Kansas to cast his lot with its pioneers, 
the removal being made by cars to Cincinnati, and 
thence by the Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri 
rivers to Leavenworth, and from there by team to 
Jackson County, arriving here on the 7th of April. 
He bought a tract of prairie land in what is now 
Douglas Township, and after building a comforta- 
ble dwelling he entered upon the work of breaking 
and cultivating the soil, and in the busy years that 
followed he developed a fine, well-tilled f.arm that 
compared favorably with others in the township, 
and he was numbered among the most substantial 
and worthy of the early settlers of that place, who 
contributed so largely to its growth and prosperity. 
In 1889 he rented his farm, and is now living in 
honorable retirement in Holton, where he and his 
wife have established a pleasant home, in which 
they can enjoy the competence that they have 
gathered together by their united toil. 

The subject of this biographical review was 
fourteen years old when he came to this State with 
his parents, and he remembers well the incidents of 
pioneer life here. Jefferson City, IMo., w.as the 
nearest railwiiy station for a time, and in tliis wild, 
sparsely settled region deer, wild turkeys and other 



238 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ij-ame still lingered, anrl a few miles to the west 
buffaloes roamed at will over the uncultivated prai- 
ries. Our subject resided with his parents until 
he was eighteen years old, when he became a sol- 
dier, enlisting Aug. 18, 1862, in Compan}- B, lltb 
Kansas Infantrj-, for a term of three years, or until 
the close of the war. He was sent with his codi- 
rades to Arkansas and Missouri, and they fous'ht 
nobly in the battles of Ft. Wayne and Cane Hill. 
In 1863, Mr. Williams was discharged on account 
of disability and returned home. But after he was 
sufflcienth' recuperated he enlisted again, in the 
spring of 1864. He was, however, rejected after 
examination, which showed that the brave young 
soldier was still suffering from the hard life that 
he had led while in the army. Disappointed in 
his desire to serve his country further, he resumed 
farming, and was thus engaged until .Tuly, 1865, 
when he enlisted in company B, 17th Kansas, for a 
term of 100 days, to assist in quelling disturbances, 
on the Kansas and Missouri border. After that 
ex))erience he returned to Douglas Township, and 
carried on agricultural pursuits there nntil the 
following year, when he married and came to IIoI- 
ton, and for a time was a clerk in a general store. 
He then served four years as Deputy Sheriff, and 
in 1873, so well had he performed the duties of 
that subordinate position, he was given the com- 
l)liment of election to the higher oflice of Sheriff of 
the count}'. He was re-elected in 1875, and his 
whole course of discharging the onerous labors of 
.that important oflice was marked by fearlessness, 
discriminating tact and a true sense of his obliga- 
tions to the public as an honest, faithful official. 
He subsequently became interested in the drug 
business in this city, and carried it on until 1885, 
when he sold out his stock, and in 1886 he went to 
California, and for six months was engaged in the 
real-estate business in Pasadena. Returning to 
this State and city, he formed a partnership with 
W. H. Webster, and they have since continued 
together in the real-estate, abstract and insurance 
business, representing some of the leading compa- 
nies of the United States. They transact a large 
amount of business in these various branches, and 
are among the first firms in their line in the county. 
Mr. Williams has been married twice. His first 



marriage was to Miss Mar}' A. Graden, a native of 
Buchanan County, Mo., and a daughter of Jacob 
and Lavina Graden. She died in 1874, leaving 
one child, Francis E. The maiden name of our 
subject's present wife was Hattie L. Jones, and she 
was born in Bureau County, 111., a daughter of 
William H. and Hannah (Banister) Jones. This 
union has been productive of three children to our 
subject and his wife — Bessie M., Fred A. and 
Evelina. 

Mr. Williams always takes a deep interest in all 
that pertains to his adopted city, and has ably as- 
sisted bis fellow-citizens in advancing all enter- 
prises looking toward its development in various 
wa}"s. At one time he was Mayor of Ilolton, and 
under his skillful direction the cit}- made rapid 
progress and manj- wise improvements were intro- 
duced. In politics, a stanch Republican, his in- 
fluence and means are generously placed at the 
disposal of his part}'. Sociall}', he belongs to Will 
Mendell Post, No. 46, G. A. R.. is connected with 
Friendship Lodge, No. 15, K. P., and belongs to 
Ilolton Lodge, No. 1769, K. of H. Mr. Williams' 
versatile talents and excellent business qualifica- 
tions have given him a place among the leading 
citizens of the city, and his liberal, kiniliy disposi- 
tion and true courtesy have won him man}' warm 
friends among an extensive acquaintance. 



-«fe- 



-i.— 



^- 



^^EORGE G. WHEAT, ex-County Superin- 
jll g— . tendent of Pottawatomie County anda prom- 
^^JJ inent citizen therein since 1880, was born in 
Delaware County, N. Y., Dec. 17, 1857, and was a 
resident of the Empire State until he came here. 
He finished his education at the Delaware Literary 
Institute, after which he spent two years in the 
profession of teaching in that county. Coming to 
this county, he stopped at Louisville, and there 
continued his professional labors until 1884, when 
he was elected Superintendent of Public Instruction 
in this county. Having filled his term with credit 
to himself and in a manner acceptable to the people, 
he was, in 1886, re-elected to the office. He re- 
moved to Westmoreland, bought a pleasant site, 
and built a good home on Second and Cochrun 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



239 



streets, purchasing lots also on Main Street. He in- 
tends to make this place his future home, and has 
already become thoroughly' identified with its 
interests, having been, in 1888, elected to the Mayor- 
alty. Since the expiration of his count}' super- 
intendenc}', Mr. Wheat has resumed his professional 
labors, and is meeting with marked success in his 
chosen vocation. 

The Hon. George Wheat celebrated his marriage 
at the home of the bride, in St. Mary's, May 19, 
1885, the lady of his choice being Miss Eva S. 
Jeniier, daughter of Dr. J. F. Jenner. Two chil- 
dren have been born to the couple, one of whom 
still lives — George Frederick. Mrs. Wheat was 
born in this State. Oct. 26, 1863, and made her 
home at St. Mary's, her birthplace, until her mar- 
riage. Her education was completed at Washburn 
College, Topeka, and she is accomplished, cultured 
and refined. Her father is an old resident of St. 
Mary's, whose sketch occupies anotlicr i)age in this 
volume. 

The Hon. Mr. Wheat belongs to the .\. O. U. W. 
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch, 
and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school 
of this place for the past four years. As will be 
seen from the date of his birth, Mr. Wheat is still a 
young man, and should life and health be spared 
him, much may be expected in the years to come, 
his education, manly character and courteous man- 
ners, fitting him for extended usefulness and an in- 
fluence far beyond the school-room. In his chosen 
field he is capable of much good, in molding the 
characters of the rising generation by his precept 
and example, and their minds by his clear and 
forcible explanations and demonstrations of tiie 
branches of the curriculum. 

The father of our subject was George W. Wheat, 
whose birtli took pbiee in Delaware County, N. Y., 
on All Fool's Day, 1821. His occupation was that 
of a farmer, and he lived on the old homestead 
which his father, Silas Wheat, had cleared up, and 
which was his home until his death, in 1888, at the 
advanced age of ninety-six years. George AV. 
Wheat married Jliss Alice E. (iay, born in the 
same county, and tliej- reared a family of seven 
boys, all of whom are still living, our subject being 
the fourth in order of birtli. William D. is en- 



gaged in the pursuit of agriculture in this county; 
Silas C. is principal of the schools in JNIadison, N.J.; 
Walter D. was graduated from Williams College, 
in 1886, and is now teaching in New Jersey; J. E. 
is in business in Los Angeles, Cal. ; Frank I. was 
graduated from the Madison University, at Boston, 
and is now completing a theological course in the 
same institution; Charles S. lives on the home- 
stead of his parents. 

\1S;. R. J. W. STEWART. There are few of 
{I jlj the old residents of Olsburg and vicinit}' 
.^J^^ who deserve more honorable mention than 
Dr. Stewart, one of the pioneers of Kan- 
sas, and one who has especially distinguished him- 
self as a temperance advocate. As a physician and 
surgeon he is in the enjoyment of a good practice, 
which he secured at an early stage by his faithful 
attention to the duties of his calling, and knowl- 
edge of his profession. For many years he has 
been prominent in local affairs, voting the straight 
Republican ticket, and giving his support to the 
measures calculated for the general welfare of the 
people. He was Justice of the Peace at one time, 
and while a resident of Washington Count}-, offi- 
ciated as Clerk of Lincoln Township two years. 

A native of Jefferson County, Ind., Dr. Stewart 
was born near the city of Madison, Nov. 16, 182U, 
and has consequenth' just reached his threescore 
years. His father, (Jcorge A. Stewart, was born 
near Dayton, Montgomery Co., Ohio, Dec. 13, 
1802, and his paternal grandfather, William Stew- 
art, was born in Virginia. The latter upon leaving 
the Old Dominion, removed to Kentucky, and from 
there to Ohio, settling on the Little Miami River, 
where he entered land and prosecuted farming. 
Later he donated his property to the Shakers, among 
whom he became a preacher and lived at Shaker- 
ville for seven years. Finally, becoming dissatisfied 
he purchased a farm near Dayton, upon which he 
resided until 1818, and then removed to Jefferson 
County, Ind. There he once more entered land 
and became well-to-do. Finally, however, he re- 
turned to Ohio, settling in Adams County, where 
he spent his last days, lie served as a soldier in the 



240 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



War of 1812. He married Miss Sarali Raburn, a 
native of Kentucky, who died of cholera in 1838. 

The paternal great-grandfather of our subject, 
was a native of Scotland, and a soldier in the Eng- 
lish army. He came to America during the early- 
Indian troubles as Braddock's Adjutant General, 
and when returning to civil life, settled on a farm 
in Virginia. Upon tiie outbreak of the Revolution- 
ary War, he joined Washington's army, and served 
until the independence of the Colonists was estab- 
lished. He died in Mrginia leaving only one son, 
William. The family trace their ancestry back to 
Mary, Queen of Scotts, and were lineal descendants 
of Walter and Alex. Stuart, who were beheaded. 

George A. Stewart, the father of our subject, 
lived among the Shakers seven years. He accom- 
panied his father's family to Indiana in 1818, and 
entered land, clearing a farm of 160 acres near 
Madison. In 1836 he removed to the vicinity of 
Logansport, where he farmed until the s[)ring of 
1838, then going into Jliami County, took up a 
claim on the Five Mile Indian reservation. In 
1841 he sold this and removed to Wabash County, 
where he improved a farm of 160 acres, and died 
in 1881. He was a Class-Leader in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church for over thirty years. The 
maiden name of the mother of our subject was 
Anna Wilson. She was born in Kentucky, and was 
the daughter of William Wilson, a native of ^'ir- 
ginia. who served in the War of 1812. He settled 
in Kentucky at an early day, but later removed to 
Montgomery County, where he engaged in farm- 
ing. He spent his last days in Jefferson County, 
Ind., dying in 1834. Mrs. Anna Stewart became 
the mother of six children, and died at the home- 
stead in Wabash, Ind., in 1878. The eldest son, 
William, and his sister, Mrs. Mary C. Jack, are 
residents of Wabash County, Ind.; Jeremiah Wood, 
our subject, was the third in order of birth; Sarah, 
Mrs. Wheeler, lives in Marshall County, Kan. ; 
Annette, Mrs. Riddle, lives in Blue Rapids, this 
State; Henrietta, Mrs. Baker, resides in Wabash 
County, Ind. 

Dr. Stewart was a lad of twelve j-ears when he 
accompanied his father's family to Wabash Count3-, 
Ind., where he assisted in clearing the farm, and 
pursued his studies in a log school-house. When 



sixteen years old, he began an apprenticeship at 
carpentering and cabinet-making, which he fol- 
lowed four \'ears at Chili, and later, from 1852 to 
1854, we find him in Kokomo, where he operated 
as a builder and contractor. Then returning to 
Wabash, Ind., he changed his occupation and be- 
came a clerk and book-keeper in a mercantile house. 
In 1857 he began the study of medicine under the 
instruction of Dr. T. C. Hunter, a horaeopathist, 
with whom he remained one year, then prosecuted 
his studies by himself while he ran a boat on the 
Wabash and Erie Canal, during the summer sea- 
son, lie employed the winter months in study 
with some of the leading phj-sicians of Wabash. 

Thus occupied until 1863, Dr. Stewart then sold 
his canal boat and began the regular practice of his 
profession in Texas, Ohio. In the fall of 1864, he 
returned to Wabash, and sojourned there until 
1870, practicing medicine. Determining now to 
cross the Mississippi, he set out overland by team, 
and coming to Washington County, homesteaded 
land which he improved and which his boys when 
old enough, began operating,' while the Doctor fol- 
lowed his profession. He framed the petition for 
the post-office, and named the town Koloko. In 
the fall of 1881, the doctor removed to Olsburg, 
and entered into the practice which he still prose- 
cutes. In 1H84 he purchased the city hotel, which 
he conducted until the fall of 1889. He is now 
running a livery barn, and is considerably inter- 
ested in full-blooded Poland-China swine, being 
very successful as a breeder. He has erected a 
neat residence in Olsburg. which he expects to make 
his permanent home. 

Dr. Stewart w.a.s first married in Chili, Ind., 
Sept. 25, 1851, to Miss M.irtba Iliff, a native of 
Henry County, that State. Her father was the 
Rev. James Iliff, who was a minister of the United 
Brethren Church, and for several years the Auditor 
of Henry County. Of this union there were born 
two cliildren, the eldest of whom, Charles M., is a 
telegraph oper.ator at Conway Springs, in Sumner 
County, a stock-holder in a sugar factor}-, and also 
engaged in the livei'y business. George A. is in 
the employ of his brother Charles, at Conw.ay 
Springs. 

On the 6th of March, 1856, the Doctor contracted 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



241 



a second marriage, at Texas, Ohio, with Mrs. Clar- 
issa J. Allen, a native of Mantua, Ohio. Iler par- 
ents were Richard and Julia (Miller) Curtis, who 
were natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, re- 
spectivelj'. Richard Curtis departed this life in 
Feb. 14, 1849, when the wife of our subject was 
but ten years of .age. He was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and was a Class-Leader at the time of his 
death. Julia Miller was the descendant of a fam- 
ily wlio came over on the Mayflower, and trace 
their ancestry to Holland. Six children were born 
of this marriage, the eldest of whom, a d.aughter, 
L. May, is the wife of William N. Asli. and carries 
on a millinery and dressmaking establishment at 
Olsbuig; Anna W. died of scarlet fever when past 
four years of age; Walter A. is the manager of 
his half-brother's livery barn at Conway Springs; 
Molly; Nellie, and Ira, are at home with their par- 
ents, and are being given good school advantages. 
Miss M0II3' is attending the St.ate Agricultural Col- 
lege at Manhattan. 



^ ^--^^-^ ^ 




KNUDSON. This gentleman 
bears the distinction of being one of the 
pioneer settlers of Blue Valley Township, 
^/ and by a course of industr}' and prudence 

lives in independent circumstances. He is widely 
and favorablv known throughout this part of Pot- 
tawatomie County, where he has hosts of friends. 
He has been a useful citizen in all respects, and 
since a child has been connected with tlie Swedish 
Lutheran Church, in which lie still continues an 
active member and one of its chief pillars at 01s- 
burg. He may be properly termed a self-made 
man — one wlio has worked his way from tlie foot 
of the ladder to an enviable position socially and 
financially. His propertj' includes a fine farm of 
400 acres on sections 12 and 1. where he makes his 
home, and which is numbered among the most 
valuable estates of the county. 

In reviewing the antecedents of our subject we 
find that his father was Knud Olson, a native of 
Norway and a farmer by occupation. He was a 
very industrious and enterprising man, becoming 



well-to do and the owner of two farms. The mai- 
den name of the mother was Barliara Halverson. 
She died in 1843. Five of their children are liv- 
ing: Thore is a resident of Wisconsin; Ole is still 
living in Norw.ay; Anna, Mrs. Gull)r.and, resides in 
Minnesota; Halvor died in Kansas about 1874; An- 
ders, of this sketch, is the youngest. He was born 
in Urdal, Preslejeld. Walders, Norway, June 18, 
1831, and there spent his boyhood days on his 
father's farm, attending a common school. He re- 
mained under the home roof until a man of twenty- 
three years, then purchased a small farm, which he 
operated for a time, then sold out and purchased a 
larger farm in the .same neighborhood. He oper- 
ated this until 1857, then selling out resolved upon 
emigrating to America. Setting out from Bergen, 
on the sailing-vessel "Ganger Rolf," he landed in 
Quebec. Canada, .and thence coming into the St.ates, 
made his way to Manitowoc County, Wis., where 
he sojourned one year. Thence he came to Kan- 
sas, settling three miles south of Atchison, where 
he worked in a sawmill until the spring of 1862. 
He then came to Bine A'alley Township, and early 
in the following spring homesteaded IGO acres of 
the land which he h.ad .settled upon. The follow- 
ing winter he went b.-ick to Atchison and worked 
in a sawmill until he could make money enough to 
locate upon his land. He was one of the first 
homesteaders in Pottawatomie County. He put up 
a log house on Shannon Creek, where he could 
have plenty of water and timber, as these were the 
essentials in a new country. 

Our pioneer proceeded with the improvement of 
his property during the progress of the Civil War, 
but in the fall of 1864 joined the State Militia dur- 
ing Price's raid. He, however, was on dut^' only 
a short time. The log house in due time gave 
way to the present commodious stone residence, 
and by degrees Mr. Knudson put up additional 
buildings and gathered together the best improved 
machinery. The entire farm is devoted to stock- 
raising — indeed is considered one of the best stock 
farms in the county. In the spring of 1883, on 
account of failing health, Mr. Knudson rented his 
farm and removed to Wisconsin. There he pur- 
chased a farm near Rice Lake, of 160 acres, in one 
of the most beautiful districts of the Badger State, 



242 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and where he lived until the fall of 1 888. He then 
returned to his Kansas home, which he prefers to 
any other spot on earth. He is one of the promi- 
nent stock men of Nortliern Kansas, and a member 
of the Blue Valley Stock Breeder's Association. 

Mr. Knadsou before leaving his native country 
was married, in Walders, April 8, 1854, to Miss 
Moret Oleson, who was born in Walders, Sept. 9, 
18.34, and is the daughter of Ole Tollefson. The 
father of Mrs. Knudson was a farmer in his native 
country, whence he emigrated to America about 
1867, and settled in Minnesota, where he died about 
1880. The mother, Ragnild Ericksdatter, died 
in Norway. There were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Knudson three children: Ole, who was accidentall}' 
drowned in Cornaban Creek when fifteen years old; 
Knut, who died at the age of seventeen, .and Bar- 
bara, who died in infanc}'. 

Upon becoming a voting citizen Mr. Knudson 
identified himself with the Repulilican parly, in 
the success of which he has alwaj's maintained a 
warm interest. He has held the offices of School 
Director and Road Supervisor at different times. 
He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, 
at Olsburg, and has assisted in the erection of four 
different church edifices. He has watchetl the 
growth and development of Pottawatomie County 
with the interest of a native-born citizen, and has 
been no unimportant factor in bringing it to its 
present position. In his church he has officiated as 
Deacon for several j'ears. 

yilLLIAM BENTLEY, a prominent and 
prosperous farmer who resides on section 
W^ 24, Rock Creek Township, Pottawatomie 
Co.. Kan., has a well-cultivated farm comprising 
200 acres of land lying on sections 24, 2.3, and 
2G. He was born Aug. 18, 1831. in Coshocton 
County, Ohio, and was taken by his parents to 
Pike County, 111., in the same ye.ir. He was reared 
in the latter county, and received a good practical 
education in the public schools. In 18.56 he re- 
moved to Iowa, where he learned the trade of a 
plasterer, .and worked at it in Wapello County six 
years, making his home during that time in Ot- 



tumwa. While a resident of that place, he mar- 
ried Miss MalindaC. Shaul, March 15, 1857. Three 
years later he engaged in farming, following that 
occupation in connection with his trade, until the 
time of his removal to Kansas, which was in the 
fall of 1873. 

Upon the arrival of Mr. Bentley in Pottawatomie 
Count}', he jjurchased land entirelj' uncultivated, 
and commenced farming operations, striving to 
make his improvements permanent as much as it 
was possible, but of course much that is done on 
absolutely new ground, is of necessity of a tempo- 
rary character. However, as rapidly as his means 
would permit, Mr. Bentley put everything on a 
permanent and substantial basis. He has now all 
the improvements demanded by the most enlight- 
ened spirit of the age, and has at various times 
added to the size of his place, until it now numbers 
as above stated, 200 acres. He has a fine apple 
orchard, and as good and productive a farm as can 
be found in the township. 

Mr. Bentley has been honored with the position 
of School Director, Township Clerk, and Road 
Overseer. The latter office h.as been held by him 
for some five or six j'ears. He does not desire 
office, but in the above cases has consented to serve 
his neighbors in the positions to which tiiev elected 
him. His political sentiments are in accordance 
with the Republican part}-, with which he votes. 
He and his family are members in good standing 
of the Christian Church, and are highl}- respected, 
and cordially liked bv neighbors and friends. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bentley' have become the parents of the 
following children, viz: Frank H., at present a 
farmer; William II., who is a residentof California; 
O. Lafayette married Miss Carrie Atkin, a daugh- 
ter of William Atkin, and thej' are tiie parents of 
one child, Alta Irma; C. C. married Miss Kittie 
Roliinson, and resides on a farm; one daugh- 
ter, Hatlie A., and Albert. Gideon Bentle}^ tiie 
father of our subject, was born in New York, and 
there married Miss Harriet Wheeler. Not long 
after marriage he removed with his family to Ohio, 
and after a residence of a few years in that State, 
removed again and locate<l in Illinois, where he re- 
mained until the close of his life. 

Mrs. Malinda (Shaul) Bentley was liorn in Hamil- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBITM. 



•245 



ton County, Ind., Dec. 1, 1835, and is the daugh- 
ter of Einmon and Saiah (George) Shaiil. Mr. 
Shaul was a farmer, and when Malinda was seven 
years of age, he removed to Knox County, Mo., 
and in 1846 went to Iowa. He located two miles 
from Ottumwa. and resided there until after the 
marriage of his daughter, Malinda. Emmon Shaul 
was born in Harrison County, Va., July 2, 1802. 
Mrs. Sarah (George) Shaul was horn in Chillicothe, 
Ross Co., Ohio, Jan. 17, 1814. The date of their 
marriage was Jan. 28, 1832. They lived a num- 
ber of years in the State of Indiana, and after the 
emigrations mentioned above, made their final 
change to Kansas in 1873, locating in Pottawatomie 
County, where they at length ce.ased from their 
earthly pilgrimage after a long life of usefulness, 
the father passing away Jan. 31, 1875, and the 
mother, Dec. 12, 1885. 



-^/v -<jiae/®~^«< 



I **^£>§J/^^^?f»v.'w>^ 



^^=^EORGE T. BOLMAN, whose portrait ap- 
pears on the opposite page, occupies a 




beautiful home just outside the limits of 
Netawaka, Jackson Co., the grounds around it 
comprising twenty- .acres of valuable land. He is 
an " old salt " and has a wide knowledge of the 
world, his voyages having included ports in almost 
every part of the habitable globe. For the past 
decade he lias lived in this township, where he has 
been engaged in handling corn and other grains, 
and where hs has traded a great deal with Indians 
on the Kickapoo Reservation. He possesses all the 
bluff heartiness and kindness of heart, which are 
characteristic of tlie better class of sailors, and 
can " spin a yarn " in a most entertaining m.anner, 
his own observation and experience having shown 
him much that is stranger than fiction. 

Born in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and left an 
orphan at an early age, our subject went to Plain- 
field, N. J., to the home of his guardian, Mahlon 
Vail, and from there at the age of twelve years, 
shipped as cabin boy on a vo3'age to the West 
Indies. After his return from that trip, he attend- 
ed school for some time. Yielding once more to 
the fascination of the " boundless deep" he again 
souoht an ocean life. At the age of nineteen he 



held the position of second officer on board the 
bark " Rebecca," which was the property of M. N. 
Freeman & Co., the guardian of young Bolman 
being one of the company. The young num con- 
tinued his seafaring life in his guardian's interests 
until he was twenty-two years of age. in the mean- 
time making voyages to the principal ports in 
Australia, Peru, Africa, the West Indies and 
Europe. When twenty-four years old he became 
Master or Captain of a sailing vessel, and has since 
made trips around the world, following the sea for 
almost a quarter of a century. 

While in command of the brig " Lola " and 
when thirty-seven years old, Capt. Bolman was 
wrecked in the Gulf Stream. The vessel was loaded 
with lumber, and during a gale became water- 
logged and capsized, 300 miles from land. The 
crew consisted of the captain, mate and eight men; 
the captain's wife was also on board, having ac- 
companied him for pleasure. It was night and the 
captain was in his cabin, when the vessel went over 
and at once filled with water, cutting him off from 
the gang-way. Mrs. Bolman being unconscious 
the captain held her in his arms for about two 
hours, while they were dashed back and forth 
against the walls of the cabin, sometimes under 
water and sometimes above it. At length the masts 
broke from the ship and it righted, leaving the 
main deck about a foot out of water. Four of the 
crew had been swept away during the storm and 
now the remaining ones helped to get the captain 
and his wife on deck, where seven days and nights 
dragged slowly by. They had neither food nor 
water and were almost without clothing, having 
only their night garments ou when the gale struck 
them. Fearing the men would resort to cannibal- 
ism in the desperate strait to whieh they were re- 
duced, the captain secured knives which might be 
used as weapons, and gave the men to understand 
that the first one who proposed such a thing, would 
himself be meat for the rest. After being tossed 
at the mercy of the wind and waves for seven days, 
a sail was espied and a (lag of distress raiserji. The 
hope of rescue whieh had sprung up in the breasts 
of the ship-wrecked parly was changed to despair 
when the vessel passed without discovering their 
signal; however it was accidentally seen by one of 



246 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the crew when several miles from the wreck, and 
changing her course the steamer " Giieen " picked 
up Ihe sufferers and kindly ministered to their 
needs, tliongli tlie only ch)tliing they could furnish 
Mrs. Bolman was a suit of man's attire. The 
rescuing vessel was bound for Queenstown, Ireland, 
where the survivors of the wreck were landed. 

Having abandoned a seafaring life, Capt. Bol- 
man rented a farm near Leavenworth in the fall of 
l&Gl, and operated the same for a twelvemonth. 
He then purchased a piece of land in Douglas 
County, and while tiiere, took a trip southward, 
during which he was lost on the prairie and without 
food for four da3's. During the same year he came 
to Netawaka, where he has since resided, with the 
exception of tiie jear 1883, which was spent in 
Leavenworth. In addition to his beautiful home 
on the outskirts of the town, Capt. Bolman has 
about $7,000 in bank stock. 

Capt. Bolman is a son f)f Charles Edward and 
Clara (Collins) Bolman. The former was a lawyer 
of some prominence and was a son of Dr. John 
Bolman, an early settler of Novia Scotia, with the 
early history of which he is closely identified. The 
Nova Scotia Gazette of Aug. 8, 1782, contains an 
account of an event of importance in the history 
of Lunenburg. On tlie 1st of July, 1782, that 
city was surprised by the appearance of six vessels 
under the command of one Capt. Stoddard, who, 
after landing ninety men, proceeded to devastate 
the town, destroying property to the amount of 
£12,000. They were only deterred from burning 
the place by receiving a promissory note for the sum 
of £1,000, payable one month after date to the 
order of Capt. Stoddard. I'his note was signed by 
P. De La Roche, Casper WoUenhaupt. and John 
Bolman. The citizens of Lunenburg naturally re- 
fused to pay the note, and a protest, published by 
the signers of the bond, was all the privateers ever 
saw in paj'ment thereof. The maternal grandfather 
of our subject was a refugee from the colonies to 
Nova Scolia and represented that Province in the 
Assembly. He married a Miss Bass, who belonged 
to a prominent family there. 

Capt. Bolman was married March 29, 1863, to 
Miss Jane E. DeWolf. Her father, James DeWolf, 
of Nova Scotia, was a merchantman of the high 



seas, and her paternal grandfather was a wealthj"^ 
ship-owner. Captain and Mrs. Bolman have four 
children two of whom were born in Leavenworth 
and two in Netawaka. Angeline and Emma De 
Wolf attended the schools at Netawaka, and later 
took a two years' course of study at Leavenworth. 
The first born son, Edward DeWolf, died at the age 
of twelve years; Walter ^'ail is now a promising 
lad of twelve jears. 

Capt. Bolman is a member of Polar Lodge. No. 
130, A. F. & A. M. He joined the Masonic fra- 
ternity in Nova Scotia, after having been around 
the world, and on his second circumnavigation he 
visited many lodges in the countries where he 
touched. 



REDERICK BICKHART. This gentleman 
' bears the distinction of being one of the 
early pioneers of Kansas, to which he came 
in 1857, locating in Franklin County. Six years 
later he removed to Pottawatomie County, and se- 
curing a tract of land in Green Township, estab- 
lished himself upon it and built up the homestead 
wliich he now owns and occupies. It is pleasantly 
located on section 17, and embraces 172 acres of 
choice land on which the proprietor has effected 
good improvements, and which is the source of a 
comfortable income. 

Mr Bickhart was born in Montgomery County, 
Pa., March 26,1826. His father, John Bickh.art, w.as 
a native of the same county, where he spent his 
entire life and departed hence at the age of fifty- 
five years. He traced his ancestry to German}'. 
He married Miss Katherine Smith, a native of his 
own State, and who, surviving her husbanrl many 
years, died in Penn.sylvania, aged seventy-five. 
There were born to them seven ch'ildren, three only 
of whom are living — Elizabeth, Sophia and Fred- 
erick. The deceased are. Sarah. Maria, Katherine 
and Henry. Frederick was the third child and was 
reared on a farm in his native county, where he at- 
tended the common school and was trained to those 
habits of industry and econom}^ which have been 
the secret of his success in life. Ujion reaching his 
majoritj' he left the parental roof and emigrated to 
Wayne County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



247 



and remained until 1850. Then pusliing on further 
Westward he crossed the Mississippi and established 
himself in Jones Count)-, Iowa, where he sojourned 
one year, coming thence to Kansas. 

The subject of this sketch, after spending nearly 
thirty-four years in single blessedness, was married 
in Green Township, Jan. 17, 1870, to Mrs. Sarah 
Kershaw. Mrs. Bickhart is a native of Lancashire, 
England, and was born (Sept. 27, 1833. To this 
worthy couple there was born one child, a daughter, 
Elizabeth, who is now an interesting j'oung lady 
of eighteen years. Mr. Bickhart cast his first Pres- 
idential vote for Lincoln, and maintains his alle- 
giance to the Republican party. 



'if, OHN W. E.STEP. The headquarters of Mr. 
Estep comprises a well-regulated farm, 160 
acres in extent and pleasantly located on sec- 
'H^/' tion 2, Beivue Township, Pottawatomie 
County. It is devoted to general agriculture and 
the proprietor is a man of note in his community, 
serving as Justice of the Peace and otherwise iden- 
tified with its best interests. He was a Consiable 
in Fayette Countj-, Ohio, and was also Deputy 
Sheriff of that county for a ])eriod of nine years. 

The subject of this sketcli was born in Columbia 
Countj', Pa., May 2G, 1827. He is the offspring of 
an excellent family, being the son of Rev. Jacob 
Estep whose birth took place in Columbiana County, 
Ohio, in 1791. When a youth of eighteen years 
he, in 1809, emigrated to the Kej'stone State where 
he sojourned for a number of years, then returning 
to Ohio, died there in 1832. He was for man\' 
years a local preacher of the ^lethodist Episcopal 
Church. The Estep family traces its ancestry to 
England. 

Mrs. Barbara (Nishey) Estep. mother of the sub- 
ject of this notice, was born in Lancaster Count}', 
Pa., April 4, 1796. Her father. Cliristian Nisliey, 
was likewise a native of Pennsylvania, and could 
trace his ancestry back llnough four generations. 
He was a farmer by occui)ation and became quite 
wealthy. He died in Lancaster County, Pa,, at the 
advanced age of eighty -one years, 'i'o Jacob and 
Barbara Estep there was born a family of twelve 



children, one of whom died in infancy. The others 
were named respectively: Ishmael, Meyers, William, 
James, Finley, Jeremiah, Robert John W., 
lylizabeth, Louisa and Mary. Of these but four 
are living, namely, Louisa, Jeremiah, Rol)ert and 
John. 

Mr. Estep was the ninth child of his parents and 
was reared on a farm in his native township, pursu- 
ing his studies in the common school. His home 
was in the Buckeye State for thirty-four years and 
then in 1861 he removed to Illinois, locating in 
Cass County, of which he was a resident for ten 
years. Next he crossed the Father of Waters and 
located in Shawnee County, Kan. From there in 
1882 he removed to Pottawatomie County, pur- 
chasing the farm upon which he now resides. On 
Dec. 25, 1885, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Louisa Martin, who was born in Faj'ette 
County, Ohio, Aug. 7, 1836. Mrs. Estep is the 
daughter of Payton and Mary (Callendar) Martin, 
the former of whom was born in Virginia, and the 
latter in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Estep are the parents 
of fifteen children, three of whom died in infancy, 
one unnamed. Marj' B. died when eleven days 
old and AdfUe at the age of thirteen months. The 
survivors are: Robert W., John J., Belle, Albert, El- 
mer E., George, Abraham L., Charles, James, Ed- 
ward, Harry and EfHe. 



\|"OSEPH TINGLEY, Ph. I)., Professor of 
Science and Art, in Campbell Normal Uni- 
versity, Holton, Kan. Tiic subject of this 
sketch, is a well-known scientist and educa- 
tor, whose educational labors until recently, were 
confined principally to tlicStateof Indiana. Con- 
cerning his ancestry, the family records sImiw that 
his great-grandfather Tingley was an Englishman 
of prcbable .Swedish descent, wliol'ved in C^hinial 
times in Somerset County, N. J. The British army 
drove his family from their homes, and they flrd 
to the mountains. On their return they found 
their farm devastated, and their home in ruins. 
The father and all of his sons, four in number, en- 
listed in the American army, and served during 



248 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the Revolutionary War. One of the sons, .Tere- 
ttiiah Tlngley, grandfather of tlie subject of this 
sketch, wedded Esther Leddel, a near relative of 
James Manning, once President of Brown Univcr- 
sitj-. They removed Westward shortly after the 
war, and settled first in Western Virginia, and af- 
terward in Ohio, where Jeremiah Tingle}- died in 
1803. leaving a family of eight children, six daugh- 
ters and two sons. One of the daughters, Sarah 
Simpson, was the mother of Bisliop Simpson of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. William, the elder 
of the two sons, the father of our subject, married 
Rachel Poulson, of Maryland, daughter of Rachel 
(Durbin) Poulson, a cousin of the Rev. John P. 
Durbin, D. !>.. a noted Methodist divine, and 
former President of Dickinson College, Carlisle. 
Pa. 

William Tingle}- began his married life in Cadiz, 
Ohio, as teacher in the district schools, but was soon 
called to the office of Clerk of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, and shortly afterward to that of the 
.Supreme Court of Harrison Count}-, Ohio. He was 
also chosen Master Commissioner, and continued 
to hold all these offices for man}- years, and one or 
more of them for a period of more than forty 
years. A pronounced Whig, his efficiency and 
faithfulness, so outweighed all considerations of 
party preferences, that the opposing i^art}- fre- 
quently in power during that time, made no at- 
tempt to depose him from office. He died in 1862. 
Four of his children survived him: Amanda, wife 
of Sylvanus Wood, M. D., of St. Clairsville, Ohio; 
Tempe R., wife of Rev. C. A. Holmes, D. D., of 
Pittsburg, Pa., former President of Iowa Wesleyan 
University; Jeremiah Tingloy, Ph. D., Professor 
of Natural Sciences in Baldwin University. Berea, 
Ohio, an<i in Allegheny College, Me.adville, Pa.; 
and Joseph Tingley, Ph. D., the subject of this 
sketch, now Professor of Science and Art in Camp- 
bell Normal University. 

Dr. Tingley was born March 5, 1822. in Cadiz. 
Ohio, where his early education was supi-rintended 
by Hon. Mathew Simpson, uncle and instructor of 
Bishop Simpson, who was also one of the early in- 
structors of his cousin, Joseph Tingley. He er- 
tered tlu" Sophcmore class of Allegheny College 
in 1839-40, and completed the Junior year in that 



institution. Four subsequent years were spent in 
special study of science and art. In 1843, he was 
induced l\v Bishop Simpson, then President of the 
Indiana Asbury University, to enter that institu- 
tion, from which he was graduated in 1846. The 
same institution honored him with the degree of 
A. M. in 1849, and that of Ph. D. in 1871. While 
yet a student in the university, he was chosen tutor 
in mathematics in 1844; in 1849 he was promoted 
to the chair of natural sciences, and in 1860 was 
elected to the Vice-presidency of the university, 
which office he held until 1879, when he severed 
his connection with that institution which he 
had served uninterruptedly for thirty-five years, 
and was immediately afterward elected to the pro- 
fessorship of applied science and art in the Cen- 
tral Normal College of Indiana, at Danville, which 
position he resigned five years afterward, to accept 
the Presidency of the Marion Normal College. 
Feeling the need of a change and rest from seden- 
tary pursuits, the Professor engaged temporarily in 
the profession of civil engineering in Kansas City, 
Mo., where he assisted in the construction of the 
famous cable lines of that city, superintending the 
construction of the celebrated Ninth Street Termi- 
nal Depot. He was called thence in 1888, to the 
professorship of Science and Art in Campbell Nor- 
mal University. 

Dr. Tingley's mechanical skill and proficiency in 
art, render him peculiarly fitted for teaching the 
sciences. He is fertile in contrivances for illustra- 
ting, and exceedingly apt in conducting experi- 
ments illustrative of every science. As a public 
lecturer he has been very popular, and successful 
in entertaining and instructing his audiences upon 
matters connected with his favorite pursuits, science 
and art. Chautauqua and the Sabbath School As- 
semblies frequently avail themselves of his splen- 
did exhibitions of the wonders of science, with 
which he is accustomed to illustrate his pojwlar 
lectures. As a teacher of art. he has few equals, 
and he excels in portraiture, to which he has given 
much attention and study. 

Joseph Tingley wedded Miss Ellen R. Webb, 

May 16, 1853, in Greencaslle. Ind. Miss AVebb 

was the eldest daughter of the Rev. Thomas S. 

i Webb, of tiie N. W. Indiana Conference of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



249 



Melliodist Episcopal Church. The family name, 
variously spelled — Web, "Webb, Wehbe, is traced 
back 300 years. Capt. Thomas Webb, of the Brit- 
ish Army, the first Metliodist preacher in America, 
was a branch of the family tree. (See Simpson's 
P^nevclopedia of Methodism and Metliodist Episco- 
pal Discipline). William Web. Lord Mayor of Lon- 
don, and Agnes Webbe, grandmother of William 
Sliakespear, were aKso of the same lineage. Mrs. 
Tingley is directlj- descended from tiie Rev. Ben- 
jamin Abbott, a noted Evangelist, and traces her 
ancestr}' through that line backward several gener- 
ations to Somersetshire, England. (See life of 
Benjamin Abbott, and Simpson's P^ncyclopedia of 
Methodism). She is an earnest Chautauquan, and 
a graduate of the C. L. S. C. Class of 1883. At 
the time of her marriage, she was a member of the 
junior class of the Female College of Indiana. 

The children of Joseph and Ellen Tingley, are 
Horace Webb, Flora Ellenwood, Verner Simpson, 
William Poulson, and Josephine Bowman, all of 
whom except "Willie," (who died at the age of two 
3-ears), were students in Asbury (now De Pauw) 
I'niversity. Horace was graduated in the class of 
'77, taught in the public schools of Indiana for sev- 
eral years, and has been for six years Superinten- 
dent of the works, and Master Mechanic of the 
Kansas Cit3' Bridge and Iron Company. In 1888 
he married Miss Hettie Steele, cousin of Senator 
Wade Hampton, of South Carolina; \'erner S. 
Tingle^', the second son, after spending three j'ears 
in Vienna, as Secretary to the American Consul 
General of Austria, came West, married Miss Ab- 
bie Reddington, of Arinourdale, Kan., and removed 
to Idaho. He is now County Superintendent of 
the Lemhi County schools, and is a practical teacher. 
Flora Ellenwood died in her twentieth year, being 
at the time a classical junior in De Pauw Univer- 
sity; her biographer, Ridpath, the historian. sa3-s 
of her: "Though young, she had already drawn for 
herself the outlines of a nolile, useful life, for she 
was gifted with gracious gifts, and possessed of 
rare genius in the histrionic art." Josephine Bow- 
man was a student of music in the music school of 
De Pauw L'niversity, and afteiward in that of C. 
N. r.. graduating in 1890. lieing an elocutionist 
of some note, she has given public readings from 



Sliakespear and other bards in several cities, and is 
especially aiit in rendering the productions of the 
"Hoosier Poet" of her native State, James Whit- 
comb Riley. 

From this sketch it will be seen that Dr. Ting- 
ley belongs to a race of educators who have parti- 
cipated as instructors in eight different colleges, 
and in many public schools of the country. They 
have manifested a decided bent towards the fine 
arts, the sciences and industrial arts, and have all 
been held in high estimation as active and influen- 
tial members of the commonwealth wherever they 
have lived. 



^-^ 



* 4ILLIAM T. McMAHON, M.D. The med- 
\&Jfl 'cal fraternity of Wamego and vicinity 
W^J acknowledges in Dr. Mc^Iahon, one of its 
most efficient members — a physician well-read .and 
well-iiiformeil. and who has been very si,]ccessful in 
his particular school, the Homeopathic, which is 
steadily gaining in favor and influence among the 
people. He established himself at Wamego in 
1887, and h.as built up a fine practice, being the 
regular physician of a large number of prominent 
families. Hj may be properly termed a self- 
made man, one who b}' his determination and en- 
erg3' h.as risen from an humble position in life, 
and has exercised no small influence among his 
fellow-men. 

The eldest in a family of seven chililren. Dr. 
McMahon was born near Gambler, Knox Co., 
Ohio, Sept. 18. 1823. His father, Thomas Mc- 
Mahon, a farmer by occupation, was a native of 
the city of Hagerstown, Md.. and his mother, who 
in her girlhood was Miss Lydia Sliafer, was born in 
Pennsylvania. Both emigrated to Ohio early in 
life, and were married there in 1821. There also 
they spent the remainder of their d.ays. Thomas 
McMahon departed this life in his prime, in 1838, 
at the age of forty-two 3-ears; the mother lived to 
be sixty-nine years old, dying in IMG'.t at her home 
ill Knox County, Ohio. After the death of her 
lirst husband she was married, in 1843. to R. S. 
Clements, a Virginian b^- birth and at that time a 
resident of Knox County, Ohio. Mr. Clements 



250 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



died in 1865, leaving three children, all cf whom 
are deceased. Dr. McMalion and his brother, 
Andrew M., are the only children living of the 
first marriage. The latter is a resident of Mar- 
shall County, Iowa. 

The early education of Dr. McMalion was con- 
ducted in the subscription schools of Ohio. He 
was a hard student, and in his 3-outh pored over 
his books at night by the firelight of hickory bark. 

Those habits of reading and study have been 
kept up until the present time. He was a lad of 
fifteen years at the time of his father's death, and 
being the eldest child, was obliged to assist his 
mother in the care of his younger brothers and 
sisters. He was thus occupied for five years, and 
then, at the age of twenty, began for himself, still 
attending the districit school during the winter 
season. When twenty-one years old he began the 
study of medicine, teaching to defray his expenses 
for three years. He took a course of lectures in the 
Cincinnati Medical College, from which he was 
graduated in 1847, and that year began the prac- 
tice of his profession in his native county. A 
year later he settled at Millwood, that county, and 
sojourned there for a period of twenty-eight j^ears. 
We next find him in Bellville, Richland Co., Ohio, 
where he practiced twelve years. Thence he came 
in September, 1887, to Wamego, Kan., driving 
thioiigh from Marshall County, Iowa, in his buggy, 
a distance of 414 miles. In Januai-y. 1887, the 
Doctor took a post-graduate course from the Ohio 
Special and Liberal Association, receiving a di- 
ploma from this institution. 

On the 22d of October, 1847, occurred the mar- 
riage of Dr. McMahon with Miss Mary Welker. 
This lady is the youngest child of David and 
Elizabeth (McINIillen) AVclker, and was born May 
15, 1829, in Knox County, Ohio. Her parents 
were natives of Pennsylvania, and the father a 
farmer b}' occupation. Tlieir family consisted of 
four children, three of whom are living. To the 
Doctor and his wife there were born two children, 
but the eldest, a boy, born in 1848, lived only four 
weeks. The younger, Fanny E., was born Jan. 25, 
1S50, and died at her home in Millwood, Ohio, 
April 28, 1878. She was married Sept. 28, 1870, 
to Daniel E. Coleman, of Monroe Township, Knox 



Co., Ohio. Mrs. Marj' McMahon departed this 
life at her home in Millwood, Ohio, July 1, 1865. 
Dr. McMahon, the 12 of May, 1876, was mar- 
ried a second time to Mrs. Mary (Rightmier) 
Tracy, daughter of James and Lydia (Critchfleld) 
Rightmier, who were natives respectively of Mr- 
ginia and Ohio. Mr. Rightmier prosecuted farm- 
ing for many years in Ohio, where he became a 
useful .nnd prominent citizen. He died in Januarj\ 
1882, at the age of seventy-four years. The wid- 
owed mother resides on the home farm in Knox 
Count}', Ohio. Their family consisted of seven 
children, six of whom are living and residents of 
Ohio and Kansas. Mrs. McMahon was the eldest 
and was born March 25, 1832, in Knox County, 
Ohio. She was well-educated at Mt. Vernon and 
at Sloan's academy for 30ung ladies. The Doctor 
and his wife are members of the I'niversalist 
Church. He has alwaj's been a very busy m.an in 
his profession, and keeps himself well-posted in 
all matters connected therewith. Politically, he is 
conservative, and usually votes the Democratic 
ticket. In Ohio, he was identitied with the I. O. O. F., 
and at present is jirelate in Wamego Lodge, K. of P. 



-<34=r' 



A ...A, c-.^ 

-n ^i>- 



RANK McBRIDE. Among the homesteads 
.„. of Clear Creek Township, Pottawatomie 
/Us County, none are more suggestive of com fort 

and plenty than that owned by the subject of this 
notice, who is one of its most enterprising men 
and one who from a modest beginning has slowly 
climbed up to an enviable position among his fellow - 
citizens. He came to Kansas in 1878 and bought 
a relinquishment, on the west half of the north- 
west quarter of section 26 where he filed a home- 
stead claim which he improved and which con- 
stitutes his present home. On this section he has 
240 acres, besides an 80 acre tract on section 24, 
having thus a half section of land altogether. 
Eighty acres are under the plow and the remainder 
is in meadow land and pasturage. 

Mr. McBride h.as a neat and substantial dwelling 
with a good barn and the usual outbuildings re- 
quired for the shelter of stock and the storage of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



251 



grain. His fences are well kept up and everything 
about the premises presents a thrifty and prosperous 
appearance. There are fruit and sliade trees and 
within tlie dwelling tlie family enjoy all of the 
comforts and many of the luxuries of life. In 
connection with farming Mr. McBride is consider- 
ably interested in stock-raising. 

In noting the early history of our subject we 
find tliat he was born in County Tyrone, Ireland^ 
March 17, 1837, and is the son of Steplien and 
Bridget (McIIanna) McBride, whose family con- 
sisted of nine children. The parents were likewise 
natives of County Tyrone where they spent their 
entire l-ves. Four of their children are living 
and located mostly in Philadelphia, Pa. Frank re- 
mained a member of the parental household until 
a j'outh of eighteen years. He was thoughtful 
and ambitious and not being contented with his 
condition or his prospects in the Emerald Isle, re- 
solved upon seeking his fortune in the New World. 
Setting out from Ireland he crossed the Atlantic on 
a sailing vessel which after a three weeks' vo3'age, 
landed him safely in New York City. Thence he 
made his way directly westward across the Mis- 
sissippi to Iowa and employed himself as a farm 
laborer until the outbreak of the late war. He had 
now been six years in his adopted countr}' and was 
in full sympathj' with her free institutions. Hav- 
ing a desire to assist in the preservation of the 
Union he enlisted in Company C, 20th Iowa In- 
fantry in August, 1862, which operated in (Southern 
Missouri and Arkansas. Mr. McBride was present 
at the siege of Vicksburg and later went into 
Southern and Central Texas, and through Louisiana 
and Alabama, taking part in the battles of Prairie 
Grove and Pea Pidge. He assisted in the capture 
of Ft. Morgan, and later was at Pensacola and Ft. 
Blakely. He received his honorable discharge at 
the close of the war and from that time until 1878 
resided in St. Louis, Mo., and employed himself at 
whatever be could find to do. 

In St. Louis, Mr. McBride was married in August, 
1867, to Miss Mary McHugh. Mrs. McBride was 
born in County Galway, Ireland. Of this union 
there have been born four children, viz: John, 
Frank, .Tames and Mary Ellen. Mr. McBride was 
reared in the doctrines of the Catholic Church to 



which he still loyally adheres. Upon becoming a 
voting citizen he identified himself with the Demo- 
cratic party. He is looked upon as one of the 
most industrious and frugal farmers of Clear Creek 
Township, where he has made the record of an 
honest man and a good citizen. 






ENRY YOUNG. There is not a more popn- 
; lar or intelligent German citizen within the 
^^^_ precincts of Belvue Township than Mr. 
t^) Young. He is universally popular and is 
frequently called upon by his countrymen in that 
vicinity for advice in business matters and upon 
other occasions, and seldom fails to find them a way 
out of their difficulties. He is thus very useful in 
his community and one whose place, were it made 
vacant, could not be easily filled. 

A native of Germany, Mr. Young was born 
March 19, 1851, and is the son of Peter Young, a 
native of the same locality and who was born Oct. 
8, 1811. The latter emigrated to America with 
his family in April, 1884, and coming to Kansas 
now makes his home with his son Henry. He is a 
wagon-maker bj' trade and a member in good stand- 
ing of the Lutheran Church. The paternal grand- 
father was John Young who spent his entire life in 
the Fatherland, dying at the age of sixtj'-six years. 
The mother, Mrs. Lena (Miller) Young, who was 
also of German parentage, died in Germany in 
middle life. The parental family consisted of five 
children, viz: Peter, Henry, Nicholas, Philip and 
Charles. Peter died at the age of twenty-eight 
years in Strasburg, Germany; Philip died in in- 
fancy. 

Mr. Young is the third child of his parents and 
was brought up on a farm in his native Province. 
In accordance with the laws and customs of Ger- 
many he was placed in school at an early age, at- 
tending until a lad of fourteen and acquiring a 
practical education in his native tongue. When 
twenty-one years of age he came to America in ad- 
vance of the family and lucating first in the city 
of Chicago,worked at his trade of a carpenter al-out 
six years. In 1878 he sought the farther West, 



252 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



coming into Pottawatomie County, this State, and 
soon afterward purchased 160 acres of land upon 
which he has since been engaged in farming and 
stock-raising. His land is pleasantly located on 
section 1, Belvue Township. He keeps on an 
average from forty to fifty head of graded cattle, 
besides the required number of good farm horses 
to do his worjj. Politically, Mr. Young is a sound 
Republican. He was reared in the doctrines of the 
Lutlieran Churcii, to which he still loyally adheres. 
The marriage of Henry Young with Miss Lena 
Weber, was celebrated at the bride's home in Chi- 
cago, III., in 1877. Mrs. Young was born in the 
Province of Abiller, Germany, in 1846, and is the 
daughter of Lawrence and Mary (Kauf) Weber, 
the former a weaver by trade and who, with his 
estimable wife, spent his entire life in his native 
land. Mr. and Mrs. Young are the parents of five 
interesting children, living, viz: Emma, William, 
Helena, Mary and Peter; one child died in infanc)' 
unnamed. 




f LFRED .1. BASYE is one of the most 
wide-awake and enterprising business men 
of J.ackson County, and in him the city of 
Holton has one of its leading citizens, who 
enters with true public interest into all schemes to 
advance its interests. He is prosperously carrying 
on an extensive business as a dealer in grain and 
a buyer and shipper of stock, with L. Sarbach, 
under the firm name of Basye & Sarbach. Mis- 
souri is his native State, and he was born in De 
Kalb County, Jan. 12, 1857. His father, John J., 
and his grandfather, Henry Basj'e, were natives of 
Virginia. The latter was a planter and slave- 
owner, and on his removal to Pike County, Ohio, 
in pioneer times, he took his slaves with him, and 
there nobly set them free. He , was a resident of 
Ohio some }'ears, but finally went to Missouri, and 
passed the remainder of his life in Howard Countj', 
that State. The father of our subject was about 
eighteen years old when his parents removed to tlie 
wilds of Ohio, and he went from there to IMissouri 
in 1835, traveling on the Ohio, Mississippi and 
Slissouri rivers to his destination, and was one 
of the very first settlers of the Platte Purchase. 



He made a claim to a tract of Government land 
there, and diiriiig the few years that he resided 
on it made many improvements. He sold it, and 
going to DeKalb County, bought a farm five miles 
north of Cameron. He erected frame buildings, 
and lived there until 1859, when he disposed of 
his place »nd once agnin became a pioneer, locating 
in Jackson County, this State. He bought a place 
of 160 acres for $1,100, pleasantly situated two 
miles southwest of Holton, which was then a small 
hamlet of a few houses, and its commerce repre- 
sented by one store. There were no railwajs west 
of the Missouri River at that time, and over the 
sparsely settled region all kinds of game roamed 
plentifully, and bountifiillj' set forth the table of 
the pioneers who were fond of hunting. In the 
log cabin on his place, in which the family first 
made their home, John Brown had his headquarters 
for this section of the countrj'. Mr. Bas\'e con- 
tinued his residence on that homestead until death 
brought to a close his long and honorable life, Jan. 
17, 1888. The mother of onr subject still makes 
her home there. Her maiden name was Mary P. 
Rogers, and she was born in Cole County, Mo. 
Her father, Hiram Rogers, was a farmer, and later 
a merchant at Halleck. Buchanan Co., Mo., and 
also served as Sherifl: of that county, where he spent 
his last years. Seven of the children born to the 
worthy parents of our subject were reared to 
maturity. 

Our subject was two years old when they came 
to the Territory of Kansas, and it has been his 
privilege to witness almost the entire growth of 
this section, and since he arrived at years of dis- 
cretion, to aid in its advancement in various direc- 
tions. His educational advantages were those 
then afforded by the public schools, and were such 
that at the age of eighteen he was fitted for the i)ro- 
fession of teaching, which he then entered upon, 
his first experince in that line being in the district 
three miles east of Holton. He taught several 
terras of winter school after that, and when not so 
engaged assisted his father in farming, of which he 
had a good practical knowledge. In the spring of 
1881 he turned his attention to bujing grain, and 
has been in that business since, forming, in the 
summer of 1881, a partnership with his present 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



253 



partner, and later extending their business so as to 
include buying and shipping stock. Tlie^^ liave a 
large and flourishing trade, and tiioir niiraes stand 
high in business circles, as those of fair and honor- 
ably dealing men. 

Mr. Basye has established au attractive home bj' 
the aid of a devoted wife, to whom he was united 
in marriage in ]\Iarch, 1886. Her maiden name 
was Ella Kliis, and she was born in Page County, 
Iowa, to DeWitt C. and Caroline Ellis. Of this 
pleasant marriage twociiildren have come — Walter 
and Lottie. 

Mr. Basye is an ardent supporter of the Republi- 
can party. His fellow-citizens, appreciating his busi- 
ness talent, push and large discernment, have called 
him to aid in the adrainistr,ation of the municipal 
government by electing him to a seat in the (Jity 
Government. He is a man of sound understand- 
ing and excellent habits, and is highly thought of 
by all who have cither business or social rel.'itions 
with him. 



1^^ ERRITT X. HARTWELL, is a son of 
i \\\ George W. Hartwell, one of the old settlers 
1] •= of Spring Creek Township, a sketch of 
" whom appears on another page in this 

Album. He is one of the most energetic and en- 
terprising men of his township, a citizen promi- 
nent and influential and the owner of a valuable 
farm comprising .320 acres on section 15. He is the 
youngest of the three children of the parental 
family and was born near Robinson, Crawford Co., 
in., Nov. 2, 1852. 

Mr. Hartwell was trained from boyhood to habits 
of industry and economy, and acquired a practical 
education in the common schools. He accompanied 
the familj' in their various removals, first to Han- 
cock County, 111., and then in 1869 to Kansas, mak- 
ing the latter journey overland, crossing the Mis- 
sissippi at (juincy and the Missouri at St. Joseph. He 
worked with his father until reaching his majority 
then commenced farming for himself on rented 
land, operating in this manner until 1880. That 
year he ])urchased eighty acres of his present 
farm, then a tract of wild land upon which no im- 
provements had been made. A cour.se of prudence 



and industry brought their legitimate reward and 
he added to his landed possessions so that he now 
has the half of section 15, well watered by Bluff 
Creek, with C(>nvenient springs and a good supply 
of native timber. Half of his farm is rich bottom 
land, highly productive and valuable. 

Mr. Hartwell has erected good buildings and is 
supplied with all the necessary machinery for carry- 
ing on agriculture in a systematic and profitable 
manner. He is considerably interested in live stock, 
keeping graded Short-horn and Hereford cattle. feed- 
ing about one car annually. From 1882 to 1884 he 
engaged to some extent in buj-ing and shipping 
stock to Kansas Cit}-. He is also interested in 
horse flesh, keeping sixteen head of graded Clydcs 
and Hambletonians. Mr. Hartwell in addition to 
his own farm al,so operates that of his father, thus 
having under his charge a whole section of land. 
He is a regular " chip off the old block," and what- 
ever he undertakes is carried through with that 
perseverance and energy which is a characteristic 
of the family. 

The subject of this sketch was married at the 
home of the bride on Bluff Creek, Spring Creek 
Township, Nov. 6, 187.3, to Miss Phebe E. Pace, 
who was born in Henderson County, III.. July 23, 
1851 and came to Kans.as with her parents when 
sixteen years old. Of the four children born of 
this union only two are living, Clyde M. and Earl 
F., the second and fourth. Lucy M. and Gwyn G. 
died at the ages of three and two years. ^Ir. 
Hartwell votes the straight Republican ticket and 
is quite prominent in public affairs, being sent as a 
delegate to the county conventions and serving as 
Clerk of the School Board in his district. He was 
Constable one year. Township Treasurer for three 
years and is the present Road Supervisor in liis 
district. Mrs. Hartwell is a member in good stand- 
ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



^^p\> ASPAR 'SAL7.FA\. This gentleman is one 
|||Ay, of those sturd\' and decided characters, who 
^^( are willing to suffer for opinion's sake and 
to devote their time and energy to a cause which 
they consider just. He came to Kansas in the year 



254 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1855, and during the troublous times of that dec- 
ade experienced the trials and the dangers whicii 
befell the Free Stale man, and a few years later he 
spent man}' long months in the service of the 
Union. ICnterprising and energetic in his work in 
life, he has been financially prospered, while his 
manly character and sturdj- uprightness have won 
for him a high degree of respect wherever he is 
known. He is now living in Waniego Township, 
Pottawatomie County, where he owns 220 acres of 
land in three bodies, of wliic-h sixty acres are under 
the plow. He keeps on hand eight horses, fort}'- 
five head of cattle and twenty of hogs. A fine 
orchard of 100 bearing fruit trees is a source of 
pleasure and profit, and the home is supplied with 
all the needful conveniences in the way of out- 
buildings, and is marked by a general air of neat- 
ness and thrift. 

Our subject is of German birth and [larentage, 
and the place of birth of both himself and parents 
was Wurtemburg. His father, who also bore the 
name of Casjiar. vv.as a farmer, and in .accordance 
with the custom in the Fatherland served sometime 
in the German arm\-. In 1806 he participated in 
the war between Austria and France, and spent six 
ye.ars altogether in army life. The mother, whose 
maiden name was Anna Maria Salzer, bore her hus- 
band six children, two only being now alive. The 
subject of this sketch was the fifth in the parental 
family and was born Nov. 1, 1823. He grew to 
manhood in his native Duchy, and for eight years 
during his boyhood pursued liis studies in his na- 
tive town. Beginning life for himself at the age 
of seventeen 3'ears he served at the trade of a stone 
mason for three jears, following his apprenticeship 
by working at his trade until 1845, when he de- 
termined to seek a home across the Atlantic. Bid- 
ding adieu to his native land he took passage f(^r 
New Orleans, La., where he landed December 26, 
and where he remained until the following July, when 
he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and spent the three fol- 
lowing years there, working at his tr.ade. This w.as 
followed by work on a farm in Jo Daviess County, 
111., for an equal length of time. He then made 
liis way to this State, which was tiien a Territory, 
and during the five years which fulloned. his home 
was in Leavenworth, although ilurintj the time he 



was frequently obliged to keep in hiding on account 
of his stand among the Free Soilers. The trade 
which he had so thoroughly mastered was his occu- 
pation, and not long after he came to Leavenworth, 
he and August Kesler took a contract to build 
a stone house in that citj-. The firm went upon a 
bond for a friend to secure a mortg.age on a team, 
which w.as in the possession of Mr. Salzer, when the 
Missourians came and took it from him. Mr. Sal- 
zer was iiersonally acquainted with ••Jim" Lane 
and other leaders on the border. On one occasion 
while he was hiding in the brush, the border ruf- 
fians ordered Mrs. Salzer to leave by the following 
day, threatening to burn her house if she did not 
do so. Gen. Lane raa<le an opportune appearance 
before their threat was carried into execution, and 
the "rullians" were driven from town. 

In 18G0 Mr. Salzer changed his residence to this 
county, locating in St. George Township. In 1862 
his name was placed on the muster roll of Com- 
pany K. 11th Kansas Cavalry, aud for three 3'ears 
he served in the Union army, being alw.ays on duty 
and conducting himself as a faithful and valiant 
soldier should, and as might be expected of a na- 
tive of the Fatherland, where a warlike spirit and 
martial bearing are instilled into ever}- 3-outlifid 
mind. During his army life Mr. Salzer took part 
in the b.attles at Maysville, .\ik.; Cane Hill, Prairie 
Grove, Van Buren, Lexington, Mo., the Little 
Blue, Big Blue aud West Port, and was occupied 
seven months in guarding the border of Kansas. In 
1865 the regiment was ordered to Ft. Laramie, 
Wyo.. in the vicinity of which they were skirmish- 
ing witli Indians for a few months. 

L^pon receiving his discharge in September, 
1865. Mr. Salzer returned to his farm in St. George 
Township, whence he removed to his present loca- 
tion in the spring of 1867, there being a few im- 
provements upon tlie place when he took possession 
of it. In 1 870 lie built a substantial stone resi- 
dence, and during tiie grasshopper season of 1874 
erected a stone barn and other needful buildings. 

The wife of Mr. Salzer bore the maidei name of 
Theresa Berhalter, and she an<l her parents were 
natives of the Duchy of Wnrtenduug. Germany. 
She is a daughter of .loseph and Miuy Ann ( i!ien- 
ner) Berhalter, who died in their native laad, the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



255 



father in 1S7.5 and tlie mother in 1882. The oc- 
cupation of Mr. Berhalter was that of a tailor. 
Tlieir family consisted of six cliildren, and their 
daughter Theresa, who was born .Sept. 7, 1833. was 
the fifth in order of birth. She came to America 
in 1853, making her home in Savanna, III., and 
there on the 30th of August, 1855, her marriage 
witli our subject took place. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Salzer nine children have been bora, eight of whom 
now survive. Mary is wife of Christ Walter, and 
they live in Pottawatomie Township, having five 
children. The eldest son is Jacob, who is yet un- 
married; Caroline is the wife of Henry Puhr. of 
.St. Louis, Mo., and they have two children. The 
circle is completed bj- Kate, Annie, Henr^v, Albert 
and Andrew. 

Mr. Salzer is a member of Wamego Post, G. A. R. 
He always votes the Republican ticket. He has 
been a member of the School Board and served 
in a creditable manner. He belongs to the Lu- 
theran Church and his wife is an equally devout 
Catholic. They have a wide circle of acquaint- 
ances who bear for them a merited degree of respect. 



AMUEL M. STOVER, a veteran of 
sevent3-one years and a man of strong 
mental and physical makeup, is conspicu- 
ous among the elder residents of Wamego 
as being the subject of a personal history of more 
than ordinary interest. He was born in Washing- 
ton Count}', ]Md., April 11, 1818, and was the 
fifth in the family of eleven children, the offspring 
of Frederick and Lena (Sellers) Stover, who were 
likewise natives of Mar3iand, and there spent 
their entire lives. Frederick Stover was of Dutch 
descent and born in 1786. He learned the trade 
of a carpenter and joiner early in life, which lie 
followed mostly thereafter, and departed hence in 
1865, at the advanced age of eighth-nine 3'ears. 
The mother survived her husband seven years, d}- 
ing in 1872. Five of their children are living and 
located mostly in Hagerstown, Md. 

The subject of tiiis sketch started out in life for 
himself at the age of twenty years, equipped with 
a common-school education, habits of industry and 




economy, and the resolution and perseverance, 
which all through life have been the leading traits 
of his character. He learned the trade of a white- 
smith and brass founder, also tinsmithing and 
coppersmithing.and in 1840 left his n.ative pLace, 
and for a jear woiked lioth in Chambersburg and 
Bedford, Pa. Tlien returning to Maryland he so- 
journed for a short time and later emigrated to 
Ohio, making his home for a ^year in Mt. ^■ernon, 
and following his trade. Afterward, returning to 
Maryland, he opened a tin store in Hagerstown. 
In 1857, he removed his stock to Williamsport and 
operated there, successfully, for a period of nine- 
teen years. He came to Kansas in 1876, establish- 
ing himself in Wamego, where he has since carried 
on his old business and become a fixture among 
the respectable elements of the communitj-. 

IMr. Stover, while a resident of Hagerstown, 
Md.. was married April 30, 1844, to Miss Chris- 
tiana, daughter of John andRosina Sebear. who 
were i atives of Wittenburg. Germany. Mrs. Stover 
was born on the same day and jear as her hus- 
band, in Hanover, Pa. Only two of the five chil- 
dren born to Ihem are now living: Emma A. 
married Richard H. Parcell, who served three years 
in the late Civil AVar, .as a member of Thompson's 
Independent Batter\- of Pittsburg, Pa., and died 
in 1871, leaving two children. His widow lives 
with her parents. William married Miss Fanny 
Griswold and lives in Wamego. He has one child 
Wilford, aged three years. Mr. and Mrs. Stover 
are prominently connected with the Presbyterian 
Church, in which Mr. Stover is an Elder. He was 
at one time, in Marjiand, a member of the I. O. 
O. F. He also belonged to the Sons of Temperance 
and the Good Templars. 

Mr. Stover upon becoming a voting citizen first 
identified himself with the Old Line Whigs, .and 
upon the abandonment of that party cordiall}' en- 
dorsed the Republican principles. He was a 
strong Union man during war times and living 
in the neighborhood of Hagerstown, Md.. had 
some peculiar experiences with the soldiers of both 
armies. He had, prior to this time, been for three 
years crippled with rheumatism. Init such was the 
excitement under which he then labored that his 
affliction left him and h.as not since returned. In 



256 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the meantime, w)iile suffering from this aggrava- 
ting ailment he became addicted to the opinm 
habit, and at one time in twent\-four liouis used 
enough of this drug to kill sixty-four men. He 
finally became convinceil that lie must abandon it, 
and by sheer force of will accomplished this, break- 
ing off entirely. This as may be supposed, re- 
quired no little effort, and illustrates the amount of 
resolution possessed by Mr. Stover, which faculty 
has been many times in his life made of inestimable 
service to him. He owns and occupies a comfort- 
able home and is fully establislied in the esteem 
and confidence of his fellow-citizens. 



^ €-*^- 



^ AMES WILLIAM SHINER exerts consider- 
able influence in both social and i)olilical 
circles of Pottawatomie County, and is 
/ especially prominent in newspaper work. 
He graduated in the "art preservative" when a 
mere lad, and has devoted all of his mature life to 
this vocation. He is a leader among the Republi- 
cans of his community, besides being identified 
with the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, and A. 0. 
U. W. Religiously, he and his wife are members 
of the Congregational Cliui-ch, and contribute 
liberally of their time and means to the npbnilding 
of that cause. 

A native of the county of Wayne, Ind., our 
subject was born in Dublin. June 1, 1850, and 
when eight months old was taken by his parents to 
Whiteside County, 111., where they lived for three 
years. Finding the country' settled up a little 
faster than suited their tastes, they launclicd what 
is commonly- called a " prairie scbooner " and em- 
barking in it with tlieir camping outfit, and house- 
hold goods, finally arrived after fair sailing at what 
is now Tama County, Iowa, then peopled mostly 
by the Mosquaka Indians. In that county the fa- 
ther homesteaded a claim ; their nearest neighbor, 
with the exception of Tobias R. Shiner, was twenty- 
six miles distant. The nearest |)ostofIiee. market 
and flouring-mill, was located sixty miles aw.ay. 
In the winter of 1857-58 a terrible snow-storm 
made the roads impassible for many weeks, and the 
f;}ther of our subject, as well r.s his uncle, had 



neither flour, meal, nor salt in their cabins for a 
period of six or eight weeks; during th.at time our 
subject, a lad of seven years, made himself useful 
b}- grinding corn in the end of a log, and some- 
times, with the assistance of a hatchet, would break 
two grains into three pieces. 

In 1861 Steward B. Shiner, the father of our sub- 
ject, removed with his family to Waterloo, Iowa, 
where until his death in 186^, he was engaged in 
the furniture business as a manufacturer and 
wholesale dealer. He also held many offices of 
trust in that and other communities where he 'e- 
sided. He was born in Virginia about 1827; in 
1848 he was married to Maria Jane Davenport, 
who was l)orn in Ohio in 1830. After their mar- 
riage in the Buckeye State they removed to Wayne 
County, Ind. James W. was the eldest of their 
family of seven children. Col. Davenport, the 
great uncle of our subject, was a soldier in the war 
of 1812. and was at one time proprietor of Rock 
Island, where he was killed b}' robbers. 

The education which Mr. Shiner received in the 
log school houses of Iowa, has since been supple- 
mented bj' a s_vstematic course of reading, so that 
he is a well-informed man, a pleasing conversa- 
tionalist, and an entertaining companion. In 18GI 
he apprenticed himself to W. H. Hartniau, editor 
and proprietor of the Waterloo Courier, a weekly 
newspaper. In 1868 he left that office, and, with 
J. A. Cole, commenced the publication of a weekly 
paper, the Recorder, a.t Jesup, Buchanan Co., low.i. 
After being connected with this paper six months, 
he resumed his former position as foreman on the 
Waterloo Courier. In 1870 the Grundy County 
Argus, published by Rea ife Jlotlit, was placed un- 
der the management of our subject, and for nine 
months following this he was engaged in furtliering 
its interests. Again returning to Waterloo, he ac- 
cepted a position as a type setter at fifteen cents 
per 1.000 ems. 

The 6th of .lanuary 1871. was the date of Mr. 
Shiner's arrival in Kansas, and he soon became 
foreman of the Leavenworth Comme)-cial ]oh rooms, 
a position held until 1875, when, in company with 
E. C. Laithe, he made arrangements for tlic publi- 
cation of tiie Holton Recoriler. the first cditi lii of 
which was issued March 2, 1875, (Jii the iJLh of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



257 



March. 1875, JMaj. M. M. Beck piuvliased Laithe's 
interest iri the Recorder, and is yet proprietor 
thereof. In 1882 Mr. Shiner was foreman of the 
Salt Lake Tribune )oh rooms, and durins; 1884 lived 
in Amador County. Cal. May G, 1885, the first 
issue of tiie Westmorolanii Recorder, in whieli he 
has a half interest, was puhlislied. It is Republican 
in [lolitics, and is an aiitliority in matters political. 

Mr. Shiner was married Ma}- 30, 1873, to Ella 
Modora Page, only child of Henry H. and Maria 
(Jacobs) Page, natives respectively of Maine and 
New Hampshire. At the age of nine years she 
accompanieil her i)arents to Independence, Iowa, 
and later to AVaterloo, where she met Mr. ishiner. 
Tliey have four children: Ed. Clayton, Bessie 
Augusta. Jo Melanethon and Frank Stewart. They 
are bright, intelligent children and are receiving 
good educations. 

AV. F. Hill. Associate Editor of the Westmore- 
land Recorder, was born April 10, 1856, and is a 
son of Samuel and Winuifred Hill, natives of Ohio 
and Indiana respectively. Thej' were married in 
1855, and moved the same year to Monroe County, 
Iowa, where the subject of this sketch was born. 
The following year they removed to Ringgold 
County, Iowa, where they purchased a farm upon 
which they resided for twenty-three years. The 
father served two and one-half ^-ears in tlie Civil 
War. In 1879 they located in the town of Goshen, 
where Mr. Hill died Nov. 11, 1884. 

During the winter terms W. F. Hill attended the 
country school in the district where he lived, and 
at the age of twenty- entered the Iowa City Acad- 
cni}'. wheie he remained one term. The ensuing 
year he entered the State University of Iowa, and 
was a student there three years. It took him about 
six years to obtain this scho >ling, as it was neces- 
sarj' for him to teach or do other work about half 
the time to [lay his expenses. 

The marriage of our subject to ]\Iiss Hattie Ap- 
plegate occurred May 20, 1884, and after that 
event they located at once iu Douglas, Butler Co., 
Kan., where Mr. Hill was assistant principal of the 
city schools for two 3ears, while Mrs. Hill taught 
the primary department. In 188G they movetl to 
Havensville. Pottawatomie County, and here also 
Mr. Hill was for two years principal of the schools. 



while his wife hud charge of the intermediate de- 
partment. In 18S8 they moved to Westmoreland, 
where Mr. Hill was principal of schools for one 
year, and then bought a half interest in the West- 
moreland Recorder, and in conjunction with J. W. 
Shiner he still edits and publishes that paper. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hill are members of the Methodist Epis- 
cal Church. They have one son, Forrest A'incent, 
born Aug. 9, 1889. 

-^ "^-^ ''*- 



C" GEORGE URQUHART is an old settler, a 
=, substantial farmer, and an honorable man, 
JijI residing on section 4. Rock Creek Town- 
ship, Pottawatomie County. He has an excellent 
farm of 200 acres of good land all well-improved 
and cultivated. Its present tine condition is en- 
tirely owing to his own efforts, as there was not a 
furrow turned, nor the beginning of a building on 
the place when he took possession nineteen years 
ago. 

Our subject belongs to that famous race which 
claims such spirits as Bruce, and Wallace, '-Bobbie" 
Burns, and Sir Walter Scott, as their rej-resenta- 
tives. He was born in the Highlands of Scotland 
about the year of 1825, in the village of Scotts- 
burn. Parish of Logieeaster, or Ross Shire, and 
continued to reside in his native place until 1851 1 
when he emigrated to America and settled in 
Grundy County, III., where he resided during 
most of the time until 1.S70. A portion of the 
time spent in America, previous to becoming a 
citizen of Kansas, was spent in the counties of La 
Salle and Williamson in Illinois, but the greater 
portion was passed in Grund}- County, as mentioned 
above. While, a resident of the latter county, Mr. 
I'rquhart was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
Cameron, of the same county, the ceremony taking 
place on the 17th of April, 1857. 

In 1870 Mr. Urquhart and his family removed 
to Kansas, stopping for a brief period in Topeka, 
then moving to Pottawatomie County, and locat- 
ing on their present i)lace. Our subject took up a 
homestead of eight_y acres, which he afterward in- 
creased to 120, and subsequently enlarged his 
farm still further by the purchase of eighty acres 



258 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



adjoining, thus malting his place the size it is at 
present. Not being able to build a house, Mr. 
Urqnhart excavated a cellar which he walled up 
with stone aud roofed with boards, and in that 
place the family lived about five years. In 
the meantime Mr. I'rquhart busied himself plow- 
ing the land, planting and reaping the crops, build- 
ing fences and providing shelter for what stock he 
was able to purchase from time to time, and in 
other ways providing for the immediate wants of 
his family, and securing money to build a substan- 
tial and comfortable dwelling. As above stated, 
when five years had come and gone, he found him- 
self in a condition to carry out his cherished plan 
of building a house that would be a credit to his 
enterprise and a permanent home for his family, so 
he proceeded to put his scheme into execution, 
also planting a second orchard, the one first put 
out having been destroyed by fire. The result of 
his labor is to be seen by any one passing by, in the 
good family residence, fine young orchard now iu 
healing, neat fences, durable shelter for his stock , 
and all the other evidences of a fine farm in first 
class condition. 

Mrs. Urquhart is a lady excellentlj well fitted to 
be the wife of a man of Mr. I'rquhart's energetic 
disposition, as she is competent to take care of her 
part of the domestic machinery, and has been an 
able and willing assistant to her husband in all his 
efforts to improve tiieir temporal condition. Mucli 
of their success is due to her unflagging industry 
and cheerful disposition. She is a native of the 
Highlands of .Scotland, having been born in Argyle- 
shire. She crossed the stormy Atlantic, and 
landed in the port of New York just four days 
prior to the landing of him who was afterward to be 
her husliand. The date of her arrival in this coun- 
try was Sept. 4, 1851, while that of Mr. Urquhart 
was September 8, in the same 3'ear. Miss Cameron 
accompanied her parents to Grundy County, 111., 
and remained with them until leaving to be mis- 
tress of a home of her own. Her people are still 
residents of that county, and are highly respected 
and loved for their kind hearts and industrious 
habits. 

Mr. and Mrs. Urquhart have had their hearts 
cheered and their home brightened by the advent 



of three children, all girls: Jeannette, the widow of 
E. Enzor, is at the home of her parents with her 
two children, Cynthia B. and Marj' C; Ann, Mrs. 
H. Eversmier. is living at present in Washington 
County, Kan.; and Hectarina, who is still at home. 
Mr. Urquhart and his wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church, and are regular and devoted 
attendants upon its services. Mr. Urquhart is a 
stanch Republican in politics, but will not consent 
to take any office. He and his family are among 
the most highly respected and popular people of 
tlie township, and are worthy of all the esteem and 
good wishes that they receive. They are an in- 
telligent family, Mr. Urquhart being especially well- 
read in all matters of history and current literature. 

^TL^ERMAN FIEGENER. The community of 
ijfji; Spring Creek Township includes numbers 
J^>/^' of young and enterprising men upon wliom 
(^) is falling the mantle of their fathers, which 
they are bearing in a most praiseworthy manner. 
The subject of this sketch, who has just passed the 
thirty -first j'ear of his age, is a citizen of rare 
promise and already well-to-do, owning 240 acres 
of prime land on sections 8 and 9, and in connec- 
tion with this also ojjerates his father's farm of 120 
acres. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 16, 
1858, and lived there until a boy of seven years, 
at the expiration of which time his parents came to 
Kansas, making the journey by boat to Atchison, 
and tlience by team to Pottawatomie County in 
the spring of 1865. 

Young Fiegener was tiius reared on the frontier, 
acquiring at an early age those habits of industry 
which have been the source of his later success. 
He grew up strong and vigorous, making himself 
generally useful on the farm from the time he was 
ten years old, driving oxen, plowing, etc. During 
those early years the eountr3' around presented a 
vast plain, over which deer and other wild animals 
roamed in unrestrained freedom, and where the 
foot of the white man seldom passed. Young Fie- 
gener attended the primitive schools, where he 
acquired a very good education. At the earlj- age 
of nineteen years he took charge of his father's 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



259 



place, carrying it on very successfully. In 1880 
he purchased his present homestead and also home- 
steaded eighty acres adjoining. In 1885 he pur- 
chased another eighly acres, and has brought the 
whole to a high state of cultivation and erected 
thereon substantial modern buildings. The land 
is watered by Spring Creek, and 1 40 acres are un- 
der the plow. It is largely devoted to grain and 
stock-raising, Mr. Fiegner feeding and shipping to 
Kansas City about three carloads of cattle annually 
and two cars of swine. 

The subject of this sketch was married in Blaine. 
July 31. 1881, to Miss Hannah Seibert. This lady 
was born in Blue Valley Township, and is the 
daughter of Casper Siebert, a pioneer settler and a 
prominent and successful farmer now living on the 
Blue River, in Blue Valley Township. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Fiegener there have been born four children, 
viz: Casper, Gottfried, John and Lizzie. Mr. Fie- 
gener votes the straight Democratic ticket, and with 
his estimable wife is an active member of the Catho- 
lic Church at Blaine, to which they conti-iI)ute a 
liberal support. 

'•^he father of our subject was John Fiegener, a 
native of Prussia, born April 25, 1820. The pa- 
ternal grandfather, Thomas Fiegener, likewise a 
native of Prussia, was a carpenter bj' trade, and 
married Miss Anna Christina Wagner, a native of 
his own Province. John, like his father, learned 
carpentering, which he followed from his boyhood 
up. until coming to America. He crossed the At- 
lantic in the fall of 1852, sailing from the port of 
Bremen on the "Keppler." which, after a voyage of 
eight weeks and two days, landed him in New Or- 
leans. Thence he proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., 
where he was variously employed until the spring 
of 18G5. Then coming to Kansas he homesteaded 
eighty acres of land on Spring Creek, where he 
now lives. In due time he purchased eighty acres 
adjoining, and has brought the whole to a fine state 
of cultivation, building up a comfortable home. 
He rents his land and is now living retired from 
active labor. He was married in early manhood to 
Elizabeth Miller, likewise a native of Prussia, and to 
them there were born five children, of whom Her- 
man, the subject of this sketch was the eldest; 
Catherine. Mrs. Wapp, is a resident of Spring 



Creek Township; Mary, Mrs. Falder, is a resident 
of Washington County; Lizzie, Mrs. Budenbender, 
lives in Spring Creek Township; Bertha is sojourn- 
ing in Kansas City. 



W. OHN ROBSON. Industrj-,frugality, integrity 
and good business management are qualities 
characteristic of nearly all Scotch "laddies,"' 
_ and our subject is not lacking in these. It 
is. doubtless, to their possession that his success is 
to be attributed. He, like so many others, started 
in life with his capital in his head and good right 
arm. and has by their united working secured for 
himself a good home and a competence, which re- 
moves him from the need of being dependent in 
the future on the fluctuations of trade. His fortune 
is, in the providence of God, owing to his own 
energy and ability. 

Mr. Robson was born in Scotland, Aug. 12, 1838, 
and passed the years of his youth and early man- 
hood in his native country. Upon arriving at a 
proper age he was apprenticed to learn the trade of 
a stone-mason, and after completing the course 
required was engaged in that occupation in his na- 
tive place until 1866. when he emigrated to Amer- 
ica. Upon his arrival he first settled in Wilmington, 
Will Co., 111., and worked at his trade in that place 
until 1877, in which year he removed to Kans.as and 
bought 260 acres of land, which was onl^' slightly 
improved. Since that time he has bought more 
until at present he owns 500 acres of excellent land 
lying on sections 27, 34, 35 and 26 in Rock Creek 
Township, Pottawatomie County. Immediately 
upon getting his family settled on the farm he be- 
gan vigorously to push forward the work of m.aking 
improvements. Following in his methods the ex- 
ample set by the most advanced farmers, he has 
made everything first class, including a fine orch- 
ard of choice trees, neatly trimmed, a luxuriant 
hedge, outbuildings of the most approved style, and 
on section 27 has a handsome stone house, 26x32 
feet, and two stories high. The house was built 
in 1879, two years after he located in the county. 
He is now engaged in general farming and stock- 
raising, and is one of the most prominent farmers 



260 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of the township. He and his family enjoy tlie re- 
spect and good will of all with whom they are 
acquainted. 

In 1864, while still a resident of Scotland, Mr. 
Robson was married to Miss Eliza Scott, the cere- 
mony taking place on the 10th of June. Mrs. 
Robson was born, May 15, 1839, in Scotland, and 
grew to womanhood in her native place. She is 
liberally endowed bj" nature with a vigorous intel- 
lect and a sound constitution, which, united to her 
amiable disposition, have contributed to make her 
a valued and efficient assistant to her husband in 
his work. Five children have been born to them, 
named respectively: Elizabeth, William, Andrew, 
Anna and Walter. They are bright and intelligent, 
and are receiving the best education that good 
schools can give, and the prospect for llieir future 
usefulness is a brilliant one. 

Mr. Robson has been Treasnrer of the school 
district from the time he first came to the place, 
and has given universal satisfaction in the manner 
in which he manages the funds. In politics he 
takes a fairly deep interest, not seeking office, but 
closely scrutinizing the record of those who are 
presented as candidates for responsible positions by 
the respective parties, and voting for those who 
come up to the standard of qualifications which he 
thinks are necessar_y in those who would manage 
pulilic aff.iirs. He usually finds himself in agree- 
ment with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. 
Robson are consistent members of the Congrega- 
tional Church, and are highly esteemed by their 
neighbors for their sterling goodness and active 
benevolence. 

ENRY SCHIRMER. The German residents 
Jj of Jackson County are worthily represented 
by the above-named gentleman, whose fine 
farm is located on section 5, Franklin 
Township, and consists of 360 broad acres. The 
improvements which it bears are better than the 
average, the dwelling and barn Ijeing especially 
well built and commodious. The entire estate 
bears an api)earance of order nnd thrift quite in 
keeping with the character of the owner, wht) is 



well known as a progressive and energetic farmer 
and stockman, his specialty in the latter line being 
the raising of Short-horn cattle. 

The parents of our subject were Frederick C. 
and Engel (Ennabrock) Sehirmer, of German}-, in 
which land they lived until 1864, when thej' emi- 
grated to the United States, coming direct to this 
county upon landing in New York. They settled 
on section 32, Liberty Township, afterward chang- 
ing their residence to the place where their son now 
lives. Here the father died March 30, 3 87U;the 
mother still survives and is making her home with 
lier son AVilliam in this county. The parental fam- 
ily consisted of two children — our subject and an 
older brother, William. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Germany, Aug. 12, 1854, and was 
consequently ten 3^ears old when he accompanied 
his parents to America. He was educated in the 
common schools and lived with his father until his 
death, afterward taking charge of the farm which 
he now owns and operates. 

At the home of Charles and Susannah (Deichler) 
Daschner, in Richardson County, Neb , the rites of 
wedlock were [celebrated between their daughter 
Sophia and Mr. Sehirmer, the date of the liapp}' 
event being Jan. 2, 1882. The parents of the bride 
are natives of Germany, and their first settlement 
in America was made in Kane County, III., where 
Mrs. Sehirmer was born July 9, 1860. Their fam- 
ily 'ivas a large one, comprising eighteen sons and 
daughters, and Mrs. Sehirmer was one of the 
younger members of the family; she received an 
excellent education in the schools of this country, 
and from her mother has learned the good house- 
keeping and thriftj' ways which are considered so 
necessary an accomplishment among the race from 
which she sprung. In addition she has the firm 
principles and Christian character which exert an 
influence for good beyond the immediate home 
circle. Five bright and interesting children clus- 
ter around the fireside, their names being William 
W., Laura S., Franklin F., Amanda M. and p]d- 
ward K. 

Mr. Sehirmer gives his suffrage to the Repub- 
lican party, believing its principles will best ad- 
vance the interest of the Nation. He is not only a 
man of hiyli moral character, both he and his wife 




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PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



263 



being members of the German Evangelical Church, 
but is a genial, whole-souled gentleman, who makes 
many friends. The parents of Mrs. Sch i-mer are 
still living on their homestead in F chardson 
County, Neb. A fine view of the reside ce of Mr. 
Sehirmer is given upon another page in t lis Album. 



^p^ EORGE W. SHEHI, of Spring Creek Towu- 
(|| I—, ship, Pottawotamie County, is well known 
^^^ as a large land-owner and stockman, his 
specialty in the latter line being tl e breeding of 
thoroughbred horses. He is well informed regarding 
equines, and a lover of those animals would find 
much pleasure in conversing with him regarding 
their traits and the characteristics of different 
breeds, as well as in a visit to his stables. In fact, 
a man would be the wiser aftcrany conversn' ion with 
liim, his years having been well improved in glean- 
ing knowledge in various departments of life. His 
home is more than ordinarily comfortable and 
.pleasant, and both it and the farm are furnished 
with modern improvements which are not to be 
found in every rural residence. Mr. Shelii is an 
enterprising and public spirited citizen, and a jolly, 
good-natured and upright man. He is the secoud 
oldest settler in Spring Creek Township, possesses 
the largest acreage of land held by an}- one man 
therein, and has the largest horse ranch in the 
county. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
born in Ireland, being of Scotch-Irish blood, and 
on coming to America, located in Fauquier County, 
Va., where his son. John, father of our subject, 
was born. John Shehi moved to Keutucky in 
1790, and there engaged in farming, also flat-boat- 
ing down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New 
Orleans, where he would sell boat and cargo, and 
return to his home on foot. During the War of 
1812 he served as a Lieutenant under the command 
of Gen. Andrew Jackson. In 1832 he located near 
Monmouth, 111., and engaging in agricultural pur- 
suits, became a prosperous farmer and stockman. 
In March, 1865, he came to Kansas, and from that 
time till his death, in 187G, resided with his chil- 
dren, being borne to the grave when past eighty- 



nine years of age. The mother of our subject was 
in her maidenhood Miss Mary McDonald, was 
born in the Blue Gra,ss State, and died in Illinois, 
Nov. 8, 1864. Her grandfather McDonald, served 
eight years under Washington in the struggle for 
American independence. Mr. aud Mrs. John Shehi 
were the parents of six children: John, who lives 
at Monmouth, 111.; Hon. J. H., of this county; 
Daniel, of Colorado Springs, Colo. ; the subject of 
this biographv ; Henry, who is now deceased ; and 
Harrison. 

George W. Shehi was born near Monmouth, 111,, 
Nov. 12, 1836, and was reared and educated on 
the farm, spending some time at clerking during 
his early years. He made his home with his par- 
ents in their rural abode until the spring of 1860, 
when, in company with his brother, J. H., he 
started for Pike's Peak, traveling up the Platte 
River, Soon after reaching the mountains, he 
was taken sick, and being obliged to return t3 his 
home, made his way thither through Northern 
Kansas. The following spring he .again left his 
home and w'ent by boat to Atchison, thence by 
stage to Topeka, and thence on foot to Spring 
Creek, on which he took a pre-emption claim of 
160 acres on section 21, and immediately liegan 
improving the same on a cash capital of §2.50. In- 
dians were numerous in the locality, sometimes 
making themselves more familiar than was desir- 
able on his place, and he hunted many a deer not 
far from his own door. Two years after taking up 
his residence here, Mr. Shehi homesteaded land, 
also on section 21, whicli has been thoroughly im- 
proved and successfully cultiv.ated. The creek 
which waters it would sometimes overflow, causing 
some inconvenience to the owner and his famil}', 
and after some years he removed to the pl.ace 
which he now occupies on section 33, He had 
puictiased this land in 1878, but did not occupy- it 
as a residence until 1884, 

The home farm of Mr, Shehi is supplied with 
adequate outbuildings and a large residence, and 
the hatter is furnished with water from a fine 
S|)ring thirty-two feet above the house, from which 
pipes convey the sparkling liquid and form a com- 
plete system of waterworks. The landed estate of 
Mr, Shehi comprises 2,000 acres, for which he has 



264 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



paid from $1.66 to $10 per acre. It is all well 
fenced, and three residences, with barns and other 
adequate buildings, orchards, etc., have been built 
and set out upon it. Mr. Shehi has been en- 
gaged in buying and shipping stock extensively, 
averaging fifteen carloads per mouth, and still 
feeds and raises cattle, having about 200 head on 
the place .at this writing. He raises some fuU- 
blaoded Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. As 
before mentioned, however, his especial attention 
is given to the tquine race, and breeding thorough- 
breds and trotters. He now has seventy head of 
horses, and nine are thoroughbred. One of these 
is "Candanze," who has been a winner in almost 
every race in which she has started. Of thirteen 
in which she took part last fall, she took the first 
prize in all but one. She makes the half-mile in 
49^ seconds. The thoroughbred, "Senator Morrell,' ' 
is at the head of the stud, "llydralla," sired by 
Spokane, is entered in the Kenwood stakes at Chi- 
cago. 

In 1881 Mr. Shehi opened a bank at Olsburg, 
and after running it eight months removed it to 
Greenleaf, and subsequently sold it. In the spring 
of 1864 he was enrolled in the State Militia, and in 
the fall, with the 14th Regiment, took part in the 
engagements during Price's raid. He is a stanch 
Republican, and has been a delegate to county con- 
ventions, and prior to the last Presi'lential election 
bet heavily on the chances of the Republican can- 
didate. Gen. Harrison. He has been influential in 
various public matters connected with the county 
and township, having assisted in the organiza- 
tion of tlie former, and has served as Township 
Clerk for two terms. He also a^sisled in building 
the Shehi school-house, which w;is the first edifice 
erected for educational purposes in the township, 
and has been connected with the School Board 
from that day. His wife is a member of the Con- 
gregational Church. 

The marriage of Mr. Shehi was celebrateil at 
Westmoreland, in July, 1861, the bride being Miss 
Harriet Cowan, who was born in Ohio. She has 
been a valued companion, ever ready to encourage 
him during his early years of toil, and in the con- 
duct of her household affairs and the training of 
the children with whom they have been blessed, 



has shown her worth of character. They have a 
a large and interesting family, named respectively: 
Mary, Charles W., Alice J., Emma, John A., George 
E., Laura M., Archibald A., Gracie L. and Daisj^ 
A. Mary is a graduate of the Gem City Business 
College, at Quincy, 111., and is at home: Charles 
W. is Township Trustee, and a iirominent farmer 
in Spring Creek Township; Alice J. is the wife of 
Ernest Root, of Marshall County; Emnva is the 
wife of George McCarger, of Shannon Township, 
this count}-; the rest are at home. A view of the 
residence of Mr. Shehi will be found on another 
page. 



OIIN AV. TIDLER, now living in Spring 
Creek Township, Pottawatamie County, has 
had experiences that would fill much larger 

Ifj space than can be given in a volume of this 
kind. He has traveled considerably on the plains, 
where he had various adventures with Indians, and 
has had practical experience in various forms of 
Western life outside of this State, of which he is an 
old settler, and in which he has endured the toils 
and privations incident to life on the frontier. He 
now occujiies a prominent position among the citi- 
zens of the township where he resides, his manly 
and upright character, his active interest in mat- 
ters of public weal, and his wide information and 
knowledge of men and affairs, alike entitling him 
to the high esteem of those among whom he asso- 
ciates. 

The father of our subject, was George Tirller, 
who was born in Shenandoah County, Va., and af- 
ter arriving at a sufficient age, was there engaged 
as a hatter, as was his father, who came to the Old 
Dominion from Germany. Mr. George Tidier re- 
moved from New Market, Va., to Floyd County, 
Ind., where he engaged in brick-making, and was 
in the railroad employ, and where his death took 
place in 1843. He was a member of the Lutheran 
Church, and a firm believer in the tenets of that 
society. The mother of our subject l)ore the maiden 
name of Ann Dolan, was born in Ireland, and was 
the daughter of well-to-do parents, who belonged 
to the Scotch Presbyterian Church. .She came to 
America with her uncle and a brother. Her death 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



265 



also took place in the Hoosier State, and she re- 
joiced in the faith of her Scotch-Irish ancestiT. To 
herself and husband six children v.ere horn: IMar}', 
Williini, Eliza, and George, are now deceased, and 
Emma is residing in New Albany, Ind. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch, 
was the fourtli in the parental famil}', and was born 
in New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va., on Christmas 
Day, 1835. When a child he was taken by his par- 
ents to Indiana, and received his early training and 
education in New Albany. At tiie age of twelve 
years he was apprenticed at the blacksmith's trade, 
and worked at the same for five years, being then 
apprenticed to learn gas-fitting, and two year.s later 
becoming a jonrneyman at the latter trade. He 
went to Winchester, Va., where he fitted up the 
town, the following j-ear going to St. Louis, Mo., 
wiiere he sojourneil a tvvelvemonth, emploj'ed at 
the trade last learned. He then returned to New 
Albanj', where he remained until the spring of 
1857, when he went to St. Louis, thence by boat to 
St. Joseph, and by team to Gage County, Neb., 
where he located a claim two miles from Blue 
Springs, on the creek which now bears his name. 
He improved and operated his claim of 160 acres, 
until the spring of 1859, when he journeyed to 
Pike's Peak b3' ox-team, iiavingbeen seized with an 
att.ack of the gold fever, from which so many men 
suffered that year. 

Mr. Tidier engaged in mining aud prospecting, 
but some one having jumped his Nebraska claim, 
lie was obliged to return, but in spite of his efforts 
to retain it, he was beaten out of it, all he got being 
1100. He next returned to Jackson Count}-, Kan., 
where for some months he worked on a farm, and 
at various other jobs, and in 1861 engaged in 
freighting to the mountains. On his first trip the 
party was attacked near Ft. Lamed by Indians, 
who coralled tiicm and held a council of war re- 
garding tliem. The savages wanted blankets, and 
the white men not having them, were finally al- 
lowed to depart in safety. On tlie same trip Mr. 
Tidier and a companion, while out hunting jack 
rabbits, were captured bj' a band of red men, and 
after being relieved of their gold watelies and other 
trinkets, were told to '■Pocaciiee." During the fall 
of the same year, he returned to the Mississippi 



Valley, and in the spring of 1862, enlisted in the 
United States Commissary Department, being mus- 
tered into service at St. Louis, and attached to the 
army of the Southwest. He filled the rank of Sec- 
ond Lieutenent, and was occupied in the work of 
transferring stores by teams from the supply de- 
pots to the camps where the}' were needed, a service 
both arduous and dangerous. Being mustered out 
in the spring of 1864, Mr. Tidier immediately went 
into the United States Telegraph service, bearing 
the same rank as in his previous work, and being 
employed in repairing telegraph lines and similar 
duties until May, 1865, when he resigned. 

Returning to Jackson County, Mr. Tidier bought 
eighty acres of land near Netawaka, and entered 
upon the more peaceful occupation of a farmer, 
improving and operating bis farm until the spring 
of 1882, when he sold and purchased 240 acres in 
this county, where he now resides. The land is 
located on sections 32 and 22, Spring Creek Town- 
ship, and when purchased by its present owner was 
raw land. He immediately located upon it, and 
began its improvement and cultivation, and it is 
now in a high state of fertility, and bears marked 
improvements, the residence and other outbuild- 
ings being tastefully designed and well-constructed. 
The estate is neatly fenced, and one of its attrac- 
tive and remunerative features is an excellent col- 
lection of bearing fruit trees. The farm is located 
at the head of Four Mile Creek, which waters and 
fertilizes it, and is well-adai)ted for both grain and 
stock-raising, in which Mr. Tidier is engaged. He 
raises high-grade Durham cattle, and keeps a few 
head of high-grade Norman and Clydesdale horses. 

Mr. Tidier was united in marriage at the home 
of the bride near Ilolton, in 1872, with Miss Har- 
riet Allen, who was born in Lenawee Count}', Mich. 
This estimable lady has borne him seven children, 
who are receiving careful home training at their 
hands, and the best educational advantages which 
can be secured them. Emily C, the oldest daugh- 
ter, is now attending the High School at Manhat- 
tan; Margaret J., Eliza A., Bertha B., Esther, 
Eilitli G., and Ph(el)e. are yet at home. 

Mr. Tidier is especially interested in educational 
affairs, and has been School Treasurer m this county 
for three years. While in Jackson County, he 



266 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




server! as School Director for an equal length of 
time. He is a fervent Republican, never failing to 
cast his vote in tlie interests of the principles to 
which he adheres. Mrs. Tirller holds membership 
in the Riciielieu Methodist Episcopal Church. 



^ YLA'ESTP:R fowler, editor of the Pot- 
tawatomie Cour.ty Times, has liad con- 
1' siderabie experience in editorial work, and 
possesses the qualities of mind which fit 
him for Ins clioseii profession. The sheet which he 
now edits has the largest circulution of any in the 
county, and is ably conducted, the good judgment 
which is shown in the selection of matter for pub- 
lication, and th:- excellent command of language, 
making its editorial columns entertaining as well 
as instructive. 

The editor of this sheet was born in Williams 
Count}'. Oliio, Marcli 2, 1853, and was not a year 
old when his parents removed to Iowa, whence 
about three years later tliey came to Kansas. It 
was then a Territor}-, and tlie father of our subject 
being an Abolitionist, in.ade one of the number 
who caused its admission to tlie Union as a Free 
State. "John Brown of Ossawatomie" on more 
than one occasion sat at the table in whose circle 
our subject was included. Mr. Fowler during his 
boyhood saw herds of buffalo in the Republican 
Yallc}' , near where Clay Center now stands. The 
family moved to Southwestern Missouri, in 1886, 
and the father died in Dade County, five years 
later. 

He of whom we write taught school in Northern 
Arkansas, but though his education was quite 
sufficient for the duties of that profession, it was 
not congenial; nevertlieless, he has more than once 
turned his talents to account in that field of labor. 
He learned the printer's trade in Springfield, Mo., 
and later established the IndeiwndenX at that place. 
In 1876, he returned to Kansas, and for a time 
taught school in this county. In 1878, he was 
editor of the Reporler, published at Louisville, and 
has since been editor of the Herald, also published 
there, and of the Tribune, in Wamego. 

In July. 1880, a matrimonial alliance was con- 
tracted between Mr. Fowler and Miss Lizzie Shaw. 



This estimable lady has borne her husband three 
children, in whose development their parents take 
great pleasure. The charming group comprises: 
Maud, who was born March 21, 1882; Herbert S., 
Aug. 24, 1885. and Edna, June 23, 1889. 

Mr. Fowler is not only an efficient journalist and 
a man of intelligence and education, but possesses 
the good principles and pleasing manners which 
win friends, and, together with his wife, is highly 
regarded bj' his fellow-citizens. 




«>»- « ■ > «. ; >. p i ; « xi » ten 

9^.M ICIIAEL J. WALSH, farmer, real-estate, 
loan and insurance agent, lumber, coal and 
grain dealer, of Blaine, Pottawatomie 
County, and an active temperance man, 
is numbered among its most solid citizens, and one 
who has materially aided in the growth of the 
town. He is in the prime of life, having been 
born on the 29t:. of Septemlier. 1843, in County 
Mayo, Ireland. He lived there until a j-outh of 
sixteen j^ears, then emigrating to America, settled 
in Scranton, Lawrence Co., Pa., where he engaged 
in mining until 1878. That year he came to Kan- 
sas and bought the south half of the southwest 
quarter of section 15, where he now lives. Later 
he purchased 160 acres in the same section, having 
now 320 acres, all lying within two miles of the 
town of Blaine. Since coming to the Sunflower 
State ho has been continuously engaged in farming 
and stock-raising, and he is recognized as one of 
the most intelligent, progressive and successful 
agriculturists of his township. 

Mr. Walsh embarked in the loan and insurance 
business in 1879. He was elected Justice of the 
Peace in Clear Creek Township, in November, 
1878, immediatel}' after becoming a citizen, and 
held that office until November, 1888. In 1889, 
he engaged with James M. Walsh in the lumber, 
coal, grain and stock business, in which thej' are 
transacting a thriving trade. He was elected Jus- 
tice the first time on the People's ticket, and was 
subsequently retained by common consent. He is 
an ardent temperance man, courteous in his de- 
meanor, and a general favorite both in the business 
and social circles of his community. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



267 



On the 11th of February, 1868. Mr. Walsh was 
married in Staffordshire, England, to Miss Eliza- 
beth Thompson, who was horn of Irisii parents at 
Brierly Hill, Staffordshire, England. They have 
thirteen children, all living. The father of our 
subject was Michael Henry AValsh, also a native of 
Counly Mayo, a farmer by occupation, and who, 
after spending a quiet and uneventful life, died in 
his native Ireland, in January, I8G5, in the fiftieth 
year of his age. The maiden name of the mother 
was Sarah O'Malh'. She w.as born in AVestport, 
County Mayo, and is still living, making her home 
in that couuty. The parental famil}' consisted of 
six children, live of whom lived to mature years. 
Michael J. is the only representative of his family 
in this State. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh became the 
parents of eleven children, three of whom are de- 
ceased. Their names are as follows: Sarah M., 
.loseijh M.. John (1st), Mary, James, Lizzie, Annie, 
Katie, .Alaggie. John (2d), and Theressa. Of these, 
Sarah M., John and James are deceased. 



#># 




jLS OODY B. POWERS. One of tiie finest 
/// iV estates in Pottawatomie County belongs to 
the subject of this notice. It addition to 
a well-developed homestead, where he has 
a fine residence, two stories in height and built fif 
stone, his sons also own a whole section of pasture 
land in the southwest part of Rilej- County, Kan. 
His career has been marked by great industr3- and 
lierseverance, and his undertakings have usually 
been crowned with success. 

A native of the Pine Tree State, Mr. Powers was 
born April 5, 1822, at Deer Isle, Hancock Countj', 
and on his father's side traces his ancestry to Capt. 
Peter Powers, who was sent by the (Governor of 
the Colony of New Hampshire to explore the Con- 
necticut A'alley on the north, in Vermont. Peter 
Powers, tiie paternal grandfather of our subject, 
was born in Hollis, N. H., and was a minister of 
the Congregational Church. He was the first man 
to preach the Gospel in the Vermont Colon}', and 
was there at the outbreak of the Revolutionary 
War. Being an ardent patriot in a tory section, he 
was obliged to leave. Prior to this he had been 



married, in Massachusetts, to a Miss Hale, and 
when driven from Vermont he returned to the Bay 
State, but stayed there onl}' a short time. There 
being then a settlement on Deer Isle in need of a 
minister, he went to that place and sojourned there 
carrying on his ministerial labors until his death. 
His three eldest children remained in Vermont, 
joining the patriot band known as the "Green 
Mountain boys." 

Among the sons of Peter Powers was Moody, 
the father of our subject, who was a lad of twelve 
years when the family removed to Deer Isle. There 
he was reared and educated and became a phj'si- 
eian, following the practice of his profession in 
Deer Isle the remainder of his life. He died there 
about 1851, being then over eighty years old. The 
mother, Mrs. Elizalieth (Eaton) Powers, passed 
away in 1869, being then ninety five years old. 
There had been born to them the following chil- 
dren, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Ibinnnh. 
died ir the vvinter of Ijs88-«9. at the age of eighty- 
six years, in Deer Isle. She was married to Amos 
Howard, also deceased several years ago. and b ft 
three daughters and one son, the latter of wh^'m is 
a seafaring man. Hale lives on a farm ueai' Deer 
Isle; .Jonathan died in IS.sf), in Vermont; he marri. d 
Electa Powers and followed his trade of a tailor dur- 
ing his younger years, afterward taking up farming; 
he was the father of one bo}' and twogirls. ElizabHih 
was twice married and died in 1879, leaving two 
children 113' lier first husband. Capt. Tyler; Sarah 
married John Parker, deceased, and died at Mt. 
Desert, Me., in 1887; she had one daughter and 
three sons. Peter is a seafaring man, having his 
home on Long Island; William is the father of a 
large famil}' and makes his home at Deer Isle; 
Lucy was married and died at Deer Isle when 
twent3--eight 3-ears old, leaving two children; Sam- 
uel is married and living on a farm on Deer Isle; 
Mood}' B. was the 3'oungest born. 

I'pon coming to Kansas in 1854 Mr. Powers en- 
tered 160 acres of land on the Elbow Bend of the 
Blue River, comprising the northwest quarter of 
section 10, Blue Township. His entire moneyed 
capital when he began his career in Kansas was 
t\vent3'-five cents. He had a hard struggle during 
! the earlier years, and hauled all his supplies over 



268 



POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



land from Leavenworth and Kansas' City. Provi- 
dence, however, had blessed him with a stout heart 
and a rugged frame, and he persevered through 
ever3' difficulty, finally coming off with ilying 
colors. He had been married in Deer Isle, Me., 
Dec. 27, 1842, to Miss Abigail Mason. This lady 
was born in Deer Isle in 1824. and was the daugh- 
ter of Willoughby and Louisa (Holden) Mason, 
who spent their entire lives in their native place, 
Deer Isle. 

Of this union there were born twelve children ; 
the eldest, Augusta, married John Heintz, and they 
reside on a farm along Bear Creek near I^vergreen, 
Colo.; they are tlie parents of two daughters. 
Elmira is the wife of Frank Ingraham, a lawyer of 
Colorado City, and the3' have two sons and two 
daughters ; Moody died when a lad of thirteen years ; 
Milton married Miss Sarah Holton,and lives on Deep 
Creek, Riley County; they liave two children. Mor- 
rill is unmarried and lives at home ; Abigail married 
John Holton, a farmer, living near Evergreen, 
Colo., and they have four children; Betsy C. mar- 
ried Thomas Pearson, a farmer near Evergreen, 
Colo., and they have two sons and one d»ughter; 
Charles S. is unmarried and at home; Jessie married 
J. D. Foureaker, a lawyer of Dallas, Tex., and the3' 
have four cliildren; Benjamin F., Mary and Maude, 
are at home with their father. Mrs. Abigail Pow- 
ers departed this life at tlie homestead in Blue 
Township in November, 1878, at the age of fifty- 
two j'ears. JNIr. Powers, in July, 1880, was married 
to Miss Emma Haskins. This lad\' was Ijorn Feb. 
8, 1851, in Gallia County, Ohio. Politically, Mr. 
Powers is an uncompromising Democrat, and has 
Ijeen somewhat prominent in his party, frequently 
serving as a delegate to the county conventions. 



ENRY HAUB. This gentleman is one of 
the earlj' settlers in Whiting Township,Jack- 
son County, and his life record is one of 
^ usefulness and integrity, sliowing liim to 
be a worthy descendant of an honorable ancestry. 
A citizen interested in all that pertains to the ad- 
vancement of the country and its inhabitants, a 
well-read and intelligent man, he wins the respect 




and good will of all with whom he comes in con- 
tact. 

Mr. Haub was born in the Duchy of Nassau, 
Germany, Oct. 8, 1829, and was reared in Wiesba- 
den under the best of home surroundings and iionie 
care. Tlie Haub family were all of Nassau, and 
ranked with its most honored inhabitants. The 
father of our subject was George Haub, and his 
father, anotlier George. His mother bore the 
maiden name of Margaret Smith, and was a lady 
of fine education, who, while single, served as a 
saleslady' in a store thirteen years. Her brother, 
John Smith, was an engraver, and for fifty years 
worked in one factory, at Hanau. Wlien he re- 
tired from active work, he was given a banquet 
bj' the citizens of the town, who presented him with 
a gold goblet as a token of their appreciation of 
liis professional abilitj- and honorable character. 

At the age of fourteen, he of whom we write l)C- 
gan to acquire the trade of a silversmith, wliich he 
finished five years later, and then came to America, 
working about a year after his landing, in New 
York City. He then went to Mass.achusetts and 
took up a line of work in boot and shoe manufac- 
turing, continuing tlius employed about four years. 
Tlien coming West as far as Cincinnati, he noticed 
an advertisement of W. S. Rosencrans, who was 
then a topographical engineer, in which he stated 
tliat he would furnish plats of land in Southern In- 
diana, and our subject therefore obtaining the 
necessarj- information, entered some land in Mon- 
roe County, Ind., under the Graduation Law. 
Tliere he lived for twelve years, opening up a farm 
of 220 acres and bringing it to a fine state of cul- 
tivation. 

In 1866 he sold his lauds in the Hoosier State 
and came to look at the AYest, deciding to purchase 
land in this county. He bought 200 acres, a quar- 
ter-section being prairie and the balance timber 
land, just north of town — the quarter-section ad- 
joining that on which he supposed the station 
would be built, as land had been reserved for that 
purpose, and several thousand ties lay on the 
ground. Mr. Haub was the first man in Wliiting 
Township, and his dwelling, a frame structure, 
14x18 feet, was the first one built in the town. 
The first neighbor was Mr. Hendricks, whose fam- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



269 



ilj' staid with Mr. Haiib while tlieii' liome was 
being' erected. The latter was within a short dis- 
tance of that of our subject, and cost $3,000, its 
owner failing immediately after its erection. Mr. 
Haub's post-offlce was at Eureka, on the Parallel 
Road, several miles distant, and about two and a 
half miles south of where Netawaka now stands. 
In the fall of 1869 an ofHce was established at 
Whiting, one and one-half miles from his residence. 

Mr. Haub now owns about 900 acres of land in 
this county, all of which he has improved. He has 
several miles of hedge, which is kept neatly trim- 
med, and on his home place are over 500 healthy, 
bearing apple trees. He also has quite a forest 
about the place, which twenty years ago was but a 
bleak prairie, six acres being occupied by the 
trees, which consist of walnut, soft maple, ash, 
Cottonwood, catalpa and Scotch pine. There are 
some fine specimens among them, particularly of 
the soft maple and Cottonwood species. His resi- 
dence is a double house, now 30x39 feet in dimen- 
sions, with a porch on the east side, and is well 
furnished, containing, among other indications of 
the culture of its inmates, a fine librarj', which in- 
cludes a complete set of Chamber's Encyclopedia, 
and other valuable volumes. A barn, 32x60 feet, 
and a number of other outbuildings, including a 
shop, granaries, corn cribs, etc.. furnish comfortable 
housing for stock, machinery and grain. A 37- 
foot well, the water from which is raised by a 
windmill, furnishes an inexhaustible supply, suf- 
cient for the use of the family in their various 
needs, and for the 200 head of stock which is kept 
upon the place. 

At the residence^of Squire Riley Combs, of Jack- 
son County, Ind., Dec. 9, 1855, the rites of wed- 
lock were celebrated between Mr. Haub and Miss 
Sarah Combs. Riley Combs and his wife, Lucinda, 
were natives of Kentuck}-, and had become resi- 
dents of the Hoosier State prior to the birth of 
their daughter, Sarah, who grew to womanhood in 
her native State, under the careful Ir.ainingof her 
worthy i)arents. IMr. and Mrs. Haub are the par- 
ents of eleven children, all living. IMargaret is the 
wife of Frank Collier, a shoe merchant in Netawaka, 
and has borne him one child ; Lucy is a young 
lady, living at home. Fhajbe married Stephen 



Hayes, and has two children; they now live at 
Horton, where Mr. Hayes owns a farm, and is en- 
gaged in stone quarrying. .John lives on his 
father's place in Soldier Township, this county, is 
married, but has no children. Alice married New- 
ton Ball, of West Virginia, and they now live in 
Soldier Township; they have one child. Ellen, a 
young lad}- at home, is educated for a teacher, and 
holds a good certificate; Laura is still a school 
girl; Hattie and Harrie (twins); Herbert and May 
complete the family circle. Mr. Ilaub has had 
very little sickness in his family, no deaths, and 
has had very little to do with doctors. 

AVliile not an active politician, Mr. Haub is very 
decided in his views, and is a conscientious advocate 
of the principles of the Republican party. He has 
been Treasurer of the School District of the town 
of Whiting, for nearlj' the twenty years of his resi- 
dence here, with the exception of one year. Part 
of the time he has served on the Town Board, 
where he has done signal service. The family be- 
longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our sub- 
ject, while encouraging by word and deed church 
work, is not a member of any church organization. 



^I-^ 



O i f %o* . 



SJ SAAC HOOVER is tlit owner and occupant of 
I the fine estate known as "Mar's Hill" in Neta- 
/i\ waka Township, Jackson County, and which is 
regarded as one of the finest rural homes in the 
count}'. This has been the abode of Mr. Hoover 
for a score of years, having been purchased by him 
in July, 1869, when the only improvements upon 
it w'ere an old log cabin and thirty acres of broken 
ground. The large residence and its adequate ac- 
companiments of outbuildings, with the immense 
number of fruit and forest trees that adorn the 
place, prove an attractive feature in the landscape, 
and the fine order in which the entire estate is kqDt 
and the air of freshness that a frequent supply of 
paint gives to the buildings, indicate the thrift and 
good taste of the owner. 

The subject of this biography is a son of John 
and Mary (Harmon) Hoover, and a grandson of 
Jacob Hoover, all of Penns^iviuu!). His birth took 
place in Northumberland County of that State, Feb. 



270 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



10, 1836, and he had but meager advantages in the 
way of schooling. He was reared on a farm, which 
he left at the age of eighteen to begin learning the 
carpenter's trade in the town of Sliobokan. There 
he worked for four years and then went to the vicin- 
ity of Sandusky, Ohio, where for a time he engaged 
in farming. Selling out he subsequently went to 
Bushnell, 111., and sojourned there about eighteen 
months, when, fitting out for a life in the West, he 
took up his line of march to this county. 

On arriving here Mr. Hoover bought a quarter 
of section 33, to which he subsequently added an- 
other quarter-section, and has been engaged in 
raising and feeding stock extensively, finding it 
necessary to buy several thousand bushels of corn 
each year for feed. The estate is divided into 
fields of from twelve to forty acres each, the 
boundar}' lines ranking up about four and a half 
miles of hedge. About 1,300 apple trees have been 
set out, many pears, peaches and grapes, and a 
variety of other fruits. The grapes prove a very 
successful crop, and of the pears, the Bartlett is the 
best. The residence is a large and well-designed 
frame structure, 33x33 feet, and two stories high 
in the main. It and the barn, cribs, sheds, etc., are 
kept well painted, and are in consequence more of 
an ornament to the place than are many farm 
buildings. 

Mr. Hoover was married on the 8th of Decem- 
ber, 1859, to Miss Elmyram, daughter of John D. 
Wolverton, of Erie County, Ohio. Four children 
were born to this happy union, three now surviv- 
incr. Mrs. Hoover was removed from her family 
by death, Aug. 16, 1881, and after remaining a 
widower for some time, Mr. Hoover took a second 
companion in the person of Mrs. Mary Myers, 
widow of John Myers, and daughter of Robert Lit- 
tle, formerly of Hendricks County, Ind., and who 
had come to this State in 18G0. The second Mrs. 
Hoover has two living children by her first mar- 
riao-e: The eldest, Carvasso, was graduated at Phil- 
adelphia, Pa., as a pharmacist and now carries on 
a drug business in Centralia, Kan.; John D. is at- 
tending the Baker University at Baldwin, Kan., 
and will probabl}' graduate from that institution ; 
another sou had been born to Mrs. Myers, Burton, 
who died at the age of four years, and who lies 



buried in Circleville, Kan. 

The children whom the first Mrs. Hoover bore to 
her husband are, Harmon, Carrie M. and William 
B. Harmon belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and has adopted the ministry as his profes- 
sion. He is now attending lectures in the Theo- 
logical school in Boston, Mass., and is regarded as 
a young man of great promise for future usefulness 
in the cause of Christianity: Carrie M. is now at- 
tending the Baldwin City (Kan.) Seminary, and 
will be graduated the coming June; William B. is 
is a school bo}^ ten years of age. 

Mr. Hoover is independent in his political views 
and never holds office, except that of school di- 
rector. Taking a deep interest in educational affairs, 
he is willing to use his judgment in endeavoring 
to serve the people in that capacity. He and his 
wife lielong to the Methodist Church. He is not a 
member of any social order, though of a friendly 
nature and hospitable spirit, finding his recreation 
in his home and among his friends in a less public 
manner, and deriving much enjoyment from the 
care and oversight of his beautiful home. His up- 
right and useful life and his intelligent work as an 
agriculturist and horticulturist give him a high 
standing among the citizens of the county. 



-fSl^- 



JAMES S. ST. JOHN. Second only to the 
parental influence is that exerted by the 
school-teacher, and it is a pleasure to chron- 
icle the leading events in the life of one 
who has proved his fitness for the work of training 
the minds and cultivating the morals of the rising 
generation. The gentleman whose name initiates 
this sketch has the skill in expounding principles, 
the tact in gaining the attention and good-will, and 
the decision of character combined with kindness 
and keen judgment, that are necessary in a success- 
ful instructor. During ten consecutive j'ears, his 
talents were given to the common schools of Pot- 
tawatomie County, and his influence will long be 
felt. 

Mr.'St. John belongs to a fine familj', and numbers 
among his relatives ex-Gov. St. John, whose name 
is so well known in this State and throughout the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



271 



nation. James St. Jolin, father of our subject, was 
born in Ohio, but became an inhabitant of Jlarion 
County, lud., when two years old, and in tiie 
lloosier State grew to manhood, married and con- 
tinued to resicie until 1868, wlien lie came to Kan- 
sas and settled tliiee miles west of Wamego. There 
he lived for seven years, and then bought a farm 
in Pottawatomie County on the Indian Reserva- 
tion, where he and his wife still live. He married 
Miss Ann C. Lingeman, a native of Ilesse-Cassel, 
Germany, who bore him eleven children, of whom 
nine now survive. 

The subject of this biography was the fifth in the 
parental family, and w.as born in Hendricks County, 
Ind., May 7, 1858. Though he attended onlj' the 
common schools, ho was a thorough student, and 
at the age of sixteen obtained a teacher's certificate. 
At the age of nineteen he began life for himself, and 
his labors in the field of pedagogy have already 
been noted. In addition to the duties of that 
profession he has always done farm work, and has 
carried on an estate during the summers. He owns 
137 acres of improved land on section 25, Louis- 
ville Township, which has the deep and fertile soil 
of the bottom, and in addition to the crops culti- 
\ated upon it, Mr. St. .John raises horses, cattle and 
hogs. 

On Sept. 5, 1882, the gentleman of whom we 
write was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie F., 
daughter of Robert C. and Harriet B. (Cox) Peddi- 
cord. The estimable wife was born in Sangamon 
County, 111., and received a good common-school 
education, and is possessed of many womanly qual- 
ities. Her parents were natives of Kentuclc}^ and 
■were married in Illinois, where they lived until 
1869, when they settled in AVamego Township, 
Pottawatomie Countj', and there they now reside. 
They had four children, Mrs. St. John being the 
third in order of birth. To Mr. and Mrs. St. John 
two ciiildren have been born: AUie M., Nov. 9, 
1883, and Albert "W., June 2, 1886. The latter 
was drowned in Rock Creek Dec. 12, 1889. 

Mr. St. John is a member of Rose Lodge, No. 122, 
I. O, O. F., of Louisville. Several years since he held 
office of Township Clerk, and in the fall of 1889 he 
was elected Trustee of his township. He has tiled 
his bond and assumed the duties of the office, which 



he will no doubt fulfill in as able a manner as he 
has done other duties in life. He takes an active 
interest in polities, and alwaj's votes the Repub- 
lican ticket. For tlie past two years he has been 
the representative of the township in the County 
Central Committee. Besides his other special busi- 
ness, Mr. St. John has been agent for Thos. Kane & 
Co., dealers in school furniture, in this township. 



^i OSEPH B. GARDINI:R is prosperously con- 
ducting the grocery business in Holton. 
with John Kaul. lie is a man of wide and 
'f^/J varied experience, and is a fine example of 
our self-made men, as he has successfully made his 
own way in the world from an early age. The son 
of one of the earliest pioneers of Kansas, our sub- 
ject has witnessed its entire development from its 
original wild, uninhabited condition to a powerful 
and wealthy State, and it may well be his pride 
that he is doing his part toward maintaining its 
prosperit}'. During the late war he took his place 
in the ranks when a 3'outh of but eighteen years, 
and as a faithful, courageous, loyal soldier, did his 
share of fighting for the Union cause. 

Mr. Gardiner was born, Nov. 28, 1844, seven 
miles west of Liberty, Clay Co., Mo. His father, 
James Gardiner, was a Virginian by birth, and a 
son of William R. Gardiner, whose place of nativity 
is unknown, although he is said to have descended 
from one of three brothers who came from their 
home in England to A merica in the early settle- 
ment of the country. He spent his last j'ears in 
Virginia. The father of our subject was reared in 
his native State, and when quite a young man he 
went to Kentucky, and became a pioneer of Rolls 
Count}'. He took up a tract of land in the forest 
wilds, and devoted a part of each year to its clear- 
ance, his time being occupied the remainder of the 
year in teaching, as he was a very good scholar, 
and had quite an education for those times. In 
1817 he started Westward with a team for the Ter- 
ritory of Missouri, and w.as a pioneer of that part 
of the country, and as soon as the Platte Purchase 
was opened for settlement, he removed there and 
was an early settler of Clay County. He made a 



272 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



claim there anJ built a log house, the same in 
which our subject was born. He superintentled the 
improvement of his farm while he engaged in 
teaching. In the year 1854 he sold his property and 
removed to Jefferson County, Kan., and was one 
of the first pioneers to settle in that State. There 
were no railways anywhere west of the Mississippi 
in those days, and Platte City and Weston were 
the depots for supplies for a time, all traffic being 
by the river, The land in Jefferson County iiad 
not been surveyed at the time of his settlement. 
He made liis claim in the summer, and built a log 
cabin, splitting and hewing puncheon for the floor 
and clapboards for the roof, and in the month of 
December the family moved into that rude habita- 
tion. Deer, antelopes and other wild animals were 
plentiful, and roamed at will over the broad prai- 
ries. Mr. Gardiner entered his land from the Gov- 
ernment, and resided on it till 1857, when he dis- 
posed of it at a good price, and came to that part 
of Calhoun County now included in Jackson 
County, and settled in wliat is now Garfield Town- 
ship. He made a claim to a tract of Government 
land, which he entered in the land office at Ozaw- 
kie. He built a log house to shelter his family, 
and immediately entered upon the laborious task 
of improving a farm. He lived there until his house 
was burned, and then removed back to Jefferson 
County, where he lived retired in the home of iiis 
son, William R., until he passed away from the 
scenes of earth. He was a man of exceeding prob- 
ity of character, intelligent and well informed, 
and of a truly religious nature and both he 
and his wife were worthy members of the 
Christian Church. Her maiden name was Sarah 
Tremble, Kentucky the place of her birth, and iier 
death occurred in Jefferson Count}', this State. She 
and her husband were the parents of thirteen chil- 
dren, eleven of whom were reared to maturity. 

Jose|)h B. was the next to the youngest child of 
the family, and he was but ten years old when he ac- 
companied Ills father and mother to this State. He 
attended the pioneer schools of Jackson and Jeffer- 
son counties, that were held in rudely constructed 
log houses, and provided with home-made furniture, 
the seats being made of punclieon, witli wooden 
p^'gs for legs, and wooden pegs were driven into 



the wall to support a board which served as a desk 
for the pupils to write upon. In the fall of 1860 
he started for the Rocky Mountains, making the 
journey across the desolate plains intervening with 
teams, and the party encountered numerous large 
herds of buffaloes on the way. Mr. Gardiner re- 
turned in the same fall, and in the spring of 1861 
repeated the trip, and was engaged in mining near 
Central City till 1862. In .September, of that 
year, when scarcely more than a lad, though manly 
and experienced beyond his years, he enlisted to 
take part in the great war that was then raging 
and threatened to destroy' the Union. He be- 
came a member of Company E, 2d Colorado In- 
fantry, and served in Colorado till the spring of 
1863, and was then ordered with his regiment to 
Arkansas and Texas. In 1864 the regiment was 
mounted, and his company was called Company C, 
and was engaged tliereafter in Arkansas, Texas and 
Missouri, fighting guerillas and bushwhackers. Tliey 
took an active part in tlie battles which drove the 
rebel general. Price, with his command from Kan- 
sas and Western Missouri, and had several livel}' 
engagements with Quantrel's troops, and were pres- 
ent when Marmaduke was captured. Mr. Gardiner 
remained with his regiment till after the close of 
the war, and was honorably discharged at Ft. Ri- 
ley, in June, 1865. He returned to Jefferson 
County, and farmed, and in winter devoted his 
time to his studies and attended school. In 1867 
he commenced to learn the trade of a blacksmith, 
and worked at it there till 1870, and then we hear 
of him in Nodaway County, Mo., where he carried 
on blacksmithing till 1875, when he established 
himself in the hardware business in Graham, con- 
tinuing there until 1877. His next removal, after 
selling out his stock there, was to Beloit, Mitchell 
County, then a small place, with no railways near. 
He there plied his trade two years, and at the end 
of that time went into the grocery business, con- 
tinuing there till 1881. He then returned to Kan- 
sas, and with Mr. C. A. Walker bought an interest 
in a hardware store in Holton, which they carried 
on till 1883, then sold, as our subject was obliged 
to retire from active business fora while on account 
of ill-health. In 1884 he went to Kansas City to 
engage in the wholesale commission business, which 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



273 



he conducted till 1885, and in that year once more 
established himself in business in Ilolton, forming 
a partnership with John Kaul, and opening a gro- 
cery store, which they have successfully managed 
ever since, making money and building up a first- 
class trade. 

One of the most important events in the life of 
our subject was his marriage, Jan. 1, 1869, to Miss 
Mary Tabler, a native of Illinois. Like all true 
wives she makes her husband's interest her own, 
and strives in every way to further them, and their 
neat, cozy home with its comfortable appointments, 
is the abode of a genuine, heartfelt hospitality, as 
all who cross its threshold are made to feel. ^Ir. 
Gardiner early sliowed that he had in him the ele- 
ments of a good citizen, by his patriotic course in 
shouldering arms for the defense of his country 
during the late war, and in all the relations of life 
he has b(.)rne himself as becomes a man, honor and 
integrity being his guiding principles. He is a 
member of Holton Lodge, No. 46, A. F. & A. M., 
and the G. A. R. He is numbeied among the 
active members of the Christian Church, of which 
he has been an Elder, and is a worker in the Sun- 
daj'-school. 

^■fp^ DWARD T. FROWE. This gentleman, who 
|W| makes a spccialtj- of sheep-raising, is oper- 
! }^ — ^ ating a fine farm in Lonisville Tow-nship, 
Pottawatomie County, which he is renting from the 
Hon. J. W. Arnold. Though a renter his circum- 
stances arc by no means poor, as he owns valuable 
property elsewhere. Since coming to Kansas over 
a decade ago, he has been interested in the fleece- 
flocks, and has found the business very profitable. 
He handles Merinoes, and now owns 300 individ- 
ually, beside having an interest in the wool pro- 
duced by others. 

John Frowe, a native of England, who came to 
America in 1829, was the father of our subject. 
His first settlement in the United States was at Ge- 
neva, N. Y., where he carried on his trade, that of 
a carpenter and joiner, later engaging in farm pur- 
suits, and living in Illinois from 1849 till the date 
of his death in 1877. His wife, and the mother of 



our subject, was Mary A. Wood, who was also 
born in the mother country, and who died in 1874. 
Their family, of which our subject was the young- 
est member, comprised nine children. 

Edward T. Frowe was born at Seneca Falls, 
N. Y., Feb. 22, 1844, and was therefore five years 
of age when the family removed to Illinois. There 
he acquired a fundamental education in the com- 
mon schools, and became a student in the Rockfonl 
High School. The breaking out of th.' Civil Mar 
interrupted the studies of man\- an enthusiastic 
and loyal-hearted youth throughout the Northern 
States, and often parental induence was insuflicient 
to detain the young patriots, various schemes being 
resorted to by them to compass their enrollment 
among the defenders of ihe Union. No more loyal 
spirit was to be found in the State of Illinois than 
that of our subject, who could not long resist the 
call to arms, and who. the da}- following his eight- 
eenth birthdaj'. was enrolled as a member of Com- 
pany B, 18th Wisconsin Infantry, his enlistment 
taking place at Jlilwaukee. 

Our young recruit was sent to Pittsburg Land- 
ing, and during the trving years which followed 
participated in many heavy engagements and hard 
marches. The first battle in which he was engaged 
was on the famous field of Shiloh,and he afterward 
participated in the siege of Corinth and the battle 
there, and all the campaigning which his regiment 
did. He was present at the battle of Jackson, 
Miss., May 14, 1863; at Champion Hill two days 
later, and throughout the siege of Vicksburg, which 
ended by the ca|)itulation of that city, July 4, 
1863. He suffered much from sickness contracted 
in the field, and Has forced to remain in the hos- 
pital at Jlemphis for some time, rejoining his regi- 
ment at Iluntsville, Ala., in January, 1864, and 
again taking up the duties of active campaign life. 
Mr. Frowe was in the engagement at Altoona. Ga., 
Oct. o, 1864, and accomi)anicd Sherman's armj' 
throughout its grand march through that State to 
.Savannah, and to Columbia, S. C, being among 
the first of the troops to enter the latter city. Go- 
ing on to Fayetteville, N. C, and his term of ser- 
vice expiring, he was ordered to Wilmington, and 
there discharged, and after being paid off at For- 
tress Monroe, returned to his home in Illinois. The 



274 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



enthusiasm with which he hart entered the service 
had resulted in a faithful and gallant discharge of 
every duty which devolved upon him as a soldier, 
and though "only in the ranks," his record is one 
of which any man might well be proud. 

After returning to his home Mr. Frowe again 
took up his studies for a time, following which he 
worked on his fatlier's farm for two years. During 
the succeeding five years he rented the home estate 
and cropped it himself, after which he bought half 
of tlie place and remained upon it one year longer. 
In March, 1877. he came to Kansas, and spent ten 
months at Wamego. after which he removed to 
Shawnee County, and for three years rented and 
operated the farm owned by T. D. Mills. In July, 
1881, he bought land six miles north of Alma, in 
Wabaunsee County, where he lived about seven 
j-ears, and where he now owns eight}- acres, and his 
wife 160 acres, all improved. In September, 1888, 
Mr. Frowe took charge of tiie farm of the Hon. 
.1. "\V. Arnold, of Louisville, and on this estate, one 
and a half miles from town, he now lives. Though 
the most of the years of Mr. Frowe's life have been 
spent in agricultural pursuits, that is not the only 
occupation in which he is capable of engaging, nor 
the onlj' one in which he has been successful. Dur- 
ing two J-ears of his residence in Illinois lie was en- 
gaged in teaching in the public schools. 

Mrs. Frowe bore the maiden name of Caroline 
Farley, and the rites of ^wedlock were celebrated 
betweeu herself and her husband on the day be- 
fore Christmas, in tlie year 1868. Her parents, 
James and Ellen (Taylor) Farley, were natives of 
Virginia and of England respectively, and were 
married in Ohio, in 1827. The mother died in 
1879: the father is still living at the ripe age of 
eighty-tive years. He was a miller, a brick manu- 
facturer, and during a part of his life was engaged 
in mercantile pursuits, the later years of his active 
life being spent as a farmer. Mrs. Frowe is the 
youngest in a familj' of thirteen children, and was 
born ill Washington County, Oliio, Feb. 18, 1849. 
She received a good common-school education, and 
excellent training at the hands of her worth}' par- 
ents. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frowe are tlie parents of four chil- 
dren, three now living: Eugene L., who was born 



Feb. 28, 1872, is attending Washburn College at 
Topeka. Arthur L. was born Jan. 2, 1874; and 
Edward M., Sept. 29, 1876. They are attending 
the Louisville School, and will receive other ad- 
vantages hereafter. 

Mr. Edward T. Frowe has been a member of the 
School Board in both Shawnee and Wabaunsee 
counties. He is much interested in the political 
issues of the day, and votes the Republican ticket. 
He is a firm temperance man, and a strong advo- 
cate of the same virtue in others. He belongs to 
tiie O. P. Morton Post, No. 37, G. A. R., of Wa- 
mego. Both Mr. and Mrs. Frowe are church mem- 
bers, he belonging to the Baptist Church, and she 
to tiie Christian, and both are and have been active 
workers, especially in the Sundaj'-school. Mr. 
Frowe was Clerk of the Auburn Church, in Sliawnee 
County. While in Illinois he served as Superin- 
tendent of a Sunday-school for eight years. In 
Shawnee County he held a similar position for 
two 3'ears, and here he has been Superintendent of 
two schools at the same time. The history of his 
life, and the position which he has filled and does 
fill, are suflScient indication of his character and 
attainments, and it is needless to say that he is held 
in high repute by his fellow-citizens, and that his 
wife shares in their good will and kind regard. 



ILLIAM W. ALLEN. In contemplating 
the lives of men, the success of some and 



W 



VtxP the failure of others often arouses a momen- 
tai'y wonder. It is well, especially for the young, 
to pause occasional!}- and inquire the reason of 
this difference, and investigate those peculiar char- 
acteristics which insure prosperity to the fortunate 
individuals possessing them. The life of Mr. 
Allen, although \'et in its early prime, is an inter- 
esting stud}- for all, and is by no means to be over- 
looked among the biographies of the men of 
prominence in Pottawatomie County. He is Cash- 
ier of the Bank of Olsburg, also a member of the 
firm of W. A. Allen & Son. He is on a solid basis, 
financially, and is doing considerable business in 
real-estate. He and his brother are the owners of 
landed property to a large extent, and are of an 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



275 



eminently business turn of mind, which goes far 
toward accounting for their success. 

Of Irish-Canadian descent, the father of our sub- 
ject, William A. Allen, was born in the Province 
of Ontario, Canada, in 1838, while the paternal 
grandfather, Howard M. Allen, was a native of 
Ireland, and learned the trade of a blacksmith. He 
worked at his trade after coming to the United 
States, but later removed to Canada. For some 
time this continued to be liis home, then he pur- 
chased a farm in the vicinity of Adrian, Len- 
awee Co., Mich., clearing it and iu \arious ways 
effecting its improvement dining his lifetime. 
There he passed to rest. Tlie great-grandfather of 
our subject was John Moore, a farmer and mill- 
owner in the Emerald Isle; .after residing for a few 
years in New York, he started b.ack to his old home 
to collect rents, but was drowned on the way. 

The youth of W. A. Allen was passed princi- 
pally' on his father's farm in Lenawee County, 
Mich., whitlier he had accompanied his parents 
from Canada. After attaining to 3-ears of matu- 
■ rity he resolved to locate in the West, and there- 
fore, in the fall of 1856, made the journey to Kan- 
sas overland. He did not, however, come direct 
to Kansas, but stopped on the Jlissouri River, 
where he was emploj'ed during tlie winter season 
in chopping wood and in various other pursuits, 
whereby an honest penny could be obtained. Tlie 
following spring he located in .Tackson County, 
this State, near Elk City, taking a claim of 160 
acres, and proving it up by means of land-war- 
rants. This he continued to operate until 1860, 
when he returned to Michigan, remaining there 
during the ensuing winter. 

In the summer of 1861 the need of the nation for 
brave and courageous defenders of her honor, 
called forth all Mr. Allen's patriotism, and he ac- 
cordingly enlisted in the 6tli ^Michigan Battery, 
with which he served until the close of the conflict. 
He came to Kansas in the spring of 1866, locating 
on his present farm, and has since that time met 
with almost unvaried success. He now owns 240 
acres of land adjoining Ilolton, and is interested in 
the banking business both in Olsburg and Holton. 
Upon his election to the position of CountyTroasurer 
in 1874, he removed to Holton, and for four jears 



discharged the duties imposed upon hini to the 
general satisfaction. In 1888 he established the 
Exchange Bank, which is a [)rivate bank under 
the control of Newman ct Allen, and the latter 
is cashier. He is also on the Board of Directors of 
Campbell Normal University at Holton, and was 
active in its erection in 1881. Politically, he is a 
strong Republican, and, religiously, is an active 
member of the Methodist p]piscopal Church. He 
married, in 1858, Miss Maty E. Patton, a native of 
Virginia and born in 1838. Of their lifteen chil- 
dren eleven grew to j-ears of maturit}-, namely: 
Emma, Mrs. Keller, of Junction City; E. M., 
banker and partner of our sul)jeet; Augusta J., 
Mrs. Spangler of Westmoreland; William AV., our 
sul)ject; Maiy C., at home; John Ralph, a drug- 
gist at Westmoreland; George H„ in tlie Bank of 
Olsburg; Ida, Otto, Nellie and Jessie, at home. 

Our subject was a mere child when he accompa- 
nied his parents to Kansas in 1860, having been 
born in Blissfield, Lenawee Co., Mich., Nov. 23, 
1862. He was reared on the home farm, and 
divided his time between labor on the homestead 
and study in the schools. After being graduated 
from Holton High School he became a student dur- 
ing the first j'ear of school at Campbell Normal 
University, iu 1882, and finished tlie business 
course there. In the fall of 1883 he came to Ols- 
burg and started the Bank of Olsburg, which was 
a private bank, managed b3' himself and brother, 
E. M., together with his father. They erected the 
bank building, and started in the lianking, insur- 
ance, real-estate and brokerage business, in which 
success has crowned their efforts. The b.ank is now 
firmly established and does a good business. Our 
subject owns one-fourth of a block in Olsburg, on 
which in 1888 he built a handsome, commodious 
residence, which is universally conceded to be the 
finest as well as the most elegantly furnished house 
in western Pottawatomie Countv. 

The wedding of our subject was celebrated on 
the 22d of November, 1883, when Miss Susie 
Drake became his wife. She was born in Jackson 
County, Kan., Nov. 23, 1865, and is the daughter 
of George W. Drake, an old settler of Kansas, and 
one of the most prominent and influential men of 
Jackson County. He is said to be the wealthiest 



276 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



mail in that county, and is certainly one of the 
largest landholders and richest men in the Sunflower 
State. Mrs. Allen received a good education, and 
is refined, accomplished, and amiable, being wel- 
comed into the best society of the community. 

\Ti OHN D. HARMS, Treasurer of Spring Creek 
Township, Pottawatomie County, is one of 
the honored pioneers of this section and 
well-to-do, owning 412 acres of good land, 
having his residence on section 34. Self-made in 
the strictest sense of the terra, he has made his wa3' 
up from a modest beginning to unenviable position 
among his fellow men. He h.as been a Director in 
his school district for the past eight years and is 
one of the pillars of the Congregational Church at 
Bluff Creek, in which he has officiated as Deacon 
and Superintendent of the Sunday-school and con- 
tributed to its best interests a liberal support. A 
man of decided views and more than ordinary in- 
telligence, he is looked up to in his community and 
has exercised no unimportant influence in further- 
ing its best interests. 

A native of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, 
Germany, Mr. Harms was born Aug. 28, 1836, and 
was there reared to manhood on a farm, receiving 
excellent school advantages. When a lad of thir- 
teen years he, in 1849, went to sea as a cabin boy 
and worked his way up to the position of Master. 
He has circumnavigated the Globe, rounding the 
Cape of Good Hope twice and Cape Horn once ; 
sailed to every country except Australia and Japan, 
and in 1854 was in Russia at the time of the 
Crimean War. He followed the sea ten years, be- 
coming an able and experienced sailor and sailing 
in German, Holland and American vessels. On 
his last trip he landed at Savannah, Ga., in 1859, 
and then determined to quit the sea, and engaged 
as clerk in a grocery store until the outbrealc of 
the Rebellion. Being then in the midst of the 
great excitement whicii ensued he resolved to get 
a\va3r on board a vessel, but did not succeed. The 
following summer he was drafted and forced into 
the Rebel service, being assigned to Company F, 
1st Georgia Infantry. He was mustered in at 



Savannah and kept there and at Ft. Pulaski, on 
guard duty until the bombardment of the fort when 
he was taken prisoner Nov. 12, 1862. He was then 
sent north to Governor's Island and kept until 
Jul}' 6, following, being well treated, and sent 
thence to Ft. Delaware, where he suffered many 
hardships and privations together with ill treat- 
ment. 

In August, 1862, Mr. Harms, with others, was 
exclianged and after a furlough of sixty days re- 
joined his regiment and was present at the bom- 
bardment of Ft. Sumter and Battery Wagner. 
Later he was sent to Atlanta and in May, 1864, 
was stationed at Lost Mountain, [serving as Second 
Sergeant. On .June 15, he was again captured by 
Gen. Schofield's command and sent to Rock Island, 
III., where he remained until October following. 
When the President issued a call for volunteer 
troops from Rock Island prison to flgiit the Indians 
on the plains, Mr. Harms on the 6th of that month 
enlisted in Company F, 2d LTnited States Infantry, 
and was mustered in at Rock Island. In the spring 
he was sent with his comrades to Ft. Leaven w(jrth 
and thence to Ft. Dodge, March 1, 1865. He 
assisted in erecting the fort at that place and per- 
formed guard dut}- for the stages and trains. On 
the 6th of October the troops were ordered back to 
Leavenworth to be mustered out. When about 
half way there the oiderwas countermanded and 
tiiey were sent to Cow Creek Station where they 
remained about three weeks. Here Mr. Harms 
Sought recreation in buffalo hunting, laying low 
thirteen monarchs of the plains with his rifle. The 
regiment was finally mustered out at Leavenworth, 
in 1865, and Mr. Harms received his honoraljle 
discharge. 

Proceeding now to Manhattan, Kan., Mr. Harms 
engaged as a farm laborer in the vicinity of the 
town until the fall of 1868. He then changed his 
residence to Spring Creek Townsliip, Pottawatomie 
County, where he worked on the farm until the 
spring of 1 870. Then having saved what he could 
of his earnings, he purchased the improvements on 
a claim and homesteaded a part of the land which 
he now owns and occupies on section 34. The 
country was then wild and new with a cabin here 
and there, and, like his neighbors. Mr. Harms began 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



277 



at the foot of the ladder, taking up his abode in a 
log house aud proceeding with the cultivation and 
improvement of his property. A coui'se of plodding 
industry boie its legitimate fruits and he added 
gradually to his possessions, also branching, out 
into stock-raising. The whole 112 acres is all 
enclosed and the farm is embellished with fine 
modern liuildings. The land is well watered by 
Buckswart Creek, along whicli is a fine growth of 
timber. Mr. Harms has a good orchard and other 
fruit trees and makes a specialty of grain and stock- 
raising, also carrying on dairj'ing to a considerable 
extent. The liomestead is located about five miles 
from Fostoria. 

Nearly twent3'-three years ago Mr. Harms was 
married at Manhattan, on the evening of Dec. 25, 
186G, to Miss Caroline Bush. This lady was born 
in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, and emi- 
grated to America in 1861, settling in Savannah, 
Ga. She remained in the South until the close of 
the war and had the honor of waiting upon Gen. 
Sherman, when he was stationed with his troops in 
the cit}'. Of this union there has been born one 
child, a son, Charles D , Dec. 2, 1867. He is a 
bright and promising young man and has been 
given a good education, attending Campbell Uni- 
versity at Holton, during the winter of 1884-5. 

The father of our subject was Henry Harms, a 
native of Germany, and engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. He married a maiden of his own Prov- 
ince, Miss Alargrctta Tyler, and there were born to 
them six children, viz: Ilenrj^ who is deceased; 
John D., our subject; Minnie, .Johanna, Mata and 
Gretta. John is the only one emigrating to America, 
the others remaining in their native land. 



LEX RYBERG, Postmaster of Olsburg, 
(J^TLll! Pottawatomie County, and dealer in har- 
(/ 111 ness and saddlery, is one of the most popu- 
lar men in his community, more tlian ordi- 
narilj' well educated and intelligent and who by his 
sterling traits of character has established himself 
in the esteem and confidence of all who know him. 
He was born on the other side of the Atlantic in 
Engleholra, Sksiane. Sweden, .Tulyl7, 18,t4. and 




was reared in his native town, receiving good 
school advant.iges. 

When a lad of fifteen years young Ryberg com- 
menced his apprenticeship at the harness trade in 
his native town, at which he served three years, ac- 
quiring a practical knowledge of the business. He 
worked at his trade in different parts of Sweden 
until the spring of 1882, and then resolved upon 
emigrating to America. He repaired to Copen- 
hagen, Denmark, and in April embarkerl on a 
steamer at Liverpool which landed him safely in 
New York City. Thence he proceeded to the town 
of Wilcox, Pa., and worked in a tanner}' until 
July. He then secured employment at his trade, 
and for about two 5'ears thereafter was in the em- 
ploy of one firm. At the expiration of this time 
repairing to Smithport, he operated a shop for him- 
self one year and until the spring of 1885. 

We next find Mr. Ryberg in New York City, but 
not securing a desirable situation he only remained 
there one month, setting out then for the far West. 
He reached Olsburg, Kan., in Jlay, 1885, and es- 
tablished himself in the harness business which he 
has since prosecuted. He has acquired a good 
knowledge of the English language by his own 
efforts and is well informed upon the general topics 
of the (Lay. He purchases hides and from these 
manufactures the articles in harness and saddlery 
which command a ready sale. He owns his store 
building and residence. In August, 1888. he re- 
ceived his appointment as Postmaster, and in the 
discharge of his duties is acquitting himself with 
credit. 

Ml-. Ryberg was married in Olsburg, Oct. 1, 
1885, to Miss Annette Haff, who was bom in Viken, 
Skaane, Sweden, Nov. 9, 1858, and came to Amer- 
ica with her parents in 1871. Of this union there 
have lieen born three children, the eldest of whom, 
a daughter, Anna, died when nine months old. The 
others are Amanda O. and Agnes O. Mr. Ryberg 
is an active member of the Swedish Luther.an 
Church, in which lie h.as served as a Deacon and is 
one of the chief pillars. Politically, he is a sound 
Republican. 

Mrs. Ryberg was the daughter of Andrew Haff, 
a native of Sweden and a contr.actor and builder. 
He emigrated to America in 1871, locating in Wil- 



278 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



son CounU', Kan., and luirchasing ICU acres of 
land, upon wliich he operated for a time, then sell- 
ing out removed to Neosha Count}-. In 1S82 he 
came to Pottawatomie County and purchased a 
tract of land adjoining Olsburg where he effected 
good improvements and also operated as a carpen- 
ter. His death took place in February, 1889. He 
was a local preacher of the .Swedish Lutheran 
Church. The maiden name of the mother was 
Oliva Anderson; she likewise was a native of 
Skaane, Sweden, and died in Kansas in September, 
187L The father of our subject was Charles Peter 
Ryberg, likevvisc a native of Sweden, a woodturner 
by trade and a prominent member of the Swedish 
Lutheran Church. The mother, Mrs. Anna Sophia 
Rybei'g, was born in Engleholra, Sweden, and still 
lives at the old homestead and is now sixt3--five 
years old. The parental familj' consisted of four 
children of whom Alex, our subject, was the eldest. 
Marj' and Amanda died at the ages of twelve and 
eighteen j-ears respectivel}'. Charles P. is a resident 
of Pennsylvania. 



-<3= 



A A 



A A 



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no HOMEWOOD. Among the many 
itelligent and progressive farmers in Pot- 
l^ii^ tawatomie County, none stand higher, in 
the esteem of their neighbors than does 
he who is the subject of this sketch, and whose 
home is on section 25, Louisville Township. Al- 
though the farm which he operates has not so large 
an acreage as many in the county, it is thoroughly 
tilled, well stocked with horses, cattle and hogs, 
and furnished with all modern improvements which 
will enhance the comfort of those who occupy it, 
and add to the value of the estate. 

Our subject is a son of Thomas and Mavy 
(Munn) Ilomewood, both of whom were born in 
Kent, England, and were tiiere united in marriage. 
About the 3'ear 1830, they came to America, but 
after a residence of three years at Rochester, N. Y., 
returned to the mother couutr^^ where tliej"^ re- 
mained. The deatii of the mother took place in 
1881. The father has now reached the ripe age of 
eighty-seven years, and is still active and capable 



of attending to bis own business, that of managing 
a farm upon which he has long lived. The pa- 
rental familj- consisted of thirteen children, eight 
of wliom still survive. 

David Ilomewood, of whom we write, was the 
seventh child in the parental family, and was born 
in Kent, England, in January, 1S34, and received 
a fair education in his native land, whence at the 
age of twenty-one }'ears, he came to America. Af- 
ter landing on this side of the ocean, he went at 
once to Winnebago County, 111., where he spent a 
3'ear in tilling the soil, and then learned the trade 
of a carpenter, at which he worked for ten years. 
During the 3-ears 1862-63, while hostilities were 
going on between the North and South, he spent 
seven months laboring at his trade in Memphis, 
Tenn. He then returned to the Prairie .State, 
where he continued to make his home until 1882, 
at which period he came to this State and bought 
a farm, which is now occupied b}' C. D. Rinehart. 
About three 3-ears later he removed to his present 
location, where he has ninetv' ,acres of valuable 
land. 

At the home of the bride's father, M. M. Van- 
dercook, in Rockford, 111., Nov. 29, 1866, Mr. 
Ilomewood was united in marriage with Miss Kate 
Vandercook. The father of the bride died in 1873, 
and her mother is now living in Chicago, and is an 
active and well-preserved lad3% eight3'-three years 
of age. The parental famil}' was a large one, com- 
prising ten children, six of whom are now living. 
Mrs. Homewood was the ninth in order of birth in 
the family, and her natal day was Aug. 21, 1844. 
She is a fine!}- educated and refined lad}', and for 
three 3'ears prior to her marriage, had been engaged 
in teaching, being highly successful in that pro- 
fession. She has borne her husband four children: 
Edgar B. was born Dec. 28, 1867; Esto, July 4. 
1876, and died Feb. 5, 1879; Ethel May, was born 
June 7, 1879; and Fannie Elizabeth, Dec. 20, 1884. 
The children are well educated, and are being given 
every opportunity and facility to attain to useful 
manhood and womanhood. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ilomewood belong to the Cliris- 
tian Church, and Mr. Homewood has been Deacon 
of that organization. He was formerly active in 
the Sunda3'-school dep.artment, but is now with- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



281 



drawing somewhat from the work, leaving younger 
members of the congregation to acquire practical 
training therein. He is the Director of School Dis- 
trict No. 32, and an efficient school officer. He 
takes a deep interest in the political issues of the 
d.ay, and votes the Republican ticket. He not only 
possesses a fine character and an intelligent mind, 
but has the pleasant, affable manners, which make 
his society desirable, and as before stated, is hold 
in high repute b3- his fellow-citizens, in whose re- 
gard his wife has an abundant share. 

-S^fe^- • 



Ip^'ERDINAND BOETTCHER. A thoroughly 
'\rr(s^, tilled farm of 220 acres in Franklin Town- 
/I5, ship, Jackson County, is the home of this 

gentleman, who, descended from an excellent Prus- 
sian family, has for a quarter of a eeuturj- been- an 
honored citizen of the United States. His fine 
estate is located on section 9, and the improvements 
which have been made upon it show that the owner 
is desirous of ranking with the best of the farmers 
in the neighborhood in the careful housing of stock 
and crops, and in the comforts of his dwelling. 

Mr. Boettcher was born in Prussia, June 12, 
1824. and is the son of a farmer and cabinet- 
maker. He passed his early life on the farm, and 
also learned the trade which his father understood. 
He remained in his native land until the spring 
of 18.54. spending the most of his mature j'ears in 
the work of agriculture. At the date mentioned 
he turned his face toward the setting sun and 
crossed the Atlantic, landing at New York City in 
the montli of May. and made his first home in the 
New World near Lockport, Niagara Co., N., Y., 
carrying on farming for three years in companj' 
with a brother. He then returned to the Father- 
land and sjient a few months in visiting homo and 
friends. 

On his return to the United States ."Mr. lioettcher 
stopped in New York for a sliort time, thence go- 
ing to Wisconsin, thence to Leavenworth, Kan., 
and a few weeks later to this county, settling in 
Franklin Township. In 1861 he removed to Leav- 
worth County, but three years later returned to this 
township, wiiere he has since continued to reside, 



and where he has successful!}' carried on the work 
of farming, which has been his sole enployment 
since coming to America. 

At her home in this township, Jan. 5, 1865, Miss 
Margaret Stork became the wife of our subject. 
Mrs. Boettcher was born in Germany, Jul}' 1, 1841, 
and was but four months old when her parents 
came to America. She is a well-informed lady, with 
the kind heart and housewifely qualities which 
make a pleasant home, and husband and children 
•'arise up and call her blessed." She is a sister of Mrs. 
Judge Cowell, of this township. She has borne her 
husband five children — Henry R., Mary E.. Clara 
L., Katie and John. Katie died in infancy. 

Mr. Boettcher is a Democrat in politics. He is a 
public-spirited citizen, showing an intelligent in- 
terest in the affairs of the country, and especially 
of this section, and is looked upon with respect by 
all who know him, and especially by his brethren 
of the Fatherland, his long citizenship in the United 
States giving his opinion great weight with them. 
Both he and his wife are members of the Presby- 
terian Church. 



♦7J=^- 



UGH LEONARD. For the past nine years 
Mr. Leonard has been a resident of Belvue 
_^ Township and has become widely and fa- 
,^P vorably known to a majority of its people. 
He presents the picture of a self-made man who 
began the battle of life for himself without other 
means than his own resources, and who, by a course 
of steady perseverance and industry, has made for 
himself an enviable position, socially and financially. 
He owns 320 acres of good land located on sec- 
tions 5, 31 and 32, the residence being on the first 
mentioned and in addition to general farming, is 
quite extensively engaged in stock-raising. He 
keeps from seventy-five to 100 head of cattle, to- 
gether with a goodly number of farm horses and 
swine. He is a prominent man in his community 
and has justly been elected a County Commissioner 
for the second term. In religious matters, he is a 
devout Catholic. 

A gentleman in the prime of life Mr. Leonard 
was born Aug. 15, 1840, first opening his eyes to 
the light in County Fermanagh, the North of 



282 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Irelancl. llis falUer, Patrick Leonard, a native of 
tlie same looality, was born in 1811 and spent his 
entire life upon his native soil, dying; at the age of 
seventh-four ye-irs- He was a life long farmer by 
oeeupalion, and from his youth up was a member 
of the Roman Catliolic Ciiurch. The paternal 
grandfather, James Leonard, who was also born in 
the North of Ireland, died there when about ninety 
years of age. He likewise followed the peaceful 
pursuits of agriculture. 

Mrs. Ann (Fee) Leonard was born in County 
Cavan, Ireland, and after the decease of her hus- 
band emigrated to America. She is now living 
with her son, our subject, and is sixty-eight years 
old. Her father, Owen Fee, likewise a native of 
County Cavan, crossed the Atlantic in 1847 and 
settled in Canada where he now lives .and is oc- 
cupied in farming. He likewise belongs to the 
Catholic Church. To Patrick and Ann Leonard 
there was born a family of fourteen children of 
whom Hugh, Bridget, INL-irgaret, Ann, Frank, James 
and Katherine are now living. Bridget and 
Margaret weie the first of the family to come to 
America. Both are married and living in New York 
State. 

Mr. Leonard spent his earl}' years in his native 
county, being reared on a farm and acquiring his 
education in the common school. In the spring of 
1861, when a young man twenty-one years old. he 
came to the I'nited States, locating in Madison 
County, N. Y. In 1865 he turned his steps West- 
ward, coming to Jefferson County, this State, and 
sojourning there until the following year. He then 
entered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad 
Company, and was thus occupied until the 13th of 
May, 1868. Then he engaged on the St. Joseph & St. 
Louis Railroad. In the spring of 1870 he returned 
to Jefferson County and sojourned there until 1880, 
taking up his residence then in Pottawatomie 
County. He was soon recognized as a valued ad- 
dition to the community and has been uniformlj" 
prosperous in his farming and business transactions. 
Politically, he votes the straight Democratic ticket. 

On the 7th of February, 1870, Mr. Leonard was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Catherine A. Fitz- 
patrick. Mrs. Leonard was born in Louisville, 
Ky., in 1852, and is the daughter of Patrick and 



Johanna (Buckley) Fitzpatrick, who were natives 
of Ireland. The Fitzpalricks were among the 
very first settlers of Jefferson County. The father 
took up a tract of land and labored very success- 
fully as a tiller of the soil, being now well-to-do 
and a man of considerable prominence in the 
county. He has held various offices, and with his 
estimable wife, is a member in good standing of 
the Catholio Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Leonard 
there have been born three children. Thomas, Annie 
and Katie. The latter died at the age of three 
years and one mcmth. Mr. Leonard has one of the 
most valuable homesteads in his township and 
exercises no small influence among his fellow-citi- 
zens. A stirring, enterprising man he has con- 
tributed his full quota to the growth and develop- 
ment of his adopted township. 



HARLES J. FALIN has been for almost 
thirty j'ears a resident of Kansas, and occu- 
^?' pies a front rank among the citizens of 
Pottawatomie Count}', as a farmer of substantial 
circumstances and of progressive ideas. He is one 
of the oldest settlers in Blue Valley Township, and 
a genial, whole-souled gentleman, who takes an 
active and intelligent interest in educational and 
other matters which pertain to the good of the 
community. He is a stanch Republican, but does 
not aspire to office, being content wilh that which 
"his hand finds to do" in his own private affairs and 
matters relating thereto. His fine estate comprises 
about 500 acres bordering on the Blue, and he is 
engaged in the raising of grain and stock. 

Mr. Falin is of an honored Swedish family, his 
father, Magnus, having owned a farm and been en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits in Sweden until his 
death in February, 1874. His mother was Anna 
M. Nelson, who died the same year as her husband, 
and both were members of the Lutheran Church. 
The grandfather of our subject was also named 
Magnus, and was a soldier in the Swedish array for 
thirty years. He served in the Finland War three 
years, and in tlie French War five 3-ears. During 
the last named he was taken prisf)ner at Lubeck, 
German}', taken to France, and held in captivity 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



283 



for a long time. Upon leaving the army, lie en- 
gaged in farming. The family of wiiicli our sub- 
ject is a member, was composed of eleven children, 
seven living to years of maturity: Christine, Erick, 
Alfred, and Anna died in infancy, and Louisa and 
(iustav, in later years; Magnus and August are now 
living in Sweden; Malker in this township; and 
Charlotte, now Mrs. Linbloom, also in this town- 
ship. 

The subject of this sketch is the oldest of the 
brothers and sisters who reached mature years, and 
was born in Hagerstad, Linkopingslan, Sweden, 
June 24, 1828. He was reared to the pursuit which 
his father followed, and had no advantages of pub- 
lic schools, the period of his early life being before 
their institution. He was engaged in agricultural 
pursuits in his native land until 18.56, when he de- 
termined to try his fortunes in America, being led 
to believe that here he would find a broader field 
for his energies, and a brighter prosjiect for finan- 
cial success. In July, therefore, he took passage 
on the sailer "Evangeline," and after an ocean voy- 
age of seven weeks, landed in Boston, whence he 
went directly to Illinois, and worked on a farm near 
Galesburg, until the spring of 18G0. 

Mr. Falin then came by boat to Kansas City, 
thence on foot to this township, and with a land 
warrant purchased 226 acres on section 14, upon 
which he constructed a log house, and tljus began 
its improvement. He worked out b}' the month to 
secure raonej' with which to buy oxen, so as to 
break his land, and in the wilds of Kansas, by in- 
dustry make for himself a good home. He has 
been very successful in his efforts, and now owns 
the large acreage before mentioned, which bears all 
necessary improvements, well constructed, con- 
veniently located, and neatly kept. He is a mem- 
ber of the Blue Vallej' Stock Dealer's Association, 
and in everything connected with his occupation in 
life endeavors to keep abreast of the most practical 
ideas of the time. 

In this township, on Sept. 20, 1863, the rites of 
wedlock were celebrated between Mr. Falin and 
Miss Mary Sophia Josephson, who was born in the 
Province of Riimskulla, Linkoping. Their union 
w-as blessed by the birth of four sons and two 
daughters. Those living are: Mary Eleonora, and 



Albert Leonard; and those deceased are: Oscar 
Emil. Alexander, Emma Cclia, and a son unnamed. 
JNIrs. Sophia Falin contracted a fatal illness, and her 
death occurred Feb. 20, 1878. Mr. Falin entered 
into a second matrimonial .alliance" Jan. 24, 1880, 
the bride being Miss Cecelia Peterson, a native of 
Bornholm, Denmark. 

\ SAAC Y. WEDDLE, is a resident of Pottawa- 
tomie County, who, beginning life empty 
/li handed, has reached a degree of comfort and 
prosperity which speaks well of his energy, indnstr)' 
and prudence. His estate, which is located on sec- 
tion 1, Louisville Township, is carefully and in- 
telligently conducted and bears some notable im- 
provements. Chief among these is a barn which 
was erected in 1886, and uiider whose capacious roof 
1600 bushels of grain, thirtj'-two tons of hay, and 
twentj^ head of horses find .adequate shelter. A 
recently built corn-crib has a capacity of 2,500 
bushels. Mr. Weddle now has seventeen head of 
horses, two mules, and a porportionate number of 
cattle and hogs upon his quarter section, and every- 
thing about the estate indicates that the years 
which he has devoted to the pursuit of agriculture 
have not been spent in vain, and that his know- 
ledge of matters pertaining to that emploj'ment is 
varied and thorough. 

The subject of this brief sketch is a son of James 
R. and Elizabeth (Curr>) Weddle. the former a na- 
tive of Tennessee and the latter of Virginia. After 
the marriage, which took place in the former State, 
they settled in Jackson County, Ind., at period so 
early in the settlement of that section, that they 
were obliged to band with other pioneers for pro- 
tection against the Indians. The father died in 1859 
at the age of seventj-two, and the mother survived 
until 1871, when she too departed this life aged 
sevent3'-rive years. Of tiie nine children born to 
them, four onh' are now living. 

Isaac Weddle was the eighth in order of birth in 
the parental family, and was born in Jackson 
County, Ind., July 8, 1833. He grew to manhood 
in the place of his nativity, and improved such .ad- 
vantages as were afforded uy subscription schools 



284 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



at that period, obtaining but a limited education, 
which has been made the foundation for his present 
intelligence and fund of information, which native 
wit and powers of observation have given him. At 
the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself, 
adopting the occupation which he has since con- 
tinuouslj' followed, and remaining in the Hoosier 
.State until 1868, when he settled in this count}'. 
He removed to his present home in 1879, erecting 
a comfortable and substantial dwelling the same 
year, and maliing other improvements since, among 
them those above noted. 

Mrs. Weddle was born in the same county as her 
husband, her natal day being July .30, 183.5, and 
she being one of eleven children born to Edward 
and Nancy (Lynch) Hubbard. Her parents settled 
in Indiana in an early day, and her father was a 
prominent man in his county. During the Civil 
War he served in Company A, 50th Indiana In- 
fanlrj', and gave his life for his country's cause, dy- 
ing in 1865, from disease contracted by hardship 
and exposure. The date of the marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. AVcddle was .June 26, 1854, and the happy 
bride bore the maiden name of Martlia Ann Hub- 
bard. The union has been blessed by the birth of 
seven children, and tliough five of them have left 
tiie home nest, all but one are living around 
the homestead, and the family circle is scarcely 
broken. John W., the first born, married Jennie 
Stratton, and has three children, his home being 
on the same section .as tliat of his parents. Mary 
is the wife of Ezra Nixon, and is the mother of 
four children, her home being in this township. 
James married Clara Taylor, and lives in Hot 
Springs. Ark., their family consisting of one child. 
Aaron married Louisa Melot; they have one child 
and live on section 2. Hettie Jane is the wife of 
John A. Walker; they have two children, and their 
residence is on the s:ime section as that of our sub- 
ject. The two remaining members of the family, 
Charles and Peter Oliver, are unmarried and at 
home. 

Mr. Weddle takes an active interest in politics 
and generally votes the Democratic ticket. He 
served as Constable of Louisville Townsnip for 
twii terms, has been Rond Overseer fur three years, 
and for seven 3'ears has tilled the office of Treas- 



urer of school district No. 42. He has proved his 
efficiency in the positions to which he has been 
called, and is regarded with high respect as a mem- 
ber of the community and an upright man. Mrs. 
Weddle is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and is highl}' esteemed l)y hei- associates. 



^ AMES J. WELSH has lived in St. Mary's 
for a decade past, and for several years was 
engaged there in the hotel and liverj' busi- 
^_^ ness. He has a wide scope of business as an 
auctioneer and a veterinary surgeon, and has been 
engaged in both lines of business for more than a 
quarter of a centurj-. He is the principal auction- 
eer in this vicinity. His long life has been spent 
in activity, and he is now, at the age of sixty-two 
years, as energetic and capable as many men much 
younger than he. 

The natal day of Mr. AVelsh was July 2, 1827, 
and his birth took pL-^ce in Washington County, 
Pa., whence his parents removed to Muskingum 
County, Ohio, locating on a farm near Zanesville, 
about the year 1839. There our subject's school 
days were chiefly spent, .and there his ]iarents, 
Robert and Margaret (Cother) AVelsh, died. The 
father was born and reared in Westmoreland 
County. Pa., where his father, Robin Welsh, had 
removed in earlv life from his native place in the 
North of Ireland. The ancestois belonged to the 
Presbyterian Church, and in that faith the family 
was reared for generations. The mother of our 
subject w.as born in Rising Sun Hotel, in Lancaster 
County. Pa., and reared and married in the house 
which had been used as a hotel for many ^ears, and 
kept bj' her father, and where he died. 

When about twenty years old, he of whom we 
write went to Marysville, Union Co., Ohio, mak- 
ing the trip on horseback, and there beginning 
work as a farm hand. This he continued until 
after his mnrriage in 1848, when his father-in-law 
"set him up" on a farm of 100 .acres of heavy tim- 
ber land. Mr. Welsh built a log cabin and began 
the work of clearing the mighty forest, which by 
degi'ees was accomplished, and the land improved 
until it became a fine and productive estate. With 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



285 



the exception of two j^ears spent in the hotel busi- 
ness at Marysville, Ohio, the farin was the family 
home luUil 1855, when Mr. 'Welsh removed to West 
Union, F"ayelte Co., Iowa, where for about eight- 
een months he owned and operated another farm. 
He then sold his land, and during- the following 
tliree years served as Deputy Sheriff, and at the 
expiration of that time was elected Sheriff, whicli 
office he filled during 1860-61. 

In the spring of 1862 Mr. Welsh engaged in the 
livery business, but in August gave up that occu- 
pation to take up arms in defense of his country. 
In nine days he organized a compan}' of men from 
his county and went into the army as Captain of 
Com pan}' A, 38th Iowa Infantry, serving in that 
capacity a year when he was obliged to resign on 
account of sickness and return to his former home. 
During his army experience he was under constant 
fighting forty-two days during tiie Vicksl)urg cam- 
paign, when Grant determined to "(iglit it out on 
this line if it took all summer," and where .32,000 
prisoners were delivered into his hands by the sur- 
render of Pemberton. 

After his return to West Union Mr. Welsh again 
v.-ent into the liver}' business, which he continued 
there until 1872, serving as Deputy Sheriff during 
the four years prior to that date. He then sold out 
his business and removed to Topeka, Kan., wiiere 
he took up the same occupation, sojourning m this 
State but a year when he sold out and returned to 
West Union and engaged in his oldeii occupation 
there. In 1874 he was .again elected Sheriff and 
served two years, aflw' which he returned to his 
former employment and continuc^d it until the 
spring of 1879. lie then moved permanently from 
West Union, and taking up his abode in this city, 
ens-aged in the hotel and livery business, abandon- 
ing^the former after eight years' experience as 
landlcird here, and a year later selling his livery 
business. Since that time he has devoted his at- 
tention, as beftire n<)te<l. to the woik of a veterin- 
ary surgeon and an auctioneer, his son Clinton 
being his partner in business. He owns one fine 
specimen of horse flesh, it being a Memlnino stall- 
ion of a bright bay color, and weighing 1.150 
pounds. 

ISlrs. Welsh bore the maiden name of Isabelle 



Scott, and is a native of Knox County, Ohio, and 
a daughter of William and Frances (Barcus) Scott. 
The mai'riago of Mr. and Mrs. Welsh was celebrated 
Aug. 29, 1848, and seven children have been born to 
them. Belle and Jennie have been removed from 
them by death. Of the survivors, William E., the 
eldest son, is in Denver, Colo.; Emily A. lives in 
Rossville, Shawnee County, and is the wife of Jo- 
seph F. Cannon; INIargaret F. is the wife of George 
O. Helm, and their home is in St. Mary's; Clinton 
and Jennie B. are yet at home. 

Mr. Welsh has served one year as M.ayor of this 
city, among whose citizens he has good standing 
as a man of probity, intelligence and public spirit. 
Mrs. Welsh has been a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church for some years in Iowa, and her 
Chiistian life is a model to those about her. 



-i-O-i- 



^f/OHN ARONSON. Among the well-to-do 
Swedish citizens of Blue Valley Township, 
Mr. Aronson deserves special mention as 
furnishing a tine illustration of the self-made 
man, who by a course of frugality and industry has 
made for himself a good position, socially and finan- 
cially. He owns and operates a fine farm of 383 
acres on section 24, and has been quite prominent 
in local affairs, holding the various minor offices, 
and being at present a Director of the Orphan's 
Home, on the Blue. 

The father of the sulijectof this sketch, was Aion 
Erickson, born in Orbrolan, .Sweden, in lcS23. He 
was reared in the mining regions of his native 
Province, and worked in the mines during his 
younger years, lie at an early .aue evinced those 
qualities of energy and industry which have been 
the secret of his success in life, lie was faithful 
and reliable in the perforimiiice of his duties. l)e- 
coming a boss in the mines, and later was employed 
in the smelting furnace. He, however, was not 
satisfied with his condition or his prospects in his 
native land, and finally in 1^)70 decided to emi- 
grate to America. He came to Kansas th.at year, 
and homestead'ed eighty acres of land in Blue \' al- 
ley Township, which formed the nucleus of his pre- 
sent homestead. 

The mother of our subject was Caroline Peter- 



2S6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



son. a native of Linsberg. Sokn. Orbrolan. Sweden; 
she was born in 1815, and is consequently sevent}'- 
four years old. She is living and in good health. 
The four children of the [larental fanill}' were 
named respectively: Charles. John, and two b}' the 
name of Erick, who died in infancy. Tlie eldest 
son is a prominent farmer of Blue Yallej' Town- 
ship, owning 224 acres of land. John was born in 
Kapperbjergetsokn, Orbrolau, Sweden. Aug. 19, 
1846, and was almost reared in the mines, receiving 
a limited school education. When nine years old 
he began work at separating silver ore, and was em- 
ployed continuously In the mines until a youth of 
sixteen 3'ears, when he commenced working in a 
smelting furnace. Two j-ears later he began an pp- 
prenticeship at the blacksmith trade, which he fol- 
lowed until the spring of 1868, and then returned 
to the smelting furnace. 

Having now a great desire to see America, Mr. 
Aronson. in the spring of 1869, left his native land 
in advance of his father's farail3-, and going to 
Liverpool. England, embarked on the steamer, 
"Helvetia," which landed him in due time in New 
York Citj-. Thence he proceeded to Minnesota, 
and was emploj'ed on the railroad near St. Paul 
two months. At the expiration of this time, he 
came to Kansas, and began working as a stone- 
mason with his brother, Charles, in Blue Valley 
Township. He followed this quite ste.idilv about 
ten years, becoming a practical and experienced 
mason, and put up many houses in Pottawatomie 
County. 

In 1871 Mr. Aronson horaesteaded eightj^ acres 
of his present farm, which was then a tract of wild 
land, without anj' improvements whatever. He lo- 
cated upon it the following j'ear, and gradually 
improved it while he engaged in his trade until 
1880. Since then he has given it his whole time 
and attention, and added to his worldly possessions 
as his capital increased. The land is all enclosed 
by good fencing, and is mostly under the plow. He 
has good buildings, including a substantial stone 
residence, a frame barn 1 6x40 feet in dimensions, a 
windmill and water tank, a good orchard and groves 
and all the other appurtenances of the modern coun- 
try estate. He is greatly interested in fine horses, 
mosllj' graded Percherons, and is a leading and en- 



terprising member of the Olsburg Horse Company. 
Mr. Aronson was married in Manhattan, Kan., 
Nov. 5, 1871, to Miss Christine Swanson, who was 
born in the town of Vimenerby. Kalmerlan, Ssveden, 
and came to America in 1869, locating in Pottawa- 
tomie Count}-. Of this union there have been born 
three children, viz: Ida J., Hannah W., and Hilma 
C. Mr. Aronson upon becoming a voting citizen, 
identified himself with the Republican party, of 
wliich he is an active member, and is frequently sent 
as a delegate to county conventions. He has been 
Townsiiip Trustee one year, and Clerk of his school 
district one term. He assisted in the organization 
of the .Swedish Lutheran Church at Olsburg, of 
which he has been a member fourteen years, some 
of the time officiating as Deacon. He gives to the 
church liberal support, and assisted in the erection 
of the church edifice. He is looked upon as a use- 
ful citizen, who is contributing his full quota to 
the best interests of his adopted country. 




-^ #3-€^ ^ 

OBERT C. MOORE, D.V.S., is a graduate 
of the Chicago Veterinary College, and 
since establishing himself in ins profession 
^ in Holton. where lie had previousl}' resided 
several years, he has acquired a large practice in 
this city and in the surrounding country, and is 
justly regarded as one of the most intelligent and 
skillful of the veterinar}- surgeons of this part of 
Kansas. 

Mr. Moore was born near Leesburg, Carroll Co.. 
Ohio. Nov. 29, 1852, to Edward H. and Harriet A. 
(Cummings) Moore. His father was born in .Jeffer- 
son County, Ohio. Oct. 20, 1827, a son of Thomas 
Moore, who was born in 1796. it is thought, in 
Marj-laud. His father, great-grandfather of our 
subject, moved from that State to Ohio, and was 
one of the first settlers of Jefferson County, where 
he took up a tract of Government land, on which 
he erected a double log house to shelter his family, 
and he passed his remaining days on the farm that 
he cleared from the wilderness. At that time there 
were no railway's or canals in the counlr}', and no 
markets, and the settlers used to (lacksalt and other 
necessaries of life across the mountains on horseback. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



287 



The grandfather of our subject, was reared on Ins 
father's homestead in Jefferson County, and resided 
there until about 1837, when he befame a pioneer 
of Tuscarawas County, buying tliere a trac^t of 
forest covered land, and when he cleared it he 
rolled large logs together and burned them to get 
rid of them, as they were not of much value where 
timber was so abundant. He improved quite a 
large tract of land, which he subsequently sold, 
and going to Carroll County, bought more wild 
land, located in Orange Township. There was a 
sawmill on the place when he bought it, which he 
operated the few years that he lived there. Selling 
that farm, he afterward made his home in Bucj-rus, 
Crawford County", until his death. The maiden 
name of his wife was Margaret Haxton. She was 
an adept at spinning and weaving, and used to 
cook before the open fireplace. She died in Jeffer- 
son Count}'. 

Tiie father of our subject lived with his parents 
until 1842, when he started out in life for himself, 
well-equii)ped mentallj' and physically for the 
struggle. He worked by the month until 1846, 
when he enlisted in Company B, 3d Ohio Infantry, 
and going to Mexico, served there fourteen months, 
and was then honorably discharged willi his regi- 
ment. He returned to Ohio, and farmed on shares 
iu Coshocton County until 1850. In that 3'ear he 
settled on his father-in law's farm in Carroll Count}^ 
fourmiles from Leesburg, and lived there until 1864. 
After spending four years in Leesburg, be removed 
with his famil}' to DeKalb County, Mo., and rented a 
farm there two years. In 1871 lie came to Ilolton, 
and rented a farm near the city one j'ear, and has 
since resided in Holton, engaging in various kinds 
of business. For six years he managed a restau- 
rant at the railway station, and for four years he 
held the responsible office of City Marshal, acting 
in that capacity in a manner most satisfactory' to 
his fellow-citizens. He was married Feb. 21, 1850, 
to a daughter of Anthonj^ Cunjmings, a pioneer of 
Carroll County. She was born in Leesburg, Oct. 
26, 1831, and was reared to a capable, useful wom- 
anhood in Carroll and Harmon counties, and was 
early taught to spin and weave and knit, and to 
perf<irni all those household duties that contribute 
to the ii>rnfort and well-being of the inmates of 



the home. Her father, a nativeof Loudoun County, 
Va., was a son of Thomas Cummings, who came 
from Scotland, the land of his birth, with two 
lirothcrs, Robert and James, and settled in Loudoun 
County, \ii., where the remainder of his life was 
passed. He was a firm supporter of religion, a 
Presbyterian in faith. He married Rebecca Curry, 
a native of Ireland, of Scotch descent. The grand- 
father of our subject went to Ohio when a young 
man, and was an early settler of Carroll County. 
He bought a farm near Leesburg. He spent his 
last years in that village, where he was for some 
time engaged in the mercantile business. The 
maiden name of his wife, maternal grandmother of 
our subject, was E. Maria Roby. She was a native 
of Maryland, and a daughter of Barton Roby. 

Dr. Moore was reared in Leesburg, and received 
his early education in its excellent public schools. 
In 1868 he accompanied his parents to their new 
home in UeKalb County, Mo., and remained with 
them there, affording his father valuable assistance 
on the farm, until December, 1871. In that month 
he came to Kansas, having started out in life on 
his own account, with youth, health, good spirits, 
and a clear, well-balanced raind as sufficient capital 
for any enterprise in which he might embark. He 
was various!}' employed until the fall of 1875, when 
he bought a transfer line of one team. Holton Mas 
then only a small town, and the terminus of the 
narrowguage railway, the onl\' one in the place 
then, and his one team was sufficient to convey all 
the merchandise that was brought here. With the 
growth of the town in size his business rapidl}' in- 
creased until he ran five teams of his own, and a 
part of the time had to hire others. In 1881, hav- 
ing acquired a competence, he sold his express 
route and engaged in the mercantile business until 
1885. In that j'ear he determined to fit himself 
for a veterinary surgeon, having ahead}' a good 
practical knowledge of the horse and his diseases, 
and lie wput to Chicago and entered the Chicago 
Veterinary College, and was a student in that in- 
stitution in the winters of 1885-86 and 1886-87, 
and was graduated in the spring of 1887, finely 
equi|)ped for his profession, and immediately open- 
ing an office in Ilolton, he has practiced here and 
in the surrounding country with marked success. 



288 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Moore's marriage with Miss Mary Klusmire, 
was duly solemnized in the month of October, 
1875. She was born in German}', and came to 
America with her parents, Frederick and Mary 
Klusmire, in 18C7. Mr. and Mrs. Moore's pleasant 
home is made doubly attractive to those who cross 
its threshold b}' the warm and hospit,able treat- 
ment accorded to them by the kind hostess and 
genial host. They have an adopted daughter, 
Edith, whom they cherish as if she were of their 
own blood, and she is given all possible advantages. 

Mr. Moore is gifted with a stable character, an 
active temperament, and a liberal spirit, and besides 
being well-versed in his calling, is generally well- 
informed. In politics, he has sided with the 
Republican part}' since he cast his first Presiden- 
tial vote for R. B. ILayes. He is a prominent 
member of the State Veterinary Association, was 
its Treasurer two 3'ears, and ably served as its 
President in 1888. Religiously, lie and his wife 
are among the working members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 






♦♦ — ■,*w*^ 




W'SVD KNUDSON, junior member of the 
^ firm of Oleson tt Knudson, dealers in gen- 
eral merchandise, is also the owner of a 
^;farm of 143 acres in Blue Valley Township, 
Pottawatomie Count}-, and a livery barn in 01s- 
burg. He is looked upon as a representative citi- 
zen of Pottowatomie County, a man liberal and 
public-spirited, progressive in his ideas, and of that 
genial temperament which has drawn around him 
hosts of friends. He vvas born in Urdal Preslyeld, 
Walders, Norway, Jan. .5, 18.55, and is a son of 
Halvor Knudson, a native of the same place. 

Tlie father of our subject was born in June, 
1825, and when a young man began trading in 
produce, freighting and shipping to Christiana 
and Jovig. He was the owner of a farm, which 
he operated for a. number of years. Later, he sold 
out, and removed to Gulbranesdalen. where he pur- 
chased a large estate named "St-iff," and upon 
which were located the fair grounds. There he en- 
gaged extensively in nulling, owning and operat- 
ing two gristmills and two sawmills. At the same 



time he was an agent for an extensive freighting 
line. He was a man of great energy, and in Amer- 
ica would be designated as a "hustler." 

The elder Knudson, however, met with reverses, 
and in 1866 emigrated to America, in the hope of 
retrieving his fortune. Locating in Dane County, 
Wis., he worked for one season as a farm laborer, 
but in the summer of 1867 he was joined by his 
family, and in the fall of that 3'ear they all came to 
Kansas. The father first rented land on the Blue 
Bottoms, which he operated for several years. In 
1872 he homesteaded 140 acres of land in Shannon 
Township, lying along Shannon Creek, and he also 
purchased 160 acres adjoining, the whole of which 
he improved, and lived there until his death, which 
occurred Aug. 30, 1874. In politics he was a Re- 
publican, and in religion a Lutheran. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject was Knud Oleson, like- 
wise a native of Norway, and a wealthy fairaer. 
He married Barbara Halvorsdatter, and they spent 
their entire lives upon their native soil. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Esther Bjornsdatter. She was likewise a na- 
tive of Walders, Norway, and was born in 1823. 
Her father was Bjorns Kohlspiekken. a well-to-do 
farmer. After the death of her husband, the mother 
operated the farm a number of years, then turned 
it over into the hands of a tenant, and retiring 
from the cares and labors of life, is now living 
with litr son, Anton, in Blue Valley Township. 
The parental family comprised nine children, five 
of whom grew to mature years. Betsey is the wife 
of L. Winger, of Dickinson County, Neb.; Knud, 
our subject, was the second born; Bent is farming 
in Barron County, Wis.; Anton is farming in 151ue 
Valley Township, Kan.; Clara died in Wisconsin 
when an interesting young lady of nineteen years. 

The subject of this sketch was seven years old 
when his parents removed to the farm, '-Staff," the 
journey to which was made over the mountains on 
horseback. He was required at an early age to 
make himself useful, and when nine years old be- 
came regularly employed in the mill and on the 
farm, receiving only limited school advantages. He 
accompanied his mother and her family to America, 
startingout in April, 1867, and going first to Christi- 
ana, where they remained two weeks. They then 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



289 



oinbarkedon the sailing-vessel "Emerald," and after 
a voynge of six weeks ianded at Quebec, Canada. 
Thence they proceeded to P-dgerlon, Wis,, where 
they remained until November of that j-ear, then 
made their way by rail to Atchison, Kan., and 
thence by train to Blue Valley Townsliip, arriving 
in the latter jilace December 25, and celebrating 
their Christmas as best they could amid the dilli- 
cultids of their surroundings. 

In the spring of 1868 j-oung Knudson began 
working out by the month, and was thus emplo3"ed 
until nineteen years old, turning over his earnings 
to his father. He then began operating as a renter 
on his uncle's farm of 400 acres, and was thus 
successfully engaged for five j'ears. In 1878 he 
homesteaded 160 acres of land in Shannon Town- 
ship, and soon afterward purchased eightj' acres 
adjoining. He erected a good residence, and other 
necessary buildings, enclosed his fields with sub- 
stantial fencing, and lived there until the spring of 
1880. Then, selling out, he engaged in buying" 
and shipping cattle. In the fall of that year he 
purchased the farm which he now owns, and which 
was then a tract of mostlj^ raw land, unculti- 
vated, and upon which no improvements had been 
made. He has brought about a great change in its 
original condition, making of it a fertile farm with 
good buildings. It is vvell watered by Shannon 
Creek, and lies two miles from the town of Olsburg. 
It is largely devoted to live stock, and Mr. Knud- 
son is considei'ablj' interested in flue horses, owning 
the stallion -'Napoleon," a three-quarter Percheron, 
and valued at $1,000. 

Mr. Kuudson, in the spring of 1880, rented his 
farm, and removed to Olsburg, where he purchased 
a residence, and subsequently ran a wagon for the 
Leonardville Creamery. In the fall of 1889 he 
associated himself with his present partners as a 
general merchant, and the prospects are tlint in 
this, as in his other enterprises, Mr. Knudson is 
destined to meet with complete success. His liv- 
er}' barn is operated by other parties. 

On the Gth of July, 1881, Mr. Knudson was 
married, in Mariadahl, to Miss Emma Oleson. This 
lady was born in Galcsburg. 111., -A-Ug. 12, 1857, 
and is the daugliter of the Rev. II. Oleson, a min- 
ister of tlie Lutheran Church. Mr. Oleson was 



born in Sweden, where he learned blacksmithing, 
and whence he emigrated in early life, settling 
first in Illinois, and in 1876 coming to Kansas, and 
settling in Mariadahl, where he ofliciated as a min- 
ister for a period of thirteen years. He is now re- 
siding near Galesburg, 111. Of this union there 
have been born four children, viz: Arthur, Elsie. 
Ettie and Josephine. Mr. Knudson, politically, is 
a sound Republican, and an active member of the 
Swedish-Lutheran Church, to which he contributes 
a liberal support, and gave substantial assistance 
during the erection of their church edifice. He has 
been a School Director three years, and a Road 
Supervisor two years. He is, in all respects, a use- 
ful member of his community, and held in high 
esteem by his fellow-citizens. 

[ OHN J. BARRY, Jk., is a prosperous, suc- 
cessful young farmer residing in the south- 
eastern part, of Blue Township, Pottawato- 
mie County. He operates a fine farm, 
consisting of 400 acres of fertile and productive 
land, lying on sections 11 and 14, on which he has 
recently erected a very handsome, convenient and 
commodious two-story frame residence, at a cost of 
nearly $2,000. This home is furnished in a man- 
ner that reflects credit upon the taste, judgment 
and liberalitj^ of its proprietor, who to a successful 
experience as a farmer, adds the habits of the 
student and scholar. Ili.s home is adorned, and 
his hours of recreation made pleasant and profita- 
ble, by the comi)anionship of the papers and maga- 
zines of the day, and the choicest works of the 
masters of modern thought. In this way a strong, 
vigorous and active mind is kept fresh and bright 
for the demands and duties of his farm work, over 
which he exercises a careful and intelligent super- 
vision. 

Mr. Bany comes by his energj' and his industrj- 
honestly. His parents, James and Mar}' (Fitz- 
gerald) Barr}', who still survive, and are residents 
of the village of St. George, have lived a life of 
earnest industry, thus setting him an exanplc by 
which he has already profited sufficient!}- to prove 
its inestimable value. Both his parents are natives 



290 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of New York State. Tlie e.nrlier years of their 
married life were spent in Kankakee County, III., 
where the father followed farming until 1867. 
when he removed with his family to St. George, 
Pottawatomie County, and shortly afterward en- 
tered the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad 
Company, as general road master, a position held 
by him for twelve years. The road at that time 
was finished only to Manhattan, and Mr. Barry 
was employed in its construction from that point 
westward to Denver. In 1871, when the road 
reached Wallace, Mr. Barry opened a railway 
eating house, at that place, and ran it until 1881, 
when he sold out, having resigned his po.=ition on 
the Union Pacific, and accepted a similar one on 
the Denver & Rio Grande, from Pueblo, Colo., to 
Cacharah, N. M., his headquarters being at the 
latter place. He continued with this company 
about two years, when he resigned and turned his 
attention to farming, being ably assisted by the 
subject of this sketch, to whom he soon entrusted 
the management and superintendence of his vnlua- 
ble farm property. He is still a hale and vigorous 
man, with the promise of many useful and honora- 
ble years of life. 

AVhile Mr. Barry was busy with the exacting 
and responsil>le duties of his position as General 
Roadmaster of the Union Pacific Company, he 
did not forget those he owed to his children. They 
were earl}' taught to look upon a good education 
as a most valuable equipment fur tlie battle of life, 
and were given such opportunities to acquire 
learning as were within his power to offer them, 
and as his rather nomadic life in following up the 
building of the road would permit. Our subject 
was especially- favored in tiiis direction. He was 
five years of age when he came to Kansas, and his 
parents being on the frontier most of the time, 
where schools had not yet made their appearance, 
he was sent to an uncle in Junction City, with 
whom he remained some time attending school. 
In the year 1875, he entered St. Mary's Academy 
as a student, and attended that institution until 
1880. He then entered the employ of the Union 
Pacific Company, and was employed in the pas- 
senger service. The desire for furtlier education 
caused him to soon give up his work and to enter 



the University of Notre Dame, at South Bend, Ind., 
from the commercial department of which he was 
graduated in 1881. Tlius equipped, he returned 
to Kansas to devote himself to agriculture. 

The estate now operated by our subject, 240 
acres of which is owned by his father and 240 by 
himself, has grown from a small beginning. The 
original purchase was eighty acres, but as success 
attended the efforts of the father and son, this has 
been added to until it now embraces 480 acres of 
as choice land as there is in Central Kansas. It is 
now run principally as a stock farm, and crops are 
raised with a view to feeding stock for market, and 
all the produce is fed on the place. Though not a 
fancy stock man, Mr. Barry is a careful breeder of 
horses, cattle and hogs. In horses he breeds Ham- 
bletonian and Messenger roadsters; in cattle, the 
grades of Short-horn, and in hogs, good grades of 
Poland-China. They are raised and fed with a 
view to their value in the general market, and it is 
to his judgment in buying, feeding and marketing 
his stock, that Mr. Barry owes the success that he 
has thus far achieved. His investments have been 
prudently made, and have, notwithstanding short 
crops and such other things as all farmers have 
sometimes to contend against, been fortunate and 
gratifyingly profitable. The success which he has 
thus far achieved demonstrates the fact that the 
better a man is educated, provided he is endowed 
by nature with a practical mind, good common 
sense and an inclination to industry, the better 
farmer as well as the better citizen ho will make, 
and that the goal of success for the farmer's son 
with a college diploma, does not alwa3's lie in the 
direction of the large cities. 

Our subject is one of seven children; two broth- 
ers — William and David, the second and sixth born 
— died in childhood, and also one sister — Fannie — 
the fourth born. Elizabeth, the eldest, married 
W. J. Dunning, a railroad engineer, who is now 

i living in St. George, and running a grocer}- store; 

' Alice, the fifth child, w-as graduated from the 
Academy of St. Mary's, at Denver, and married 
Peter Robidoux, a grandnephew of Joseph Robi- 
doux, the first settler in and founder of .St. Joseph, 
Mo.; they have tvv-o children and reside in Wallace; 

: Mary, the 3-oungest, now eighteen years of age, is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



291 



at home. The subject of this sketch is the third 
born, and is now twentv-sevcn jears of age and 
unmairied. 

Though a stanch Democrat, J. J. Barry takes no 
active interest in politics beyond exercising the 
right of franchise, and seeing tliat so far as liis in- 
fluence goes, the local offices are filled by good and 
capable men. He is descended from Irish Catholic 
ancestry, and is a faithful and devout member of 
that church. Like his father, he is a man of energy, 
industry and integrity. His natural endowments 
and excellent education are admirable equipments 
for an honorable career, and it may be safely pre- 
dicted that the success he has thus far achieved is 
but the forerunner of a greater and even more 
gratifying future. 



"jf OIIN DAILEY. The subject of this sketch 
is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, who en- 
jo3's the confidence and esteem of his ueigh- 
/ bors and friends. He owns a good farm of 
UiO acres of land, on section 14, Union Township, 
and combines the business of stock-raising with the 
work of a general farmer. F>y prudent economy and 
well-directed energy he has succeeded in making 
his life a successful one. and he has the further sat- 
isfaction of knowing that he has wronged no man 
in his career, but has many times helped a weaker 
brother, whom misfortune had overtaken, to regain 
his place in the world's bus}" hive of workers. 
While he has been "diligent in business," he has not 
forgotten the other part of the injunction to be 
•'fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.'' An emula- 
tion of this example by the young men of the na- 
tion, would give us a class of citizens of whom 
America might well be proud. 

Mr. D.iiley was born in Vermillion County, 111., 
.June 4, 1836. His father, David, deceased, was a 
native of Massachussetts, and was born near Bos- 
ton. David Daile.y removed to Illinois when a 
young man, and settled in Vermillion County. 
When the Black Hawk War broke out, he shoul- 
dered his musket and marched gallantl}' forward 
to uphold the slarrj' flag against the assaults of the 
fierce tribes of Indians under the leadership of their 



renowned chieftain. During the war it became 
desirable to bury a large quantitj' of le.ad to pre- 
vent its capture by the Red Men, and Mr. David 
Dsiiley was one of the party to whom was commit- 
ted the t.ask of securely "jjlanting" it. They ex- 
cavated a hole large enough to receive it and 
covered it so securely that it is not known to have 
ever been recovered, although the place of deposit 
is known to be in the vicinity of Rock Island. 111. 
In 1841 Mr. David Dailey moved his family from 
Illinois to the State of Indiana, locating in Parke 
Count}'. Our subject was then a child and re- 
mained in that place during his youth. He was 
reared on the farm of his parents and attended the 
common-schools of the district, but the educational 
advantages of that time in that place were exceed- 
ingly limited and }()ung Dailey secured only an 
elementary acquaintance with the branches of 
knowledge usually considered necessary to an Eng- 
lish education. 

The mother of our subject was Elizabeth Sellers. 
a daughter of Jacob Sellers, now deceased. She 
was a native of Ohio and remained under the pa- 
rental roof in that State until she was grown to 
womanhood. She was distinguished by great 
sweetness of disposition and strength of intellect, 
and w.as well fitted to be the comiianion of brave 
and nf'ble men. The parents of Mrs. Dailey re- 
moved to Mercer Count}-. III., in 185:3, and resided 
tliere during the remainder of their lives. 

Mr. John Dailey emigrated to Kansas in the 
spring of 1859, and resided in Nemaha, Pottawato- 
mie County, until 1862, when he went to Fremont 
County. Iowa, and followed farming in that place 
until November, 1875 In the latter year he re- 
turned to Pottawatomie County, Kan., and 
settled on the farm which he now owns and where 
he has continued to reside from that time forward. 
February 3, 1859, Mr. Dailey and !Miss Margaret 
Kicker were united in marriage. She is a daugh- 
ter of George Ricker, deceased, and is a na- 
tive of Tennessee. Mrs. Dailey is a woman who 
enjoys the respect and esteem of all who are for- 
tunate enough to claim her acquaintance. The 
married life of Mr. and Mrs. Dailey has been made 
fruitful by the birth of six children of whom four 
have fallen victims to the grim monster, death. 



292 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



The two who survive are — Frances A. who is mar- 
ried to Robert Sebring of Shawnee County, Kan. 
Their post-office address is — Rossville. They have 
no children; and Abner P. who resides in West- 
moreland, Pottawatomie Co., Kan., a sketch of 
whose life appears in another part of this work. 
Mr. Dailey has been honored by his neighbors with 
the office of Township Treasurer, a position in 
which he is now serving his second term. Politi- 
cally he is a stalwart Republican. He finds a re- 
ligions home in the bosom of the Christian Church 
of which he is an active and consistent member. 






^OHN W. ARNOLD, Mayor of Louisville, 
Pottawatomie County, has a joint interest 
in the Louisville Roller Mill in company 
witli A. C. Meritt, and also owns one of the 
finest farms in the county. He is well and favor- 
ably known throughout this congressional district, 
which he represented in the State Legislature in 
1886-87. In local affairs he has filled various 
positions of public responsibility, and has ever 
l)ecn found trustwortliy and competent in the ful- 
filment of the duties which devolved upon him. 

Mr. Arnold is a son of Tunis and Harriet (La- 
paugh) Arnold, natives of Albany County, N. Y., 
where their entire lives were spent, the death of 
the mother taking place on the homestead which 
had been located by the great-grandfatlior of Mrs. 
Arnold, and the father dying at Albany. She died 
in 18G0, and he survived until 1882. remarrying 
some time after her death. Our subject was the 
second of six children born to his father and mother, 
and his birth occurred on the old homestead, 
in Albany County, N. Y.,in February, 1841. Hav- 
ing spent the first twelve years of his life on the 
ancestral estate, he entered a store at Chesterville, 
in the same countj', and four years later, when the 
establishment was moved to Wayne County, he 
went with it, remaining with his employer eight 
years altogether. He then went to Battle Creek, 
Mich., and entering upon a farm life, carried on 
tliat business three years, nest buying an interest 
in a hardware store in the city near which he was 



farming, and conducting this branch of mercantile 
business six jears. 

In 1870 Mr. Arnold closed out his business in 
Battle Creek, and came to this State on a prospect- 
ing tour, and being satisfied with the prospects for 
advancement and civilization in this section, pur- 
chased a farm one and a half miles east of Louis- 
ville, to which he removed his family the following 
year. He remained on his farm until 1888, when 
he bought an interest in the mill and moved into 
the city. The farm, which was raw land when it 
was purchased by Mr. Arnold, comprises 240 
acres, all under cultivation, and is regarded as one 
of the best improved and most valuable pieces of 
property in the county. About half of the acre- 
age is tilled, and the rest is in tame grass, affording 
pasturage and feed for a very fine flock of thor- 
ouglibred Merino sheep, which belong to Mr. 
Arnold, for the cattle v^^ith which the place is well 
stocked and for the sheep which are bought and 
fed for market. During his first ten years' resi- 
dence in tliis State, our subject carried on an ex- 
tensive business in buying and shipping cattle, but 
more recently has given his attention to the breed- 
ing of Merino sheep and Poland-China hogs. 

The marriage of Mr. Arnold took place in the 
j-ear 1861, his chosen companion being Miss Jen- 
nie Tremper, a cultured and noble-hearted lady, 
who was born in Wayne County, N. Y., May 4, 
1842, and is the youngest in a family of four chil- 
dren. Her parents were Jacob and Dorcas Tremper, 
natives of tiie same county as herself. The mother 
died in the year 1859, and the father survived her 
until 1878. To the Hon. Mr. Arnold and his 
wife ten children have been born, three of whom 
have been removed from them by the hand of 
death. The survivors are: Frank W., Hattie, 
Augusta C, Robert L., Deane C, Katie M. and 
Jennie P. The first four-named are married, and 
the first two live in Seattle, Wash. Augusta C. is 
the wife of the Rev. W. C. Wheeler, of Wabaun- 
see County. The rest are living in this pLace. The 
four oldest chililren are graduates of Washburn 
College, Topeka, and Deane C. is now a student in 
the same place. The 3'oungcr members of the fam- 
ily will be given equally good advantages and 
fitted for useful lives. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



293 



The Hon. Mr. Arnold has served on the Town- 
ship Board for ten years, and has also been identi- 
fied with the School Board. Lie was elected 
Justice of the Peace, but never qualified for the 
oflice. He is a strong advocate of temperance, 
following the example of his father, who was a 
standi temperance man when it was odious to be 
sue!) in the community in which he lived. Mr. 
Arnold has always lieen a Republican. He cast 
liis first Presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln, 
and has voted for every Republican nominee since 
then. He and his wife, and all the children except 
the two 3-oungest, are members of the Congrega- 
tional Chinch, in which he is Trustee and Treas- 
urer. For sixteen years Mr. Arnold has been a 
teacher iu the home Sunday-school, and all the 
family are active in Sunday-school work. 



^ 



E 



I ZEKIEL HARRIS. Among the prominent 
and successful faimers of Pottawatomie 
lt~^ County, tiie above-named gentleman de- 
serves mention as a man of enterprise, industry and 
excellent moral character. He is engaged in grain 
and stock raising, on section 3C, Blue Valle}' Town- 
ship, where he owns 280 acres of land, which is 
intelligently cultivated and bears excellent improve- 
ments, these including a well-built house, barn, 
windmill, and other conveniences fcr the work 
which is carried on upon the estate, and an excel- 
lent orchard and vineyard. 

The father of our subject is George ILarris, who 
was born in Kent, England, Aug. 21, 1820, and 
came to Pennsylvania in 1841, following farming 
in Alleghany County for over thirtj' j-ears. In 
1872 he removed from the Keystone State to Kan- 
sas, locating on a farm of 120 acres in the same 
section where his son Ezekiel lives, on which well- 
improved farm he now makes his home. His wife 
was, in her maidenhood, Miss Elizabeth Dodd, and 
was also born in Kent, coming to America witii 
her father, George Dodd, who farmed in Pennsyl- 
vania until his death. The parental family con- 
sists of George W., a farmer in Green Townsliip; 
him of whom we write; Mrs. Sarah A. Springer, of 
Green Township; ^Mar^-, wlio died in 1881; Al- 



bert, living in Washington; Stephen, who is en- 
gaged in farming in Blue \'alley Township; Mrs. 
Elizabeth Shaw, of^ Green Township; Henrj% wlio 
is still living at home; Emma J., Mrs. Elmer Glunt. 
living in Green Township; Charles, of Washing- 
ton ; and Cassie B., at home. The paternal grand- 
father of our subject bore the same name as his 
father — George — and came to America from Eng- 
land, engaging in farming in Alleghany County, 
Pa., until his death in 188-1, he having reached the 
age of eighty-two years. 

Ezekiel Harris was liorn near Alleghany City, 
Pa., Oct. 9, 1817, and was reared on his father's 
farm within two miles of the Alleghany River, re- 
ceiving the educational advantages to be obtained 
in the common schools as long as he remained un- 
der the parental roof. At the age of sixteen he 
was apprenticed at grist milling, and after serving 
three years ran the mill on shares till the spring of 
1870, when he was obliged to]abandon that occupa- 
tion on account of ill health. He then came to 
Manhattan, Kan., whence he walked to the home ( f 
his uncle, William Skinner, seventeen miles north 
of the city. During the summer he worked for 
his uncle, and in the fall purchased I 20 acres of his 
present estate, upon which he began making im- 
provements. In 1872 he engaged as engineer at 
Winkler's Mill, on Fancy Creek, continuing so em- 
ployed till the spring of 1874, when he returned to 
his farm. He was just in time to be eaten out by 
grasshoppers, but persevered in spite of discour- 
agements, and has made the improvements before 
noted upon his place, purchasing an additional 
160 acres on section 31. 

In Manhattan, April 11, 1873. Mr. Hai'ris was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Ivnipe, a native 
of Indiana. She departed this life in 1881, haviii" 
borne her husband four children : Maud, Lucy A.. 
Elmer and Mary E. In Green Township, in April, 
1888, Mr. Harris contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance, the l)ride being jNIiss Emily Ilaworth, who 
was born in England. 

Mr. Harris is interested in the develoi)ment of 
the physical resources of the count3-, and its educa- 
tional and moral elevation, and for iiis public 
spirit as well as his personal intelligence and char- 
acter, he is lield in good repute b^' his fell jw citi- 



294 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



zens. At present he is filling the position of School 
Treasurer, in which lie has served for six years. 
He has also been Supervisor of Roads. He is an 
active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Garrison, is now Steward, and has been Trustee 
and Assistant Superintendent of the Sund.ay-school, 
and also served on the Building Committee. He 
is a straight Republican. 

^^OBIAS NECKELM AN, began his residence 
in Kansas in 185G, when he pre empted the 
southwest quarter of section 3, in Blue 
Township, Pottawatomie County, which is still his 
home. The life of Mr. Neckelman has been full 
of interest and adventure and many an interesting 
tale can he tell, not only of the scenes of frontier 
life, but of events which he witnessed or partici- 
pated in during eighteen years of seafaring life. 
Though now almost four-score years old, his men- 
tal faculties are unimpaired and his physical activity 
is equal to that of many a man a quarter of a cen- 
turj' 3'ounger. His fine estate is now one of the 
best cultivated, as well as one of the best equipped 
in the entire count}-, although at the date of his 
settlement upon it, it was Ijare and primitive prairie, 
its onlv attractive feature being its pleasant location. 
It is three and a half miles northeast of Manhat- 
tan, and its value is increased bj- its proximity to 
Elbow Creek, which affords abundant water for 
stock and fertilizes the broad fields. The residence 
is finely located and is a well designed, commodi- 
ous and attractive two-story frame edifice, well 
furnished and managed in a way which does credit 
to the housewifely skill of her who presides over 
it. Adjacent is an excellent barn and all needful 
sheds, granaries, etc., also fruit and shade trees, 
contribute to the beaut}' and prosperous appearance 
of the place. 

Mr. Kcckelman is a native of Jutland, Denmark, 
where his eyes first opened to the light Jul}' 19, 
1812. His parents were John F., and Anna Chris- 
tian (Barry) Neckelman. His paternal grandfather 
was in the service of the British army for a num- 
ber of j'ears, having the rank of General and do- 
ing good service in the wars of the middle and 



latter parts of the seventeenth century. The fa- 
ther was a captain in the Danish army, serving 
during the Napoleonic wars. 

Tobias took to the sea early in life and in 1826 
was a sailor on board the '• St. Valeria," a Danish 
merchantman which was wrecked off the coast of 
France. She had taken a cargo of sheep pelts to 
Bordeaux and was bound for Hamburg with a cargo 
of wine. Mr. Neckelman escaped with others of 
the crew and in 1827 emigrated to America, land- 
ing in Boston. Soon after his arrival he entered 
the merchant marine service and was for a time be- 
fore the mast. Subsequently he was ))romoted to a 
second officer and later he served in this capacit}- 
on the " Norman " of Bosion. He also served 
three years in the United States Navy, a part of 
the time under Commodore Stockton who was then 
holding a First Lieutenant's commission. 

The seafaring life of Mr. Neckelman took him 
to the east coast of Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico. 
In Rio Janeiro he saw the latel}- deposed Emperor, 
Dom Pedro, who was then a boj'. While in the 
navy he served on the ships " Warren " and •• Pea- 
cock " and was on the former in New Orleans when 
President Jackfon was received on board. He was 
upon the site of Galveston, Tex., before that citj' 
had existence. After eighteen years spent as a 
sailor he left the sea in 1841, becoming a mate on 
a Mississippi River steamboat. He followed steam- 
boating ten years then settled in New Orleans and 
went into the grocery business. He was thus oc- 
cupied from 1845 to 1856 when, selling out, he 
came to Kansas of which he has since been a resi- 
dent. He is now numbered among its most highly 
respected and enterprising citizens and has abun- 
dant faith in the future of the Sunflower State. 

;ILLIAM B. PRICE. Since the year 1872. 
this gentleman has been a resident of Kan- 
sas, and with the exception of ten months 
during the jear 1888. which was spent in McPlier- 
son County, his home has been on section 11, 
Louisville Township, Pottawatomie County, where 
he owns 360 acres of improved land, and is engaged 
in farming ninety acres of the same, and in raising 



U 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



295 



horses, cattle, and hogs. He has served his fellow- 
citizens in several offices, and is looked up to as a 
man of strict morality, good judgment, and friendly 
nature. Mr. Price belongs to old Virginian fami- 
lies in both lines of descent, and his own birth took 
place in Berkeley County, in the Old Dominion. 
His father was Jacob Price, and his mother. Mary 
Gehr. who were married in their native .State, and 
lived tliere until the death of the mother, which 
.s.ad event occurred in 1849. The father subse- 
quently married Miss Salome Duboel. who is now 
living in Carroll County. Ill . and has been a widow- 
since 1870. Three of the children born to .I.acob 
and Marv (Gehr) Price, grew to maturity, our 
subject being the youngest. 

The gentleman of whom we write, opened his 
eyes to the light Maj^ 19, 1847, and received a 
common-school education in his native State, be- 
ginning life for himself at the age of nineteen 
years, on a farm in Illinois. After being engaged 
in .agricultural pursuits for three j-ears, he entered 
into the mercantile business at Lanark, but a year 
later closed out and returned to the farm, since 
which time he has devoted bis attention continu- 
ously to agricultural employments. ^Yhen in 1872, 
he came to this State, he purchased the farm which 
he still owns, upon which there were some improve- 
ments, and which had formerlj- been a part of the 
Pott.awatomie Reservation. The estate has been 
more thoroughly improved, and is a valuable and 
attractive piece of property. 

The most important step in the life of Mr. Price, 
was taken Oct. 27, 1870, when he became the hus- 
band of Miss Mary A. Lemen. This lady is also a 
descendant from Old Virginian families, and pos- 
sesses a most excellent education, combined with 
many sterling qualities of character, and domestic 
accomplishments. Her parents. Robert and Sallie 
(Light) Lemen, were married in their native State, 
and during their entire married life, lived in the 
house which they entered immediately after their 
wedding. Mrs. Lemen departed this life in 1884, 
and her husband still survives, his age now being 
seventy-four j-ears. Mrs. Price was the sixth of 
the nine children born to them, and opened her eyes 
to the light April 27, 1847. Her eductition w.as 
completed b5*an attendance of two years in tlie 



AVestern Maryland Female College. She has borne 
her husband three children: Daisy L.. was born 
Aug. 8, 1871. and has alreadj- spent one 3"ear in 
McPherson College: .Sallie G. was born May 9, 
1876, and Walter M.. March 30, 1879. It is the 
design of the parents to give their children the 
best advantages in the vray of education, and such 
home and moral tr.aining as shall fit them for use- 
ful and honorable lives. 

Mr. Price is conservative in his political views, 
and affiliates with the Republican party. He has 
served with credit in the offices of Justice of the 
Peace, and Township Trustee, and for nine j'ears 
has been a member of the School Board in District 
No. 42. He belongs to the German Baptist Church. 



-I-+ 



i~i^ 



=*HOMAS DOWNEY, a merch.ant, f.armer.and 
fft<^\ stockman of Clear Creek Township, is a son 
of the well-known Patrick Downey, and his 
wife, Elizabeth Phelen. The latter were natives of 
Ireliind, and emigrated to the United States in 1851. 
Patrick Downey died in Knox County, 111., in 1865, 
at the age of sixty-three years. The mother sub- 
sequentlj- came to Kansas, and died in 1868, at an 
advanced age. They were people of limited means, 
but honest, industrious, and greatlj' devoted to 
their family. They had eleven chiMren, of whom 
Thomas was the seventh in order of birth. 

The subject of this sketch first opened his eyes to 
the light in the Province of .Stratford, Canada, Feb. 
16, 1845. He was six j-ears old when his parents re- 
moved to the States, and was mainly reared in Oak- 
land, Mich., and Knox Countj-, HI. He came to Kan- 
sas when a young man of nineteen yeai-s, in Octo- 
ber. 1866, stopping first in Marshall County. Two 
years later he returned to Knox Count3-, 111., and 
was married in January, 1869. to Miss Margaret 
Reddington. of that count3-. 

In the spring of 1873, Mr. Downey returned to 
the Sunflower State, and settling in Pottawatomie 
County, homesteaded the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 22, Clear Creek Towuship, which he yet owns. 
Since that time he has been engaged continuously 
in farming, and of late years has been largelj' in- 
terested in stock-raising, making a specialty of 



296 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



draft horses. In 1879 he engaged in mercantile 
pursuits in tiie town of Blaine, as senior member of 
the firm of Downey & Cox. The business is still 
conducted bj' them, and is the oldest enterprise of 
the kind in the pLace. 

In politics, Mr. Downe3' is what might be termed 
a liberal Democrat, and he has been placed in vari- 
ous positions of responsibility. He was Treasurer 
of Clear Creek Townsiiip, from 1882 to 1886, and 
was Township Trustee from 1886 -to 1888, being 
each time elected on the people's ticket, and espec- 
iallj' chosen on account of his recognized fitness for 
the place. To Mr. and Mrs. Downe}' there has been 
born an intelligent familj' of children, ten in num- 
ber, who be,ar the names of Henrj', Mar}^ Ellen, 
Thomas, Joseph, the first; Joseph, Dennis, Margret, 
Leo, and Gertrude. Joseph the first died at the 
age of eighteen months. Mr. Downey is looked 
upon as a public-spirited, intelligent citizen, honest 
and straightforward in his dealings, and a man pos- 
sessing tlie entire confidence of all with whom he 
has dealings. He has considerable property in and 
around the town of Blaine, including a half-inter- 
est in the Commercial Hotel. 



JOHN E. HOLM, senior member of the Srm 
of J. E. Holm (fe Bros., dealers in lum- 
ber, etc., is a man well-to-do, and prominent 
in his community, and has been uniformly 
prosperous in his enterprises. He owns 336 acres 
of good land in Blue Valley Township, and resides 
on section 26. A sketch of his ancestrj' will be 
found in the biography of Charles A. Holm, on an- 
otlier page in this volume. 

Mr. Holm was born in Erbro Lan. Sweden, June 
10, 1859, and when nine years old, accompanied his 
parents to America. Landing in New York Citj% 
they proceeded thence westward to Kansas, settling 
on a tract of land in Blue Vallej^ Township, at a 
time when the oiJen prairie abounded in wild game, 
and when their neighbors were few and far be- 
tween. Young Holm was required to make him- 
self useful at an early age, and when a boj- of ten. 



drove the oxen for a breaking plow. His educa- 
tion is self-acquired, he having only attended the 
public school about four months altogether. He 
was occupied in farming, and helping his father 
until a youth of sixteen years, then commenced 
operating a threshing machine, which he continued 
for eight seasons. He worked for his father until 
reaching his majority. During the winter of 1882- 
83, desirous of a further knowledge of general 
business, he attended Pond's Business College at 
Topeka, from which he was graduated in the spring 
of the latter year, louring the spring of 1882. he 
purchased a well-drill which he operated, and en- 
gaged in the pump business in partnership with his 
brother Charles A., and in which they were very 
suc,cessful, doing a large business in pumps and 
windmills. 

Mr. Holm, in 1884, purchased the farm which he 
now owns, and which he has largely devoted to 
stock-raising, employing men to do the work. In 
1886, he, in company with his brother, purchased 
the lumber yard, which Uiey are now operating, and 
another, consolidating the two and enlarging the 
stock and buildings. They have one of the largest 
j-ards in the county, of which Charles A. is the 
manager, while John E. gives his attention to the 
pump business. Upon his farm he has effected 
first-class improvements, having a good house, 
barns, a windmill and tanks, an orchard and groves, 
the whole lying only about one-half mile from 01s- 
burg. In addition to this he operates other land, 
farming in all 500 acres. He raises large quanti- 
ties of corn, which is fed mostly to his live stock, 
of which he ships from two to three car-loads each 
year. He is likewise interested in fine horses, and 
a stock holder and cashier of the Olsbnrg Percheron 
Horse Company. 

Mr. Holm was married in Blue A'alley Township, 
Jan. 30. 1 887, to Miss Huldah Johnson, who was 
born in Sweden, in 1866, They have one child, a 
daughter, Mabel, Mr. Holm, politically, is a sound 
Republican, active in his party, and is frequentl}' 
sent as a delegate to the count}' conventions. He 
is one of the most enterprising young men of his 
township, and in its growth and development forms 
no unimportant factor. He was the prime mover 
in erecting the Methodist Jipiscopal Church at 01s- 




T^ETSl D£ NCE OF J.il.h\rOLM,SEcX(=- BlUeA/aLLEYTr "POTTAWATOMIE Q Q. KAN 



•S- 



\3 ■>•--' 




Farm Residence of Harrison Shehi.5ec. 21. Spring CreekTr.Pottawatomie Co. Kan. 







Res. of Joseph'WelckSec.^G^^ellevueTp Pottawatomie Co. Kan 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



299 



bnrg, and had a great deal to do with collecting 
uione^- for the same. 

We direct the attention of the reader to a litho- 
graphic engraving of the residence of our subject 
with its surroundings. 

T OSEPH WELCH. In 1848, during the Ter- 
ritorial days of Kansas, Mr. Welch first set 
foot upon its soil when a lad of fourteen 
(^^/ years. At tiiat time he was a resident of 
Shawnee Count}- until 1853. That year he went to 
Wisconsin, but in 1860 returned to Kansas and 
purchased 320 acres of land on section 26, Belvue 
Township, Pottawatomie Couutj'. There he has 
since made his honje. He is one of the prominent 
men of his community, in which he has held the 
minor oHices, and has been the uniform encourager 
of the enterprises calculated for the growth and de- 
velopment of his adopted county. He votes the 
straight Democratic ticket, and is a devout mem- 
ber of the Catholic Church. 

A native of Cook County, HI., the subject of 
this sketch was born March 16, 1834. His father, 
JMIchael P. Welch, a native of Ireland, was born in 
1806, and emigrated to the United States in 1830, 
locating in Cook County, 111. In 1853 he sought 
the Pacific Slope, and thereafter remained a resi- 
dent of California until his death, which occurred 
in 1872. Before leaving Illinois, he served in the 
Black Hawk War, and later was a Colonel in the 
Mexican War. While in California he was en- 
gaged in mining. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Elizabeth Wilmett. She was born in Michi- 
gan, and died in Kansas when sixty-three years 
old. ^er father Antoine Wilmett, was a native of 
Canada. Earlj^ in life he emigrated to Illinois, 
and subsequently removed to Council Bluffs, Iowa, 
where he spent his last days. He, too, served in 
the Black Hawk War. The parental family in- 
cluded two children only, a daughter and son, 
Catherine and Joseph, the former of whom is now 
deceased. 

^Ir. Welch received his education mostly in Ken- 
tucky, and was reared to farming pursuits. At the 



age of twenty-seven years he was married, in 1861, 
at the bride's home in St. Mary's, to Miss Mary 
Ducherni. Mrs. Welch was born in St. Joseph 
County, Mich., Nov. 12, 1845, and died when forty- 
two years old, at her home in St. Mary's. Of her 
union with our subject there were born twelve chil- 
dren, only six of whom are living, viz: Carrie, 
Mary, John, Morris, Francis, and Charles. 



^ €"-^^ ^ 




ARRISON SHEHI, familiarly calle.i '-Har- 
'' dy," is well and favoral)ly known to a large 



portion of the citizens of Spring Creek 
)j Township, and has the finest residence 
within its limits. He is one of the most extensive 
landowners of Pottawatomie County, holding the 
warrantee deed to 829 broad acres, having his 
homestead on section 21. A sketch of his family 
will be found in the biography of his brother, 
James H. Shehi, on another page in this Album. 

The youngest of six children, Harrison Shehi 
was born near Monmouth, 111., Nov. 24, 1841, and 
was reared upon his father's farm, acquiring his 
early education in the district school. Soon after the 
outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the Union 
Army, Nov. 12, 1861, as a member of Company 
E, 13th niinois Cavalry, and was mustered in at Chi- 
cago. In February following the regiment was sent 
to St. Louis, Mo., and assigned to the Army of the 
Southwest, under the command of Gen. Curtis, to 
fight bushwhackers. They met these nearly every 
day, and Mr. Shehi participated in all the battles 
and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged, 
until taking ill, the result of a sunstroke and other 
ailments, received at Helena, Ark., and was con- 
fined there in a hospital where he came near dyino-. 
He was obliged to accept his honorable discharge, 
Sept. 24, 1862, and was taken home bj' his brother, 
John, after which he was ill for several years, and 
has never fully recovered. 

Mr. Shehi was of that disposition, however, 
which would not permit him to remain idle, and 
as soon as able he put his shoulder to the wheel, 
and engaged in farming with his father until the 
latter part of the summer of 1865. On the 24th 
of August, that year, he set out for Kansas over- 



300 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lanrl witli a team and wagon, and driving twenty- 
seven head of cattle. On the 19th of September 
following, lie purchased 160 acres of his present 
farm, for which he paid §400. He put up a log 
house, hauling the necessary lumber from the river 
at a time when wild game abounded, and when the 
wagon roads were in very bad condition. He 
commenced farming in primitive style, and en- 
dured in common with his neighbors the hardships 
of life on the frontier. He invested his capital in 
additional land, and has the whole enclosed with 
substantial fencing, and 130 acres under the plow. 
For this lau<l he paid from $2.50 to 15 per acre. 
It is watered by Spring Creek, and largel}' devoted 
to grain and stock raising, Mr. Shehi making a 
specialty of high-grade Hereford cattle. At an 
early day he engaged quite extensively in buying 
and shipping, from which be realized handsome 
returns. He has sixteen bead of road horses, and 
all the buildings and machinery requisite for suc- 
cessful farming and stock-raising. The large stone 
residence was erected in 1880 at a cost of 84,000. 
It is a noticeable piece of architecture, and attracts 
the .atcention of the country around. The adjacent 
buildings are amply adapted to the shelter of stock 
and the storage of grain. 

]\Ir. Shehi was married in Aledo, Mercer Co., 
111.. Oct. 16, 1863, to Bliss Ellen Matson. Mrs. 
Shelii is a native of Sweden, and was born May 25, 
1845. She became the motiier of ten children, 
viz.: William H., Bertha G.; Margaret, who died 
in infancy; Clarissa A., who died in 1887, at the 
age of nineteen years; Estella M., Harrison S., 
Jessie L., Bertie, Merritt and George A. William 
married Bliss Ella Hendricks, and is farming on his 
father's land; Bertha is the wife of James L. Dnn- 
lop, a farmer of Spring Creek Township; the 
other children are at home with their parents. 

Mr. Shehi, politically, is a stanch supporter of 
the Republican party, and belongs to the G. A. R., 
at Irving. He lias oHiciated as Road Supervisor, 
was Townshi)) Treasurer one term, and has been 
the School Treasurer of his district several terms. 
In 1876 he attended the Centennial at Philadelphia, 
and traveled quite extensivel}' through the Eastern 
States, visiting Niagara Falls and Canada, and 
having a fine time generally. He considers the 



time and money thus spent as invested in a very 
profitable manner. A view of the home place will 
be found on another page of this work. 



-^ 



^ 



*ii^ ICHAEL FOLEY. Shrewd wit and humor 
''' ly are generousl}' blended in the character of 
* BIr. Foley, a leading farmer of Clear Creek 
Township, Pottawatomie County, and who 
has been closely identified with its material inter- 
ests since 1878. He w.as born in County Cork, Ire- 
land, in 1843. and lived there until a )-outh of 
seventeen years, acquiring his education in the 
common school, and being trained to habits of in- 
dustry and sentiments of honor. Upon coming to 
America, he sojourned for a short time in New 
York City, where he was variously employed until 
1878. That year he came to Kansas and settled 
in Clear Creek Township, purchasing the north 
half of the southwest quarter of section 15. from 
which he improved a good farm, which he still 
occui)ies. He h.as brought the land to a good state 
of cultivation, and has erected good buildings. 
The farm is eueiosed with substantial fencing, and 
there are fruit and shade trees in .addition to all 
the other appurtenances of a well-regulated estate. 
Mi'. Fole}' makes an art and a science of agriculture, 
and his fertile fields j'ield annually a comfortable 
income. In addition to his first purchase, he later 
secured the east half of the northwest quarter of 
section 15. 

BIr. Foley conies of good, thrifty Irish stock, 
bis parents having likewise been natives of County 
Cork, and descended from an old and highly re- 
spected family. John Fole^-, the father, was a 
farmer in moderate cirenmstances, and died in his 
native county, in 1867. in the seventy-fifth year 
of his age. The mother, whose maiden name was 
Joanna Riordan, also died there, in 1866. in the 
seventieth year of her age. Both parents were 
life-long communicants of the Catholic Church. 
Tlie children of the parental family were named 
respectively: Bliehael, John, Dennis, Blary, Kate, 
Blargaret and Ellen. They all lived to mature 
years, but Bliehael is the only one in America. He 
was married, in 1867, to Bliss Julia Sullivan, a na- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



301 



tive of County Cork. Ireland, and at that time a 
resident of New York Cit^y. Mr. and INIrs. Foley 
are the [larents of one child, .John .J., a promising 
young man, who still remains with them. Mr. 
Foley was the first Constable of Clear Creek Town- 
ship, and m.ade an efHcient officer. He was also 
the Clerk of School District, No. 74 for tliree years. 
In politics he is a free-trade Democrat, and in re- 
ligion a devout Catholic. 



-w^-^- 



Ir; AMES L. PRUNTY. No man stands higher 
in the business community of Wamego than 
Mr. Prunt}', who handles an immense amount 
of lumber during the year as a member of 
tlie Iron Clad Lumber Company, with which he 
became connected in the spring of 1877. He also 
has a lumber and coal yard at Lucas, Russell 
County, this State. He entered upon his business 
career at the earlj' age of eighteen years, assuming 
the position of a clerk in his fatlier's store. In 
1872 lie purchased the lumberyard of his father at 
Wamego, but two years later sold out and en- 
gaged in general merchandising at Laclede. A 
year later he removed the stock to Wamego, and 
gradually turned his attention exclusively to gro- 
ceries, being thus occupied until eng.aging in his 
present enterprise. He received only the advan- 
tages of a common-school education in his youth, 
but being possessed of more than ordinary abiiit}', 
has tlius far made of life a decided success. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was born July 18, 1847, in Platte 
County, Mo., and is the son of Leonard C. and 
Sarah (Poland) Prunty, who were natives of Vir- 
ginia. The parental household consisted of seven 
children, four of whom are living: Drusilla is the 
wife of .lacob L. Brown, of Wabaunsee County, 
and the mother of five children; David A. is a 
resident of Platte County, Mo., and is the fatiier 
of six children; James L.,is the next living 
in order of birth. John is a resident of the city of 
Wamego, and is the father of two cliildren. The 
mother departed this life at tlie home of our sub- 
ject, in Wamego, in 1880. Leonard C. Prunt}' 
went to California, where he is still living, at tlic 
age of seventy-two years. 

Mr. Prunty, in 1868, was married, in Wamego, 



to Miss Narcissa E., daughter of N. H. Clay, of 
Wamego. Mr. Clay removed from Frederick 
County, Md., to Kansas in 1867, and is now a resi- 
dent of Wamego. His daughter, Narcissa, is the 
ninth in a familj' of twelve children, and was born 
Dec. 2,5, 1850, in Frederick County, Md. Of the 
children born of her union with our subject, five 
are now living, .as follows: Mar}' A. E. was born 
Aug. 23, 1869; .Jessie G., July 4. 1875; William 
L., Sept. 10, 1877; John W., Nov. 2, 1884; Sarah 
Edna, Dec. 30, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Prunty are 
members in good standing of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, in which Mr. Prunty serves as Stew- 
ard and Trustee. He h.as been prominent in local 
affairs, serving as a member of the Cit}- Council in 
1886, and is at present Treasurer of the City 
School Board. He is likewise connected with the 
A. O. U. W., at Wamego, and has been honored 
with nearly every office within the gift of his 
lodge. He keejjs himself well posted on political 
affairs, and uniformly votes the Republican ticket. 
Mr. and Mrs. Prunty were the first couple married 
in Wamego. the ceremony being performed by the 
Rev. J. A. AVoodburn. His daughter, Marj' A., is 
the wife of Edgar Lewis, a prominent and popular 
citizen of Wamego, and who is represented else- 
where in this work. Mr. Prunty stands liigh in 
social and religious circles as well as in the busi- 
ness community. 

The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Prunty 
was .Sarah Ann Hood. She was born in Maryland, 
and is still living, being now sevent^'-three years 
old. Mr. Clay has attained to the age of seventy- 
five years, with all his facidtics preserved to a re- 
markable degree, he being very bright in mind 
and active in bod^-. 



— 4-)^«&^4+-}- 



Si I^JLLIAM A. ALLEN, one of the foremost 
\/\/f business men of Jackson County, and part 
W^ owner and cashier of the Exchange Bank 
of Holton, is prominently identified with the early 
pioneers of Kansas, and since making a [termanent 
settlement in this State, while aiding in the mak- 
ing of this prosperous commonwealth, he has 
built up a fortune for himself and family, and is 



302 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



numbered among the most substantial and wealthy- 
citizens of this section of the country. He is a 
veteran of the late war, in which he won an hon- 
orable record for faithful, brave and patriotic serv- 
ice in the cause of the Union. 

Mr. Allen was born in London, Canada, Jan. 3, 
1837, his father, Howard M. Allen, having been 
born on this side of the line, in Niagara County, 
N. Y. The paternal grandfather of our subject 
was a pioneer of that county, where he cleared a 
farm and carried on his occupation of a farmer 
many years. He removed to Lenawee County, 
Mich., and spent his last days with his son. The 
maiden name of his wife was Mary Moore. 

The father of our subject grew to a stalwart, 
vigorous manhood in the pioneer home of his par- 
ents, and learned the trade of a blacksmith in his 
native county. He went to Canada when a young 
man, and locating near London, he was a pioneer 
of that region when it was almost an uninhabited 
wilderness. He married and lived there three or 
four years, but did not like the country', and in 
1839 he recrossed the border and settled in Michi- 
gan, becoming a pioneer of Lenawee County, tak- 
ing up Government land near BlissBeld, on the 
bank of the River Raisin. He built a log house 
thereon, and energetically entered upon the hard 
task of clearing and improving his land.- The 
country was in a very wild state, the settlements 
being scattered, and deer and bears were plentiful, 
with wild turkej'S and other game, so that the pio- 
neers were not at a loss for fresh and nourishing 
meats. It was only about two years before his 
settlement there that the first railway in the State 
had been constructed. It was a primitive aiifair, 
with wooden rails and cars drawn by horses, and 
it connected Adrian, in Lenawee County, with To- 
ledo, Ohio, which for some time was the principal 
market. During his residence there Mr. Allen be- 
came quite prosperous, and besides developing a 
fine farm, erected a substantial set of frame build- 
ings, and made his liome on the old homestead till 
death called him hence, in Februar}', 1866. The 
maiden name of his wife was Catliarine Drake. 
She was born in Canada, her father, AVilliam Drake, 
a native of Scotland, being a pioneer of the Pro- 
vince of Ontario. Improving a farm near London, 



his last years were spent upon it. The mother of 
our suliject now lives with her son. Ira B., in Pot- 
tawatomie Count}', Kan. Of her eleven children 
the following grew to maturity: William A.; Mary, 
who married Charles Rayfleld, now deceased; 
Harriet, who married Jolni Tedler, and lives in 
Pottawattomie County; and Ira B., who lives in 
the same county. 

William A., of this biograghy, was two years 
old when his parents settled in Michigan, and the 
preliminaries of his education were acquired in the 
primitive log schcolhouse, iieated l)y an open fire 
in a rude fireplace, the chimne}' being built of clay 
and sticks on the outside of the building, and tlie 
seats made of slabs, with wooden pins for legs. As 
soon as he was large euougli, he was set to the 
pioneer task of cleai'ing the land and preparing 
the soil for cultivation. In those days lumber was 
valueless, and large logs that would now bring a 
good price were rolled together and burned to get 
tiiem out of the wa}'. Our subject remained with 
his parents until 185G,and then made his way, with 
his father, to the Territory of Kansas, coming as 
far as Peru, III., with a team, and after spending 
the winter in that place, proceeding on their way 
to their destination by the Illinois, Mississippi 
and Missouri rivers to Leavenworth, and thence 
through an almost unsettled countr}' to Holton. 
of which they had heard, but which they found to 
be only a town on paper, as all was open prairie 
here, with a village staked out, but a rude log 
house in the process of erection was the only visible 
sign of a habitation. It was nearly night when 
tliey arrived at tlie town site, and they kept on 
walking to secure shelter, and four miles west of 
here found a double log cabin, occupied by a Mrs. 
Cole and family, wiio allowed them to staj^ with 
them till morning, and the next day they set out 
for Soldier's Creek. The wind was blowing so 
hard that they found it very difficult to walk, so 
they returned to Mrs. Cole's shanty. About a week 
later his father returned Eastward, but our subject 
remained here, boarding the most of the time with 
Mrs. Cole. Soon he made a claim in what is now 
Liberty Township, and erecting a log cabin, he 
kept a bachelor's establishment therein a part of 
the time. Deer and wild turkeys and other game 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



303 



roamed about here and furnished him with sub- 
stantial food, and a few miles west, on the Blue 
Hiver, buffaloes were to be seen in numbers. At 
the time of his marriage, Mr. Allen located on his 
claim, and lived there until 1860. In .Tul^of that 
jear he returned to Blichigan on account of the 
state of his health, and he was there when the war 
broke out. He watched its course with intense in- 
terest, and soon as he was able took up arms in 
defence of the old flag, enlisting, .Tan. 1, 1863, 
in Company' A, 1st Michigan Light Artiller}-, and 
serving witii credit till after the close of the re- 
bellion. His regiment was with the Army of the 
Cumberland, and for most of the time did duty 
around Nashville and Chattanooga, and was hon- 
orably discharged, at Jackson, Mich., in July, 1865. 
Our subject through those trying years Iwre 
himself with characteristic fortitude, self-reliance 
and heroism, and proved to have, in a full 
measure, those traits that mark a good soldier. 
He returned to Kansas in the fall after leaving the 
army, and having sold the place he first improved, 
he bought other land in Jefferson Township. 
Building a log cabin for a dwelling for his family, 
he engaged in farming and stock-raising at that 
point until 1874. In that year he came to Holton, 
and has made his home here continuously since. 
In tiie fall of 1873 he was elected County Treas- 
urer, and so well did his .administration of the 
finances please his fellow-citizens that they re- 
elected him to that responsilile office in 1875. 
When his term expired he resumed farming, and 
carried on agricultural ]3ursuits very extensive!}' 
for four or five years, and he is still the proprie- 
tor of 1,500 acres of choice land in Pottawatomie 
County. In 1883 Mr. Allen established a bank at 
Olshurg, which is now owned and man.nged by his 
eldest son. In 1884 he bought an interest in the 
Exchange Bank, of Holton, and has otliciated as 
cashier of that institution since then. 

Mr. Allen's marriage with Miss Mary E. Patten 
was consummated July 11, 1858, and they still 
preserve the certificate, which is in the handwriting 
of the gentleman who performed the ceremony. 
Mrs. Allen is a native of Mrginia, and a daughter 
of Calvin and Maria Jane (Thornburg) Patten, na- 
tives respectively of ^'irgiuia and Tennessee. They 



were pioneers in that part of Missouri known as the 
Platte Purchase. The father died there in 1856, 
and the mother subsequently came to the Territory 
of Kansas, and was a pioneer of Jackson County. 
Elleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Allen, as follows: Emma, wife of M. W. Keller, of 
Junction City; Edward M. and William W. are en- 
gaged in the banking and real estate business in 
Olsburg; Augusta J., wife of Dr. J. S. Spangler, 
of AV'^estmorelaud ; John B., who is in the drug 
business at Westmoreland; Mary A.. George, Ida, 
Otto G., Nellie C. and Jessie. 

Mr. Allen has met with more than ordinary' suc- 
cess in life as the result of his keen, far-seeing 
judgment in regard to business matters, and the 
careful and judicious management of his affairs. 
We have seen that he has held the important office 
of County Treasurer, and so conducted the finances 
of the county as to receive the high compliment 
of re election at the hands of his fellow-citizens. 
He and his wife occupy a high position in their 
community, and by their consistent Ciiristian lives 
prove themselves worthy members of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. In his political views Mr. 
Allen is a decided Republican. 



-~vv,-»*i2i2j2,-®-5S^ i 



>»*©5NSJ/ZW2r»N»-\/v^ 



f^s^ IMEON DEARIN, the leading furniture 
^^^ dealer of Wamego, is rated as a first-class 
(il/Jl) citizen, reliable and wide-awake to the best 
interests of the community. He keeps 
abreast of the times on all questions of general in- 
terest and has contributed in no small degree to the 
building up of the town in which he has invested 
his capital and where he has s|icnt the best j-ears 
of his life. His present business building was 
erected in 1883, after Mr. Dearin had associated 
himself in partnership with Mr. August Lucke, of 
whom Mr. Dearin purchased the business a month 
prior to his decease. 

The offspring of old American stock, Mr. Dearin 
was born in La Grange, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Oct. 
23, 1835, and is the son of Simeon, Sr., and Hester 
(Vanderbilt) Dearin, likewise natives of that county 
and the father a farmer l)y occupatiiin. The par- 
ents were married in their native State and resided 



304 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



thereuntil 1848. Then emigrating to Michigan 
they located first in .Jackson County, and then re- 
moved to Lansing where they sojourned four years. 
Returning then to Jackson County they died there, 
the mother in 1853 and the father in 1861. Their 
remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Parma. 
There had been born to them ten children, six of 
whom are living. Simeon accompanied the family 
to Michigan and at the age of sixteen years began 
his apprenticeship at cabinet-making, at which he 
served four years under D. W. Buck, of Lansing. 
The trade in those days was much more arduous 
than at the present, the work all being done by 
hand. Young Dearin remained in the emploj' of 
Mr. Buck until 18.57. The following year, cross- 
ing the Mississippi, he made a trip through the 
State of Iowa and in the meantime became " dead 
broke" the first and the last time in his life. He, 
however, managed to overcome this difflculty and 
in the spring of 1857 visited his old home in New 
York State. A few months later, returning West, 
he emigrated to Kansas City, Mo., and remained 
tliere until October, 1860. Thence lie returned to 
Lansing, Mich., and began working for his old em- 
plo^'er, with whom he continued until February, 
1865. 

Next we find Mr. Dearin again in Kansas City 
wliere he remained until August of tlie year above 
mentioned, and then coming to Louisville. Kan., he 
engaged at millwrighting until the fall of 1871. 
That year, establishing himself at Wamego, he be- 
gan making contracts for work and was tlius oc- 
cupied until 1883. after which his movements have 
been already indicated. On the 1st of October, 
1860, at the bride's home in Spring Hill, Kan., Mr. 
Dearin was wedded to Miss Alice A. Stiles. Beckes 
Stiles, the father of Mrs. Dearin, came to Kansas 
about 1860 and settling in Miami Count}', engaged 
in farming. He departed this life in 1865. The 
mother survived her husband for a period of 
twenty-four years, remaining a widow and d3ing 
at the home of her son-in-law at Spring Hill, in 
1889. The household circle was com|)leted by the 
birth of nine chiklren, six of whom are living. 

Mrs. Dearin was born in Vermont, Sept. 6, 1841. 
Iler early life passed quietly and uneventfully un- 
der the home roof, she in the meantime attending 




the common school and under the instruction of a 
careful mother becoming versed in all useful house- 
hold duties. Her union with our subject resulted 
in the birth of four children, only three of whom 
are living. Carrie is the wife of S. A. Preshaw, a 
resident of Salina, this State, and they have one 
child; iMaj' and Willie are at home with their par- 
ents. Mr. Dearin votes the straight Republican 
ticket and takes a warm interest in the political 
questions of the daj'. While in Louisville he repre- 
sented his ward in the City Council and has also 
been an Alderman in AYamego. He keeps himself 
posted upon the leading topics of the da}' and is in 
sympathy with the A. O. U. W., of which he is an 
honored member. 



'^•*<^^-^ttt^^-*^ «- 



i, ROF. E. J. HOENSHEL, A. M., President 
of Campbell University, Holton, a man 
of great native talent and marked force of 
character, is winning for himself an honor- 
able place among the leading educato.'"s of Kansas 
altLough he has been a resident of this State but a 
short time. Under his able and vigorous manage- 
ment, the University is growing in power and is 
yearly increasing its enrollment of i)U|)ils anxious 
to take advantage of its fine and well selected 
courses of studj-, and it is justly recognized as one 
of the best of our normal institutions in this part 
of the West. 

The birthplace of our subject was in Westmore- 
land County, Pa., and Oct. 24, 1846, the date of his 
birth. His father, George Hoenshel, and his grand- 
father, John Hoenshel, were n.atives of the same 
county, the latter being of German parentage, and 
spending his entire life where he was born, in his 
manliood engaging in agricultural pursuits. He 
and his wife were devoted Christians and devout 
members of the Lutheran Chui'ch, and reared their 
children in that faith. Her maiden name was Su- 
sanna Hartman, and she was also of German parent- 
age, and was a native of Westmoreland County. 

Tiie f.ather of our subject was l)red to the life of 
a farmer, and devoted his time principally to that 
occup.ation, although he also learned the carpen- 
ter's trade and was frequently engaged at that. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



305 



is a veteran of the late war, in which he served 
with credit for nine months as a member of Com- 
pany F, ICSth Pennsylvania Infantry. He is still 
an honored resident of the county of his nativity. 
The maiden name of his wife was Mary Smulz, and 
slie was a native of Fayette County, Pa. Her fa- 
ther, David Sniutz, was born in Maryland of pure 
German ancestry. He removed to Fayette County, 
Pa., and followed agriculUue there. Mrs. Iloenshel 
is a Free Will Baptist, liaving been brouglit up in 
that belief. 

Prof. Hocnshel is the eldest of twelve children. 
In his earl>' years he assisted his fatlier in the labors 
of the farm when he was not laying the foundation 
of his education in the district school, where he 
pursued his studies diligently. An ambitious, self- 
reliant lad, at the age of seventeen years he went 
out into the world to see something of life and to 
fight its battles alone and unaided from that time 
forth. He walked from his home in Westmoreland 
County to Coshocton County, Ohio, a distance of 
many miles, and there sought and found employ- 
ment on a farm, and in winter attended school. In 
the sining of 1865 he went to Grundy County, 
III., and worked as a farm laborer that summer, 
and in the winter of 18Gr)-'6G utilized his education 
by teaching a district school. He still continued 
his studies, and in June, 18G6, went to Ilillsboro, 
Henry Co., Iowa, and attended an excellent school 
there two months. After that he worked on a farm 
till fall, and then taught school one year in Van 
Burcn County. In the fall of 18G7 he returned 
to his native Pennsylvania, and was engaged in 
teaching in Westmoreland County one year. At 
the expiration of that time he again made his way 
to Iowa, and in the fall became a student in the 
Home Academy, at Mt. Pleasant, taught by Prof. 
S. L. Howe. He pursued a fijic course of study, by 
which he w.as greatly benefited during his three 
months' stay in that institution. He then accepted 
the position of Principal of the City Schools of 
Birmingham, Iowa, remaining there three years, in- 
troiUicing many excellent methods of leaching, 
and leaving a favorable impression as a progressive 
educator. At the expiration of that time he was 
called to a similar position as Superintendent of 
the City Schools of Augusta, 111., which otlice he 



held five years, doing good and conscientious work, 
and giving general satisfaction to all concerned. 
From there he went to Tuscola, III, and was Su- 
perintendent of City Schools there three years, and 
then served in the same capacity in Charleston, 111., 
for nine years. He received the degree of A. M. 
pro merito from the Illinois Wesleyan University in 
1877. 

During his entire experience at the head of these 
various schools, Prof. Iloenshel was an earnest stu- 
dent of the best methods of instruction as pro- 
mulgated by our most learned educators, and kept 
fully abreast of the times in all literary matters, 
and thus when he came to Kansas in 1888 he was 
ampl}^ fitted for the responsible and high office that 
he then took upon himself as the head of an insti- 
tution maintained for the purposes for which 
Campbell University was founded. He leased the 
university for a period of nineteen years and im- 
mediately entered upon its management. Ever a 
diligent and enthusiastic student himself, the Pro- 
fessor is eminently gifted with the rare talent of 
drawing out what is best in his pupils, exciting 
their interest in their studies, and his influence has 
inspired and strengthened many in their efforts for 
better culture. His executive ability is well illus- 
trated by what he has done to raise the standard of 
the University, and bring to it so large a number 
of bright scholars. 

In this connection a few words in regard to tiie 
school and its work will not be inappropriate. 
Campbell University opened Sept. 1, 1882, with 
thirty-two students. Last year the enrollment 
reached 518, and the facilities for learning have 
been greatly augmented. It has no endowment, 
receives no assistance from church or State, but 
depends entirely on tuition fees for success. It must 
do good work or fail. And we will venture to as- 
sert that under Prof." Hoenshel's wise tactics and 
wholesome rule it cannot but succeed. It has a full 
corps of competent instructors in every depart- 
ment of learning, and the courses of study aie 
longer and more thorough than those of any other 
Normal School in the United States, and the institu- 
tion is empowered to confer all the usual acade- 
mic and collegiate degrees. All the v.arious branches 
that constitute a liberal education are taught 



306 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



within its walls, and while the classics, arts and 
sciences receive due shave of attention, the students 
are thorouo;hly instructed in the common English 
studies and in all that goes to tit one for a business 
life. 

Prof. Hoenshel and Miss Abbie Moss were uni- 
ted in marriage in 1872, and three children have 
been born to them : George, Ernest and Charles L. 
Mrs. Hoenshel is a native of Birmingham, Iowa, 
and a daughter of Charles L. and Anna (Barnes) 
Moss. The name is spelled by other members of 
the famil}-, Morse, and they have a common ancestrj- 
with Prof. Morse, the great inventor of telegraphj-. 
The Professor and his wife are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, he having connected 
himself with that denomination in 1870, and they 
have the religious welfare of the community at 
heart. 



commun 




full quota to the population and develop- 
ment of the Great West. Her sons have been found 
almost uniformly thrifty and industrious, and some 
of the finest farms in Pottawatomie County have 
been opened up by them from the primitive soil. 
The subject of this sketch, one of the leading farm- 
ers of Clear Creek Township, was born in County 
Kerry, Jan. 18, 184,5, and is the son of Mortimer 
and Ellen (Carroll) O'Conner. The father was 
likewise a native of County Kerry, and was for 
many years engaged successfuUj' as a merchant in 
the old country. He came to America in 1878, 
and settled in Kansas with his son, our subject, and 
died in Pottawatomie County in 1888, in the sixty- 
eighth year of his age. The mother is still living, 
and makes her home with her son Thomas. 

The parents of Mr. O'Conner had a family of 
six children, only two of whom are living — Mary, 
the wife of Daniel Heffarman, of Peabody, Mass., 
and Thomas, our subject. The latter was eighteen 
years old when emigrating to America, and settled 
in Peabod^'^, Mass., where for fifteen years he was 
engaged in teaming and as a currier. In the mean- 
time he was married, and Laving become the head 



of a family was anxious to provide for his chil- 
dren in a manner better than he could do in the 
older States. Accordingly, in 1878, he set out for 
Kansas, and upon his arrival in Pottawatomie 
Count}', purchased the west half of the northeast 
quarter of section 21, in Clear Creek Township, 
whereon he has effected the usual improvements, 
and of which he still retains possession. He has a 
good story and a half house, a large barn, and the 
other necessary buildings. Most of the land h.is 
been brought to a [good state of cultivation, and 
besides this Mr. O'Conner owns eighty acres else- 
where on the same section, and the same amount 
on section 22. He keeps large numbers of live 
slock, and is usually successful as a grain-raiser, 
and with other crops. 

Mr. O'Conner was married, in Peabody, Mass., 
in June, 1872, to Miss Honora Cummings. Mrs. 
O'Conner is likewise a native of Count}' Kerry, 
Ireland, and is now the mother of nine children, 
viz. : Nellie, Mortimer, Richard, Honora, Thomas, 
Mary. John, Edward and Bessie. Mr. O'Conner 
takes an active interest in the establishment and 
maintenance of schools, and is Clerk of the Board 
in District No. 74. Both he and his estimable wife 
are devout members of the Catliolic Church. They 
have pleasant home surroundings, and are held in 
high esteem by their neighbors. 



T^ir^- 




ANIEL MILLER. The farm property of 
\\ JNIr. Miller, who is a first-class agricultur- 



ist, comprises 300 acres of [choice land, 
finel}' located on section 13, Franklin 
Township. Here he has expended much time, 
labor and hard cash in bringing the soil to a good 
state of cultivation, and erecting the necessar}' 
buildings. He has always had abundant faith in 
the future of Kansas, and while man}' liave been 
coming and going, he has maintained his residence 
here since the spring of 1870, and appearances 
would indicate that he has put in his time to good 
advantage. 

Mr. Miller was born in Muskingum C'ouniy, 
Ohio, March 18, 1830. He spent the years of his 
childhood and youth in the place of his birth, ac- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



307 



quiring liis education in the district school, and 
becoming familiar with farming pursuits. Daring 
the Civil War be was a member of Company E, 
ICOth Ohio Infantry, with the 100-days" men, l)ut 
was never called into active service. 

After the close of the war Mr. Jliller, leaving 
Ohio, crossed the Mississippi into Iowa County, 
Iowa, where he engaged in farming five years. 
>Ye next find him located on a part of the land 
which he now owns and occupies. He brought 
with him his wife and famil.y, having been married, 
in Muskingum County, Ohio. Oct. 1, 1857, to Miss 
Keziah Bradford. This lady became the mother 
of elevmi children, and departed this life at her 
home in Franklin Townsliip, in August, 1883. The 
sons and daughter of Mr. Miller are named re- 
spectively : William D., Mary E., John W., jMaria, 
Susan M., Charles W., Martha J., Kva M. and 
Harry V. Two died in infancy. 

The present wife of our subject, to whom he 
was married in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1884, 
was formerly Miss Nancy E. Underwood. She was 
born Feb. 8, 1855, in Ohio, and is the daughter of 
Lewis and Lucy A. Underwood, the mother being 
deceased. Of this union there has been born one 
child — Alice M. Mr. Miller, politically, is a 
straight Republican, and belongs to the Baptist 
Church. 

— -m^i- — ' 

^^EOKGE MOIILER. The city of St. Mary's 
[|[ ,— J is noticeable for its large number of stirring 
'^iSl business men in the prime of life, man}' of 
them having scared}' attained to the age of forty 
years. They have been almost uniformly the sons 
of self-made men, who in their youth were trained 
to habits of industry and imbued with those princi- 
ples of honor which have made of them solid 
building stones in the social structure, and inti- 
mately identified with the growth and prosperity 
of the place which they have chosen for their home 
and the investment of their capital. 

Mr. Mohler was born in Cumberland Conntj^, 
Pa., Nov. 28, 1849, in the vicinity of Boiling 
Springs, where he lived until a youth of eighteen 
years. In the meantime he attended the common 
school, mostly during the winter season, and when 



forming his plans for the future he finally decided 
to seek a country beyond tha Mississippi. Accord- 
ingly, in 1868, he came to Kansas, sojourning tlie 
first year in Topekaand employing himself at what- 
ever he could find to do. In April, 1868, he 
changed the held of his operations to St. Mary's, 
and after working in a Inmbei'-yard one month se- 
cured a job as general liel])er at the depot. He 
saved what he could of his earnings, and a year 
later purchased a team of cheap horses and a dray, 
and did general hauling for about four years. He 
then sold out the business which he had thus built 
up, and renting the toll-bridge across the Kaw 
River, attended to the business connected therewith 
about two years. 

At the expiration of this time Mr. Mohler re- 
turned to St. Mary's and opened up a little grocery 
store. Two years later he admitted a partner to 
the business, and they put in a slock of general 
merchandise, continuing together in trade about 
four years. Tlie partner, Mr. A. B. Pool, in the 
meantime had purchased a ranch of 300 acres in 
Kaw Township, A^abaunsee County, and the two 
dissolved partnership, Mr. Mohler taking the ranch 
and Mr. Pool the stock of merchandise. 

Mr. Mohler now removed to the ranch and 
lived there five years, dealing chiefly in cattle. In 
November, 1885, he returned to St. Mary's and 
purchased a stock of groceries, re-entering the 
marts of trade, in which he continued until Janu- 
uary, 1888. Tiicn selling out he purchased his 
present business, and lias since dealt extensively in 
dry-goods, clothing and general merchandise of 
this description. He carries a stock of from 
110,000 to $12,000, and is in tlie enjoyment of a 
lucrative trade. He still owns the ranch, which is 
now well improved, having upon it three frame 
houses, together with other necessary buildings 
and tlie requisite farm machinery. It is consid- 
ered one of the finest estates in this part of Kans.is. 
Mr. Mohler has been prominent in local affairs, 
serving as Township Assessor two terms, and he 
has also been a member of the City Council. In 
politics he supports the principles of the Republi- 
can party. 

The 8th of September, 1875, marked an interest- 
ing period in the life of Mr. Mohler, as he was at 



308 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



that date married in Pottawatomie County, to Miss 
Mary E., daugiiter of Hyniaii and Catheriue 
(Funk) Hallock. Mrs. Mohler was born in Story 
Count}-, Iowa, in 1853, and lier parents were na- 
tives respeetivel}' of Madison Count}% Oliio. and 
the vioinity of Baltimore, Md. The mother re- 
moved with her jjarents to the Buekeye State when 
a mere child. She was the daughter of Henry and 
Harriet E. (Smice) Funk, who after the marriage 
of their daughter in Ohio, removed first to Illinois, 
and from there to Iowa. In 18G8 they came to 
Kansas, and the father homesteaded a tract of land 
in Lincoln Township. Pottawatomie County, where 
he opened up a good farm, where he and his wife 
still live. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. 
Mohler came to Kansas quite late in life, and died 
when ripe in years. 

To Mr. and Jlrs. Mohler there have been born 
seven children — George W., Lillian F., Selby H., 
Henry S., Lulu J., Norton H., and Jessie D. (the 
latter of whom died when ten months old). Mr. 
Mohler is a member in good standing of Pottawat- 
omie Lodge, No. i)-2. A. F. & A. M., while he and 
his estimable wife belong to the Congregational 
Church. 

— — ^ • >M:N< - < ■ - — 




l\ ICHAEL HOFERER, a wealthy and in- 
1^ fluential resident of Pottawatomie County 
I' and occupant of one of the finest residen- 
ces in Wamego Township, was an active 
participant in the tr3Mng scenes connected with the 
Anti and Pro-slavery contest which earned for 
Kansas the name of " The Bloody Ground." The 
sturd}- perseverance, habits of thrift and industry, 
and strong determination of the German character, 
are exemplified in his life, ard he has won merited 
success in the estimation of his fellow men and in 
financial prosperity. 

The father of our subject was Michael Hoferer, 
a native of Baden, Germany and a wheelwright by 
trade. His mother was Catherine (Fouchs) Hoferer, 
a native of Alsace, which was the home of tlie 
couple during their entire married lives. The 
lather died in August, 18G3, and the mother Feb. 
2, 1885. They were the parents of eight children, 



of whom our subject is the eldest. He was born 

April 8, 1828, in Alsace, and was well educated in 
both German and French. At the age of fourteen 
he began to learn the trade of a carpenter and mill- 
wrigiit, and finished the same in the Fatherland. 

AVhen about twentj^-six \-ears old, Mr. Hoferer 
determined to tr}' his fortunes in America, and 
crossing the Atlantic landed in the metropolis, 
whence he went to Ohio, in which Slate he remained 
about a j'ear. He then spent several months in 
New Orleans, returning to the Buckej^e State and 
making his home in Hamilton, Butler County, until 
February', 1857, when he became a citizen of Kan- 
sas. The da}' after lie reached Leavenworth he 
helped to elect the first Free Soil Town Council. 
He also voted for the Wyandotte Constitutional 
Convention, and iu November cast his vote against 
the Lecompton Convention. During all the bor- 
der troubles he was a partisan of the .A.ntislavery 
side, and to the best of his abilit}- served the cause 
of freedom. He made one of a part}' of about 
twenty-five men who went to Kickapoo and cap- 
tured a cannon, which they brought back to 
I,eavenworth. 

After spending about two years and a half in 
Leavenworth, Mr. Hoferer came to this county and 
settled on a piece of Government land which is 
now owned by Mr. Schotz. But four white fam- 
ilies were then settled near AYamego, and the Pot- 
tawatomie Indians at that time and for several 
years following lived here. In the fall of 1861, 
Mr. Hoferer moved to the place which he now oc- 
cupies on section 1, where he owns 435 .acres of 
finely improved land. Of this acreage. 380 is un- 
der the plow and seventy of the same is devoted to 
the r.aising of wheat. Mr. Hoferer has twenty-two 
horses, 110 head of cattle and forty head of hogs 
at this writing. His beautiful residence was built 
in 1886 at a cost of $2,000, and the other buildings 
upon the estate include all necessary outhouses, 
well built and sufficiently commodious. 

The first marriage of our subject took place Sept. 
5. 1861. the bride being Miss JIary Derosier, a na- 
tive of this Territory and one of the Pottawatomie 
maidens, who had been well educated and trained 
to tiie arts of civilization at St. Mary's Mission 
Schools. Upon his marriage Mr. Hoferer was 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



30!) 



adopterl into the tribe, and Ihroiigh his wife he and 
ills children became entitled to land in the Indian 
Teiiitoi'i', 1200 acres now being held bj' them. 
Mrs. Hoferer died in November, 1869, having 
borne her husband three children. Michael J. en- 
tered the priesthood of the Catholic Church and is 
now a teacher in Marquette College at Milwaukee, 
Wis. Mar}- is the wife of Frank Schrooffer, and 
lives east of Wamego; their family' comprises four 
children. Catherine is the wife of Gerald Caruth- 
crs and their home is in .San Antonio, Tex. 

The second matrimonial alliance of Mr. Hoferer 
was consummated Feb. 6, 1871, and the bride was 
Miss Barbara Schroeffer, a native of Austria, where 
her e^-es opened to the light Feb. 6, 1848. This 
estimable lady acquired a good education in the 
common schools. The union lias resulted in the 
Ijirth of five children: Annie. August, Charles, 
Carolina and Aloyse. 

Both Jlr. Hoferer and his present wife are mem- 
bers of the Catholic Church. Mr. Hoferer is now 
a director of School District No. 79, and has been 
connected with the School Board for many years. 
He has always taken a great interest in politics and 
from being a Free Soiler during his early citizen- 
ship in the United States, was for manj- years iden- 
tified with the Republican party. At present he is 
a strong advocate of the platform of the Union 
Labor party. 

9^^^^ 



MARTIN THOMPSON. A visit to St. 
Mary's, Pottawatomie Count}-, and a trip 
through its business establishments, shows 
much to admire in buildings, stock and 
man.agement, and the business enterprise of its 
citizens is noticeable and commendable. Among 
these business enterprises, none is better worthy of 
mention than the milling establishment of Messrs. 
Thompson it .Tenner. A substantiallj- constructed 
frame building, with all the modern machiner}- for 
a first-class flouring-mill, and with a capacitj- of 
about seventy barrels per da}-, is, under the excel- 
lent raanagemenl of our subject and his partner, 
being tested to its full capacity, and already prov- 
ing one of the most successful enterprises in the 
cit}-. The building w.as erected in 1889, and work 



therein Iiegun on October 4th. Mr. Thompson is 
a practical miller, having learnetl his trade in Chi- 
cago, and worked at it in that city for a number of 
years, afterward spending four years in the same 
business at Atchison, Kan., an equal length of time 
at Rosswell, and having since about the }-ear 1877 
been employed at his trade in this cit\-. 

Mr. Thompson h,as seen more of the world than 
most men, his early life being passed mostly at 
sea. and his voyages including man}- ports in var- 
ious parts of Europe and America. He was born 
on the Atlantic Ocean, about 220 miles off St. 
John's, N. S., June 26, 1839. His father, Henry 
Thompson, was from early boyhood a seafarer, 
and his wife spent much of her time at sea with 
him. At the time of the birth of our subject she 
had been on an eighteen months' voyage. The 
parental family comprised nine children, two of 
them having been born at sea — Charles and our 
subject. The mother bore the maiden name of 
of Mary O'Neal, and was a native of Hull, England, 
to which place the father retired about ten years 
years before his death, which event took place 
there Aug. 6, 1864, when he was almost eighty-nine 
years old. There the mother also died about the year 
1869. .aged eighty-four years. Henry Thompson, 
the grandfather of our subject, spent the most of 
his life also as a sailor. He was probably born in 
London, and the ancestry is traced to Belfast, Ire- 
land. The paternal ancestors were all members of 
the Lutheran Church. The maternal grandfather 
of our subject was born in England, and traced his 
descent from the North of Ireland, and this famil\- 
were Presbyterians. 

The boyhood of our subject was spent in Hull, 
during his school days, and he afterward went to 
sea with his father, passing about fourteen years of 
his life as a seaman. He made many trips to the 
United States and Canada, and also visited every 
part of the Atlantic ocean, as well as sailing through 
the Black Sea. Almost all the ports of Europe 
were visited by him, and he gained an excellent 
knowledge of the manner of life in various parts of 
the world. In the sjiring of 1857, he abandoned 
the seafaring life, and became a citizen of tlie 
United States, his business life from that time hav- 
ing been as noted above. 



310 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Thompson Tv'as married at Lawrence to Miss 

Sulia, daughter of Jolm Estus, a native of Frank- 
fort, Ky.. and a lady of many womanly virtues and 
C'lristian graces. They liave one son. AValter 11. 
Mr. Thompson was reared to a belief in the tenets 
of the Presbyterian Churcli. while his wife belongs 
to the Baptist denomination. 

-> "I ' S^l ' s • ! '••" — ' 

•^^LBERT D. SMITH, M.D., a leading young 
i@/u| physician and surgeon of Wamego, not 

.'// I* oidy occupies a high position among his 
1^ professional brethren, hut socially is one of 

the prominent citizens of his town. Intelligent 
and well-informed, he is a buyer of books, and is 
not only tboroughl3' posted in the matters pertain- 
ing to his profession, but is a reader and thinker 
general!}' of no mean talents. He is prominentl}' 
connected with the Kansas State Medical Society, 
and the Pottawatomie County Medical Society, 
being in the latter, one of the committee on sur- 
gery. He is President of the Board of Pension 
Examiners, is a member of the I. (). O. F., at 
"Wamego, and also connected with the A. O. L. W 
In politics, he is a sound Republican. 

Dr. Smith was born in Jefferson County, Ind., 
Julj' 12. 1855, and is the sou of Milton L. and 
Martha .). (Deputy) Smith, who were likewise na- 
tives of the Hoosier State. There also they were 
married, and of that State are still residents. Mil- 
ton Smith has been an active man in local politics 
for many years. The parental family included two 
children onh": Marj' E. and Albert D., the for- 
mer the wife of Dr. T. R. Cave, of Bird City, Kan.; 
they have four children. 

The subject of this sketch received his earlj- 
education in his native State, and when twenty- 
two years old entered the University at Louisville, 
Kj'., where he took a full medical course, and from 
whicii he was graduated with honors in 1881, in a 
class of 263 students. He entered upon the practice 
of his profession in Gentry Count}-, Mo., where he 
resided four years. In May, 1885, coming to 
Kansas, he established himself at Wamego, and 
made such good headwa}' in his profession that the 
following year he was appointed Assistant Sur- 



geon of the Union Pacific Railway Company, which 
position he has since held. 

The marriage of Dr. Smith with Miss Narra E., 
daughter of Alexander Robinson, of Scott County, 
Ind., was celebrated at the bride's home April 27, 
1881. The parents of Mrs. Smith were natives of 
Indiana, and are now deceased. She was born in 
Scott County. Ind., Dec. 11, 1859. and received a 
fair education in the common schools, remaining 
with her parents until her marriage. Of this union 
tliere have been born two children — Ronald R., 
Aug. 26. 1882, and Guy E., Aug. 20, 1884. 



-^JSl^L- 



-^JJf-N- 




WAN ANDERSON. This gentleman is 
the honored pastor of the Swedish Mission 
Church at Balla Guard, and is also a suc- 
cessful grain and stock raiser of Pottawa- 
tomie County. His pleasant and well-improved 
farm comprises 200 acres, and is located on sec- 
tions 35 and 36, Blue Valley Township. It is 
fenced into jjastures of convenient size, and sup- 
plied with an abundance of water and timber, be- 
ing especially valuable as a stock range. Mr. 
Anderson also owns a small farm in Jackson Town- 
ship, Riley Count}', which he rented upon becoming 
pastor at Balla Guard in 1884. In his ministerial 
labors the Rev. Mr. Anderson not only presents to 
his flock the precepts of the Gospel, but sets before 
them a worthy example of a "godly walk and con- 
versation," and in his quiet w.ay exerts an extended 
influence for good. 

Andrew Nelson, the father of our subject, was 
born in Sweden, and was a farmer in good circum- 
stances. His death took place in his native land 
Nov. 9, 1862, he being then fifty years of age. 
The mother, also a native of Sweden, bore the 
maiden name of Ingeborg Larson, and she passed 
from earth in 1887. Both parents were members 
of the Lutheran Church. Their family consisted 
of three sons and one daughter, the latter, Jennie, 
being now deceased; Jonas and Gustav are farmers 
in their native land. 

Swan Anderson was the oldest in the parental 
family, and was bom in Markarydsokn, Kronebor- 
slan, Smaaland, Sweden, Aug. 5, 1844. His school 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



311 



privileges during bis boyhood, were rather limited, 
but with a desire for inforni.ation, he h.is improved 
every adv.antage afforded him, and while princi- 
pally self-educated, possesses greater knowledge 
tlian many whose schooling was more extended 
than his own. Having reached the years of man- 
hood, Mr. Anderson purchased a farm, and fol- 
lowed agriculture until 1819, when selling his 
property in his native land, he embarked for Amer- 
ica. On June 6, he left Malmo for Quebec via 
Copenhagen and Liverpool, and crossing into the 
United States, went at once to Chicago, where he 
arrived out of funds. Securing work in a brick- 
yard in McMcnrj- County. III., he labored tliere 
until Xovember, and then went to Memphis, Tenn., 
via St. Louis, Mo., and during the winter was em- 
ployed in cutting barrel staves near Brownsville. 
In the spring he rented land and raised cotton, and 
a 3ear later changed his location to Boone Count}-, 
Mo., where he chopped timber and prepared rail- 
road ties. There he remained until the fall of 
1874, when he entered the Swedish College at Keo- 
kuk, Iowa, and for a year devoted his energy to the 
study of theology, etc. 

Mr. Anderson remained in tlie vicinity of his 
Alma Mater, working at various trades, and preach- 
ing some, until the spring of 1877, when he became 
a resident of this Stale, his first location being in 
Rock Township, Marshall County, where he worked 
upon a farm. In December of the following year 
he came to Randolph, Riley County, and purchased 
fort}' acres of land in Jackson Township, upon 
which he made the usual improvements, and which 
he operated, also having charge as pastor of the 
Swedish Mission Church at Randol)3h, until his re- 
moval to the place which he now occupies, and 
which he purchased upon accepting the i)astorate 
of the Balla Guard Church. Beside his duties as 
pastor of the congregation and in connection with 
them, Mr. Anderson has acted as superintendent 
of the Sunday -school. In politics he is a true Re- 
publican. 

Mr. Anderson was married in his native land 
in the year 1865, to Miss Anna Larson, who was a 
native of the same country, and who was removed 
from the famil}' circle by deatli in Marshall County, 
Kan., in 1878. The union had residted in the 




birth of one daughter. Lottie M., who still lives at 
iionie. After remaining a widower for several 
years, our subject contracted a second matrimonial 
alliance, the ceremony taking place at Randolph, 
Iviley County, April .5, 1884, and the bride being 
Miss Emma C. .Swanson, who was born in Linkop- 
ingslan, Sweden, and who came to America in I 881. 
Two daughters, Esther A., and Alice E., have been 
born to this unif)n. 



■^InVjENGT BERG, Superintendent of the Or- 
, phans' Home in Blue Valley Township, Pot- 
tawatomie County. holds a high rank in the 
esteem of his fellow-men as one who pos- 
sesses a character above reproach, a kindly nature, 
and a wide knowledge of men and affaiis. He is a 
Swede and a son of Andrew and Eliza (Nelson) 
Berg. His father was born in Veseherad, Varm- 
land, Sweden, and when a young man learned the 
blacksmith and carpenter's trades, working at them 
on a large estate. Later he was engaged in mining 
iron ore, and in 1870 came to McPherson County, 
Kan., and resided with his children until his death. 
The mother was born in Nodmark Soken, Yarm- 
land, Sweden, and after coming to America resided 
with one of her sons in McPherson Count}-. In 
1882, she was bitten by a rattlesnake and died of 
the wound sixteen hours laler. She was the motlier 
of four children: Nels, a farmer in McPherson 
County; Bengt, of whom we write; Christine, now 
Mrs. Highland, of McPherson County, and Joanna, 
who died when two years old. 

The subject of this biography was born near 
I'hilipstad, Varmland, Sweden, June 13, 1839, and 
received the advantages of the common schools 
during his early boyhood. When twelve years old 
he began w-orking in the mines, helping his father 
in drilling and blasting out ore 600 feet below the 
the surface. He labored in the mines there until 
the year 1866. when he went to Karra Island off 
the coast of Norway, and found employment in the 
copper mines there, which were owned by a French- 
man. Mr. Berg dul well and made money, sending 
the most of it home to assist his [larents in paying 
for a small place which they had i)ureliased. From 



312 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Karm he went to Varrets Island, in Harilonger 
Fjoi-'l. wliere he was also engaged in mining, talc- 
ing out sulphur and copper ores in the Verdigris 
mines, which were owned by an Elnglish company. 

In the spring of 1869 Mr. Berg went to Bergen, 
thence by steamer to Newcastle, England, by rail to 
Liverpool, and thence on the steamer '-Austria" 
traversed the briny deep, landing at Quebec, Can- 
ada, after an ocean voyage of ten days. He went 
at once to Moingona, Iowa, via Chicago, having 
just ^l left wlien he reached his destination in the 
Hawkeye State. He spent two weeks in the employ 
of the railroad as a section hand, and then went to 
Benton County, working as a harvest hand during 
the summer, and in the fall coming to Kansas 
Having reached S.alina, he journeyed on foot from 
that town to where Lynnsburg now stands, and re- 
mained in the vicinity a month, then beginning 
work on the railroad at Brockville. 

Mr. Berg filed on a homestead claim in McPher- 
son County, six miles from Lynnsburg, in the 
spring of 1870, and putting up a sod house entered 
upon the life of a farmer, being obliged, however, 
to work outside to obtain money with which to 
improve his farm. For about two years and a half 
he mined coal at Carbondale, Osage County, 
and then takinj^; up his permanent abode on his 
homestead, turned his whole attention to agricul- 
ture, and brought his place to a high state of culti- 
vation. I'pon receiving the appointment to the 
position he now holds, he sold his farm in jNIcPher- 
son County, and now owns 10.5 acres of land 
adjoining Olsbnrg. 

When the Lutheran Evangelical Conference of 
Kansas began the organization of the Orphans' 
Home, Mr. Berg received the appointment of Su- 
perintendent, and six months later, in l^ecember, 
1880, took charge of the Institution. He and his 
amiable wife having charge of everything con- 
nected therewith. The farm adjoining the Home 
consists of 282 acres, bordering on the Blue, one- 
half of it being excellent farming land. The 
buildings are located on Shannon Creek, the main 
edifice being four stories high with a ground di- 
mension of 40x40 feet. Under the intelligent 
control of Mr. and Mrs. Berg, everything about 
the institution is in good shape and the work there 



conducted is an honor to Pottawatomie County. 
Thirty-four orphans from various States have their 
bodily wants supplied and their minds and hearts 
cultivated in the institution, the present Board of 
Directors of which are: John Aronson, Charles 
Swanson, G. O. Maxell, Rev. .John Seline, Rev. 
John Halkom, -John Honiberg and Rev. John Bon- 
ander. The inmates are now attending the district 
school, but it is the intention of the Directors to 
employ a teacher and start a school for them in the 
near future. 

The wife of Mr. Berg bore the maiden name of 
Miss Anna Pearson, and she was born in Upland, 
Sweden, coming to America in 1872, with her 
father, Andrew Pearson, who is a prominent farmer 
in MePherson County. The rites of wedlock 
between Mr. and Mrs. Berg, were celebrated in 
Lynnsburg, Feb. 16, 187G. They have no children 
of their own, and the love and care which in other 
circumstances would have been bestowed upon their 
own offspring, are now given to the children who 
might otherwise he homeless and friendless, and 
who are made to miss parental training and affec- 
tion as little as possible. 

Mr. Berg is not onl}' doing good work for his 
church at the head of the Institution, but also 
serves as a De.acon and Superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school. In politics he is faithful to the inter- 
ests of the Republican i)arty and as a citizen is 
intelligent and enterprising. 



K. ISIDORE ALBERT, a leading physi- 
cian and surgeon of (Jlsburg, Pottawato- 
(fi^^ niie County, although having only recently 
located at this place, has .already made for 
himself many friends. He possesses a classical 
education and a thorough understanding of his 
profession, and it is predicted that in the near fu- 
ture he will reap the success to which he is entitled. 
Within the dominion of the Czar of all the Rus- 
sias. Dr. Albert was born, near the city of Warsaw, 
xVpril 23. 1841, and was the second in a famil}- of 
three children, the offspring of Bertliold and Anna 
(.\lbert) Albert, who were of German ancestry, 
and the father born in the Fatherland. The elder 



PORTRAIT AND RIOaRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Sl.T 



Albert, after being engaged in tlie timber husiuess 
on the liiver Memel, renioved to the vicinity of 
Warsaw, ami was occupied as before until failing 
healtli induced him to take up his residence near 
Rigan. on the borders of the Baltic Sea, in hopes 
that by bathing there his health would be restored. 
Tliis hoiie, however, was in vain, as he died there 
about 1868. He was a capable business man and a 
member of the .lewish C'huicli. The mother's an- 
cestors were from Germany, but she was born in 
Russia, from which her parents had removed, and 
she died at Lcthaum. in 1881. 

The subject of this sketch was given a good ed- 
ucation at liome under private tutors, and when 
fifteen years old was taken by his father to Ger- 
many, where he completed his studies in the gym- 
nasiums at Koenigsburg and Picrlin, becoming 
familiar with the languages — German, French, Eng- 
lish, Hebrew, Greek and Latin. Subsequently he 
spent considerable lime in travel. He was twenty- 
seven years old at the time of his father's death, 
and being without means to continue his .studies he 
went to Elbefield, Germany, and engaged as a pri- 
vate instructor in the languages, by which means 
he was enabled later to resume his studies. After- 
ward he travelerl extensively over various parts of 
Europe. In the spring of 1872 he emigrated to 
America, and from New York City proceeded to 
Boston, where he engaged as a private tutor until 
1874. 

Resolving now to become a phj'sician, young 
Albert, in 1874. entered the Boston School of Med- 
icine, through which he worked his way and was 
graduated on the (jth of JIareh. 1877. He then 
entered upon the practice of liis chosen profession, 
and remained in Boston until the spring of 1878. 
We next find him returning to I^urope. and from 
Southampton he proceeded to Paris, visiting the 
Exposition, and there met some of his old friends 
and relatives from Russia. He sojourned in Paris 
until the fall of that year, and obtained valua- 
ble experience as a pbj'sician and surgeon 
in the hospital Hotel Dieux. He came back 
to America in the fall of 1878, crossing the Mis- 
sissippi and locating in Clinton, Iowa. A j'ear 
later he returned to Russia and entered the St. 
Petersburg Medico Surgical Academy, from which 



he was graduated in the spring of 1881. Soon 
afterward he was appointed chief physician to a 
regiment in the Russian Armv. in which capacity 
he traveled over the whole of his native Empire. 

Dr. Albert was married near the city of Warsaw, 
Russia, Sept. 1-5, 1882, to an accomplished Russian 
lady, who died eighteen months later. She left 
one child, a son. Elias. who died at the age of seven 
months. In April, 1889, the Doctor was compelled 
to leave Russia for political reasons, and fleeing to 
Germany, remained there until the following August. 
He then returned to the United States, remaining 
for a time in New York City, but knowing that it 
would require j'ears perhaps to establish a practice 
there, he determined to seek a home west of the 
Mississippi. Coming to Pottawatomie County, 
Kan., he located in Olsburg, where his rare schol- 
arship and his knowledge of his profession furnishes 
the entree to the best circles, socially and profess- 
ionally. He was obliged to leave much valuable 
property in his native land, including an immense 
library, which he prized very highly and which he 
will scarcely be able to replace. The Doctor is 
full}' in accord with American institutions, but has 
not identified himself with any political party, 
voting independently- and aiming to support the 
men whom he considers best qualified for office. 



W Lr 



ESLEY LEWIS. This gentleman has been 



sident of Kansas for manj- a year, and 
more than twenty of them his home has 
been in Pottawatomie County. He is deserving of 
credit for the manner in which his time has been 
spent and for the energy and perseverance he has 
shown in the labors of life. In 1857, he came from 
Des Moines, Iowa, to this State, on foot and empty 
handed. He now owns 170 acres of land, in Louis- 
ville Township, and all improved except fifty acres 
of timber that is more valuable than fields would 
be ; and is in possession of a gooil share of this 
world's goods. 

Mr. Lewis is a son of .Sylvester and Ann.'i 
(Smith) Lewis, the former a native of New York 
and the latter of Ohio. The father was a farmer 
during his earlier years, and in 1848, joined the 



314 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



throng who were seeking a fortune in the newly dis- 
covered gold fields of the coast, and going to Cali- 
fornia, he was engaged in mining the precious metal 
for twent3'-two j'ears. Upon his return from the 
Golden State, he settled in this county, and remained 
till his death in 1876. His wife, the mother of our 
subject, had died in 1840, in the Hoosier State 
to which the family had removed from Ohio but a 
short time previous. Their family comprised six 
children, of whom our subject, the third in order of 
birth, is now the sole survivor. 

Weslej', of whom we write, was born in Ashta- 
bula County, Ohio, April 22, 1838, and was two 
years old when his parents removed to Indi- 
ana, where he lived until seventeen years of age, 
receiving a common-school education only. At 
that period of his life, he started out for himself, 
his first occupation being work in the mines of Col- 
orado, which he continued for one year. When 
he came to this State, he was accompanied by an 
elder brother, Lester, and his first settlement was 
in Wabaunsee Countj-, where he sta3'ed about ten 
years, changing to this county in 1867. During 
four years of the Civil War, Mr.' Lewis did 
arduous and hazardous service for the Union 
cause, first as a teamster and later as a wagon- 
master, operating in this State, Colorado, New 
Mexico, Arkansas and Missouri. 

In 1859, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with 
Miss Louisa, daughter of Jude and Catharine 
(Sheror) Bonrssa. The parents were natives of 
Canada, and their daughter was born in this State. 
Mrs. Lewis died in February, 1861, leaving a 
daughter. Laura, who is now the wife of Frank 
Gilbert, of Louisville Township, and the mother of 
child. Having remained a widower until 1866, 
Mr. Lewis remarried, his second bride, being Miss 
Matilda Bergerron, whose parents, Francis and 
Josephine Bergerron, were born in Canada and 
Indiana, respectively'. After twent}- years of mar- 
ried life, Mr. Lewis again became a widower, his 
companion being removed from him by death in 
188(). Of the twelve children borne 1)3^ Mrs. Ma- 
tilda Lewis, seven are now living. They bear the 
names of Lester, Iv3', Josephine, Charles, Omer, 
Flora and Edward. 

Mr. Lewis is conservative in 'polities and votes 



the Democrat ticket. He belongs to the I. O. O. 
F. at Louisville, and holds the exalted rank of 
Noble Grand. He is a member of the Congrega- 
tional Church. Kindl3' in all the domestic rela- 
tions of life, he is an especially tender parent and 
his heart is bound up in his motherless children. 
He is intelligent and well read, with pleasant, 
affable manners, and his character as a citizen and 
a Christian gentleman is above reproach. 



""^~^^i3~€- 




TEPHEN HARRIS is the owner and oc- 
cupant of a beautiful and valuable farm 
lying on the Blue Valley bottom lands, 
two and one-half miles from Garrison, 
Pottawatomie Count3'. Bordering on the Blue, it 
has ten acres of valuable timber, and is well adapted 
both for grain and stock raising,in which occupation 
its owner is engaged. The estate is enclosed and 
divided by neat hedges, the beautifully situated 
dwelling is surrounded b3' a fine 3'ard and accom- 
panied b\' an excellent orchard, and the entire 
place shows taste and thrift on the part of the 
occupants. The estate comprises sixty-five acres, 
flft3' of which are broken, and all the improve- 
ments have been made since Mr. Harris purchased 
it in 1883. 

The owner of this comfortable rural Lome was 
born near Alleghen3- City, Pa., Oct. 30, 1859, and 
is the son of George and Elizabeth (Dodd) Harris, 
natives of Kent, England. (For further histor3' of 
the ancestry and family, see sketch of Ezekiel Har- 
ris, which occupies another page in this Album.) 
JMr. Harris was reared on a farm within sight of the 
Allea;hauy River, and received the advantages of 
the common school, obtaining therein a good edu- 
cation in the ordinar3' branches of stud3'. He was 
in his thirteenth 3ear when he accompanied his 
parents to Kansas, and his life since that time has 
been spent on the Blue, where the country pre- 
sents a vast differences in appearance from what it 
did when our subject first saw it. Then deer and 
other game abounded, and young Harris indulged, 
to some extent, in hunting, one of his earl3' ex- 
periences being that of bringing a deer to the 
ground. 

When fifteen 3'ears old, Mr. Harris began working 





<o-a^r^ 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



317 



out by the month, continuing so emijloyed until he 
reached the age of twenty jears, wlien he rented a 
farm on section 36, Blue Valley Township, which a 
few years later lie purchased for $35 per acre, and 
has since brought to its present state of improve- 
ment. The entire acreage is on the bottom, and 
the land is among the most fertile in the State. 

At the home of the bride in Green Township, on 
April 19, 1888, the rites of wcdlocii were celebrated 
between Mr. Harris and Miss Jennie Fleming. 
She is a daughter of Alex and Susanna (Carnahan) 
Fleming, old settlers and prominent farm residents 
of Green Township. Her birth took place in Alle- 
ghany County, Pa., and she accompanied her par- 
ents to Kansas when a child, receiving lier education 
in thi.s State, finishing her studies at the Man- 
hattan Higli School and the State Agricultural 
College at tlie same place. She taught several 
terms of school, her first work in that profession 
having been wiicn she was nineteen years of age. 
Educated, refined and possessed of womanly vir- 
tues, she looks well to tlie ways of her household, 
and is higlily esteemed bj- neighbors and acquain- 
tances. Her happy union with Mr. Harris has 
been blessed bj' the birth of one child — Ina May. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harris are active and prominent 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at 
Garrison, Mr. Harris being a cliarter member 
member therein. He is now filling the office of 
Trustee. In his political views he favors the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party, for which his vote 
is ever cast. He has served a term on the jury, 
and as a private individual and a citizen is held in 
high repute by his fellow-men. 

^ -^-^ ^ 



IIL^ON. ELIJAH WALKER has been Notary 
iTjl' Public for a period of twent3'-four years, 
'^^ and has since 1873 been engaged in the 
(j^ brokerage and insurance business in St. 
George. He has served his township and county 
in various ways, particularly as Representative of 
tlie Sixty-eighth district. The 12th of October, 
1878, he was nominated on the eighteenth ballot as 
Representative, and was duly elected over both 
Democrat and Greenback candidates. Politically, 



as may be presumed from the previous statement, 
he is a strong Republican, and is numbered among 
the most inUuential members of that organization 
in the county. Besides the positions mentioned he 
has been Road Overseer, was Secretary of the 
County Fair Association for six years, has served 
on the school board, and was Township Trustee 
two terms. In 1880 he was commissioned by the 
United States Government to take the census of 
Blue and St. George townships. 

Mr. Walker comes of substantial New England 
ancestry, his father, Lucius Walker, being a na- 
tive of Orange County, Vt., and born July 6, 1796. 
By occupation he followed the pursuits of agricul- 
ture. At Corinth, Vt., he was married, Jan. 27, 
1824, to Lydia A. Sanborn, a native of New Harap- 
: shire, and born Oct. 15, 1802. After their mar- 
riage they lived in Vermont until 1837, when, 
coming W^est, they sojourned until 1850 in La- 
grange County, Ind., whence they removed to 
Elkhart County, the same State. Then, selling his 
farm, he removed into Bristol in 1862, and there 
passed to his final rest, Jan. 11, 1880. Mrs. Walker 
died the same year, surviving her husband only 
eleven days. 

Of the twelve children which comprised the 
family of Lucius and Lydia Walker, eight are now 
living, three having participated in the Civil War. 
In the State of Vermont our subject, the seventh 
child in order of birth, was born Jan. 3, 1835. 
Educational advantages were not good at that time, 
consequently he received onlj' a limited schoolin<T. 
The breadth of knowledge to which he has since 
attained is the result of continued self-train in o-. 
Careful, systematic reading and self-culture have 
not only atoned for lack of earl^- educational facil- 
ities, but have widened his infiucnce and extended 
his powers. 

Wiien a youth of sixteen our subject received a 
serious injury, being accidentally kicked by a horse. 
In 1852 he entered a store in Elkhart, Ind., as clerk 
and remained with the same firm three years. 
Thence he entered a store in Ues Moines, Iowa 
taking a position as clerk and receiving a compen- 
sation of S50 per month. In 1857 he resolved to 
emigrate to Kansas and build up a homestead there. 
Accordingly ,he came to St. George with a cash capi- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAI^ ALBUM^ 



318 

talot 1270, of which $200 was lost by being loaned 
to a man who failed to repay. Upon his arrival here 
he was employed by the tk.veniment in chopping 
wood at U per cord. This, however, he continued 1 
to do for onlv one month. On the site of Manhat- I 
tan he hoed corn, took a cLaim. slept in a dugout j 
from May until November, and for four montbs i 
of this time was sick; then, with ten cents in liis j 
pocket, he came to St. George and worked in a saw- 
mill for one winter. Soon afterward be was elected 
Registrar of Deeds for Pottawatomie County, being 
the" first person to hold that office in the county. 
and serving from 18.58 until 18G1, when St. George 
ceased to be the county seat. 

His military career is a part of his history of 
which Mr. Walker is justly proud. The 22d of 
August, 1862, was the date of his enlistment in 
Company C, 9th Kansas Cavalry. In 1863 the 
company was ordered to Ft. Gib.son, Indian Terri- 
tory, and for bravery in the battle of Cabin Creek | 
he was appointed Sergeant. Thence tlie regiment 
proceeded to Honey Springs. Ark., where tlierc was 
another engagement. Afterward he returned liome 
and was sent^to the hospital at Kansas City in the 
fall of 1863. where he remained uutil Janu.ary, 
1864. He was then further promoted by Gov. 
Crawford, being commissioned Second Lieuten.ant 
and recruiting officer for the 16th Kansas Cavalry, 
March 1, 1864. Again failing healtli compelled 
him, after recruiting for several months, to return 
to the hospital, this time being sent to the general 
hospital at Ft. Leavenworth. In the spring of 1865 
he was detailed into the mustering office at Ft. 
Leavenworth, where he remained until the expira- 
tion of his term. 

Upon receiving an honorable discharge at the 
close of the war, Mr. Walker opened a general 
mercantile store in St. George, in partnership with 
J. S. Belts. As it was about the time of the build- 
ing of the Union Pacific RaUroad through this sec- 
tion of the country, the firm did a big business. 
After continuing six months Mr. Walker sold out 
his interest to his partner, and in July, 1866, re- 
ceived the appointment of railroad agent here. In 
1868 he obtained permission to build a depot here 
at Ins own expense, and utilized it as a warehouse. 



the mercantile business with L. W. Crowl. He was 
appointed agent, in 1873. for the National Land 
Company and Union Pacific Railroad to sell their 
lands, and has since tiiat time been largely inter- 
ested in the real-estate and insurance business. 
Since 1884 he has been agent in Pottawatomie 
County tor the German Insurance Company of 

Freeport, 111. 

A charming home is not the least among the 
possessions of Mr. Walker. He was united in mar- 
riage. Nov. 29, 1864, with Elizabeth C. GiUaspie, 
daughter of George \V. GiUaspie, who came from 
Kentucky to Kansas in 1854. Mrs. Walker was 
born July 27, 1839, in Kentucky. Of her uuion 
with Mr.Walker four children have been born, 
namely: Oma, born Oct. 16, 1867; Stella. Sept. 17, 
1871; Lucius A. and Lydia 8. (twins) June 7, 1875. 
They are receiving excellent training both at 
liom'e and in the schools of the com ra unity, and are 
growing up to be worthy men and women. Mrs. 
Walker and Stella are members of the Christian 
Church, while Mr. Walker, socially, belongs to the 
1. O. O. F. They are a happy, hospitable family, 
and it is always a pleasure to spend a few liours in 
their cozy home. 

In connection with this person.al sketch we pre- 
sent a lithographic portrait of Mr. Walker. 



buy in 



a- o-rain until 1872. He was also one year in i 



AMES D. CHADAVICK, one of the leading 
contractors of Pottawatomie County, hand- 
ling principally building stone, has the repu- 
tation of being one of the finest men in his 
community. He is of English birth and parentage, 
and the son of a wealthy Lancashire contractor, 
who frequently urges him by letter to return home 
to England, and take possession of his heritage, but 
he lias a genuine love for his adopted country, and 
prefers liere to remain. He has become closely 
identified with the interests of Northern Kansas, 
and no man in his community is lield in more gen- 
eral respect. 

A native of Lancashire, Mr. Ch.adwick was born 
April 17, 1844, and was the elder child of his 
father's first marriage with Mary Grider. Both 
parents were natives of Lancashire, and the father 



^PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



319 



a stone contractor, who, although now seventy-sis 
years old, is quite vigorous, and holds the office of 
Superintendent of Public Buildings in Burnley, 
England. The mother died in her native Lanca- 
shire, in middle life. Tlie elder Chadwick was 
subsequently married lo Elizabeth Hartley, of Lan- 
cashire, and they became the parents of seven chil- 
dren. James D. grew to manhood in his native 
shire, receiving a good education, which was largely 
directed towards architecture and civil engineer- 
ing. He was under the instruction of his father 
for eleven years, and then spent two j^ears in the 
office of one of the leading surveyors and arclii- 
tects of Lancashire. He began operating on his 
own account at the age of twenty-two years, and 
five years later, in April, 1871, crossed tlie Atlan- 
tic, and landing in New York City remained there 
a few weeks, then set out for the Farther West. 

Coming now to Wamego, Mr. Chadwick so- 
journed here a sliort time, then inaki'jg his way to 
St. Louis, Mo., secured a position, and emploj'ed 
his talents in connection with the building of the 
great bridge across the Mississippi at that point. 
Upon leaving St. Louis, he rejjaircd to Indianapo- 
lis, where he was engaged as foreman and stone- 
cutter on the Marion Count3^ court-house, and was 
thus employed four years. From there he went to 
Terre Haute, and engaged in business with his 
brother, Edward D., who is now Superintendent of 
tlie Terre Haute Stone Company. He was thus oc- 
cupied tiiree years, then met with an accident 
which disabled him for some time. Finally, re- 
turning to Wamego, he purchased a half-interest 
in a farm near the town, and engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits for four jears, recovering his health. 
His tastes, however, inclined him to resume his pro- 
fession, and accordingly he established his present 
business in Wamego, which he has conducted suc- 
cessfully now for a period of seven years. 

Mr. Chadwick was married Nov. 12, 1868, in 
Burnley, England, to Miss Margaret, daugliter of 
John and Cliarlotte Folds. Mrs. Cliadwick was 
born Jan. 12, 1840, in Lancashire, of which place 
iier parents were natives, and the father a success- 
ful raanuf.acturer of Burnley. Of this union there 
have been born six children, five of whom are liv- 
ing, namel}': Mar\- B., John H., Nellie, Annie, and 



Edna. Mr. Chadwick has been prominent in local 
affairs, representing his ward in the City Council, 
and officiating as a member of the School Board. 
He was the architect of the present fine school 
building, which was erected under his supervision 
in 1885, and is the present City Engineer of Wa- 
mego. Politically, he usually votes the straight 
Republican ticket, and maintains a warm interest 
in the success of his party. He belongs to Wamego 
Lodge, No. 85, A. F. & A. M., in which he has 
filled all the offices with the exception of Master, 
which he declined to assume. He is also identified 
with Kaw Valley Chapter, No. 53, in which he has 
held the office of High Priest. His younger chil- 
dren are being given a good education. Miss Mary 
has completed her studies, having been graduated 
from the Wamego High School in 1886. 



-i-e>-*- 



DWARD M. ALLEN, Notary Public and 
Assistant Cashier of the Bank of W. A. 
Allen & Son, is one of Pottawatomie 
County's most energetic citizens, shrewd in busi- 
ness, well posted on all important topics relating to 
political questions or general items of interest. He 
is a splendid conversationalist, sometimes amusing 
and sometimes instructive, but alwa3rs entertainino-. 
He is one of the partners in the Bank of Olsbnrg, 
and for such a position is eminently qualified both 
by natural endowments and by careful business 
training. He is now the owner of one-fourtli of 
a block pleasantly located in Olsburg, and on it has 
erected one of the most substantial and comfortable 
residences to be found in the township. Not only 
is the exterior pleasing and attractive to tlie eye, 
but within is everything calculated to makeeai-thly 
happiness complete. The mistress of this pleasant 
home is a young ladj' of culture and refinement, 
with whom Mr. Allen was united in marriage in 
Olsburg, May 6, 1886. Her maiden name was Ben- 
teen Johnson, and in Blue Valley Township, where 
she was born, she also passed the years of childhood 
and girlhood. Her education was commenced in 
the common scliools of Oi.sburg and completed at 
Manhattan College, where she became especially 
proficient in music and art. 

Ireland was the birthplace of the grandfather of 



320 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Allen, who was by name Howard M. Allen, and 
by trade a blaeksmitli. When a young man he 
crossed the Atlantic and worked at his trade in New 
York City. Later he removed to Ontario, Canada, 
but afterward purcliased a farm near Adrian, Mich., 
which he improved and operated until his death. 
The great-grandfather of our subject was John 
Moore, a land and mill-owner in Ireland. He came 
to America and located in New York City; while 
on his way back, to collect rents in Ireland, he was 
lost at sea. "William A. Allen, tlie father of oui 
subject, was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1838, but 
was reared to man's estate on a farm in Lenawee 
County, Mich. In the autumn of 1856 he started 
West, making liis way overland. He spent the fol- 
lowing winter on the Missouri, near the present 
site of Leavenworth, where he was engaged in chop- 
ping wood. In tlie spring of 1857 he located on a 
claim of 160 acres near Elk Citj', paying for it by 
land warrants. 

After improving this cLaim until 1860, in the fall 
of that year, Mr. Allen returned to Michigan, and 
a few months afterward, enlisted in tiie 6th Michi- 
gan Battery, serving until the close of the War. 
After that he returned to his farm in tlie spring of 
1866. In 1874 he was elected Treasurer of .Jack- 
son County, and removing to Ilolton, was for the 
ensuing four years engaged in the active prosecu- 
tion of the duties attendant upon his office. He 
now superintends the man.agement of his lino farm 
of 240 acres which adjoins Ilnlton, and is also the 
senior member of the liank of Olsburg and Cash- 
ier of the Excliange Bank .at Ilolton, in whicli he owns 
a one-half interest. Tlie latter bank was organized in 
the fall of 1888. He was active in establishing, in 
1881, Campbell Normal University at Holton, and 
is now one of its directors. Politically, his symp.a- 
thies are with the Republican party, and in relig- 
ious matters, he has membership witli tlie Metliodist 
Episcop.al Church. He married Miss Mary E. Pat- 
ton, a native of Virginia, and born in 1838. 81ie 
became the mother of fifteen cliildren, eleven of 
whom lived to manhood and womanhood, namel3' : 
p]mma, now Mrs. Keller, of Junction City, Kan.; 
E. M., our subject; Augusta J., who married J. S. 
Spangler of Westmoreland ; W. W., Cashier of the 
Bank of Olsburg; Mary C, who is at lionie; J. K., 



a druggist at Westmoreland; G. H., a resident of 
Olsburg: Ida, Otto, Nellie and Jessie, who are yet 
under the parental roof. 

A native of the vicinity of Blissfield, Lenawee 
Co., Mich., our subject was born July 14, 1860, and 
lived in the home of his birth until he was six 
years old, when he accompanied his parents to Kan- 
sas, traveling by rail to St. Joseph, Mo., and cross- 
ing both the Mississippi and Missouri on the ice, 
being conveyed to the opposite shores by means of 
sleds. For many 3'ears our subject lived quietly 
under the parental roof in Jackson County, assist- 
ing his father in the improvement of the farm, and 
developing into sturdy and rugged manhood. In 
the meantime he received the advantages of the 
High School at Ilolton, and at the age of twenty- 
one was prepared to take .active charge of the 
home farm, which he superintended until 1885. He 
had become interested in the Bank of Olsburg, 
having co-operated in its organization with other 
business men of the county. He now located in 
Olsburg and .accepted the position of Assistant 
Casliier in the bank, whicii had been establisiied in 
1883. 

The r.anks of the Rejinblican party have no 
stronger advocate than Mr. Allen, who is ever .ac- 
tive in advancing its interests, and has served 
as delegate to county and congressional conven- 
tions. He is Notaiy Public, having been appointed 
to that otHce by ex-Governor Martin. He has thus 
far in his career been eminently successful, and is 
honorable, upright and honest in his dealings with 
all, well deserving the prosperity which attends 
him. 



/^EORGE C. WEIBLE, now a resident of 
(11 (=. Whiting 'J'ownship, Jackson Countj\ was 
^^g<4! reared on a farm near Canal Dover, Ohio, 
his birth having taken pl.ace in Tuscarawas County, 
Feb. 8, 1830. His father, Jacob Wcible, was a 
Pennsyl\^anian by education and training, having 
come from Germany when a child with his father, 
who w.as also named Jacob. They were a family 
of coopers and onrsuliject learned that trade when 
a young man,' following it in his native State for a 
number of years. At the .age of twenty-one he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



321 



went to Van AVert County, where he taught school 
for about ten years. Thoie he met Miss Mary J. 
Gilliland, for whom he conceived a high regard, 
and after a successful wooing they were united in 
marriage on the 1st of January-, 1854. Tiie bride i.s 
the daughter of Tliomas and Catherine (McCann) 
Gilliland, and her fatiier was a son of John and 
Jane (Maxwell) Gilliland and of Scolch-Irish stock. 

Mr. AVeible continued to reside in A'au AVert 
Count}', Ohio, until the fall of 186.5. when he re- 
moved to Bureau County, 111., and purchased a 
farm north of Dover, which he operated for nearly 
four years. He then sold and in March, 18G9, came 
to Kansas, being one among the early settlers on 
the Reservation. He purchased land in Atchison 
Countv, just across the road from his present 
home, the farm being the southwest quarter of sec- 
tion 18, in Grasshopper Township. He made some 
good improvements on the estate, having broken 
100 acres and set out a good orchard, when on 
account of the high taxes in that county, and the 
lower rate across the line, he determined to make a 
change. He therefore sold and purchased the farm 
which he now occupies, whieh for some time he 
had had in charge for JNIr. J. H. Segar, and upon 
which he liml made some improvements. This land 
consists of eight}- acres, located in the southeast- 
ern part of section 18, AVbiting Township, and 
upon it he has prospered. All the fencing on tlie 
place is done with hedge there being about 800 
rods in use. 

Mr. Weible is a very successful horticulturist 
and raise.*; a variety of choice fruits. He has 
a thrifty apple orchard containing- 100 trees now 
bearing, some of them are among the largest in 
the townshii). Me also has a good peach orchard 
and an excellent collection of pear trees. The 
llrstof the latter fruit which he planted did not 
succeed, but his later attempt has met with a favor- 
able result and the trees are now doing well. The 
ten crab-apple trees, comprise five or six choice 
varieties. Besides all these he has all kinds of small 
fruits, grapes, ))erries, etc. In the fall of 1881, Mr. 
Weible built a dwelling two stories high, consist- 
ing of a main part, 14x24, and a wing 14xlG,and 
adding to it a one stor}' L 12x12. It stands on a 
pla-eau which affords a grand view for fifteen or 



twent}' miles each way, in which scope there are a 
number of towns and a pleasantly diversified land- 
scape of fields, groves and water courses. Under 
the entire dwelling is a nine foot cellar with a rock 
floor and a stone wall, the whole being well lighted 
and ventilated. The well built house is surrounded 
by adequate farm buildings and the whole presents 
an air of comfort and prosperity. The loc.ntion is 
four miles from AVhiting and five from Horton. 
Mr. AA^eible generally raises enough stock to con- 
sume his grain and keeps an especially fine lot of 
hogs, having done something for the improvement 
of that stock in the county. 

In 1885, Mr. AVeible purchased the AVhiting 
Xeics, from AV. E. Brown and carried on that sheet 
for two years, making great improvements in it and 
increasing the subscription list to more than double 
its former numbers. He made the publication 
neutral in politics, as he is. AVIien he determined 
to abandon editorial work he found a ready pur- 
chaser in J. S. Clark, wliosold the sheet to AA'illiam 
Priest. 

Mr. and Mrs. AA^eible have reared seven children, 
all of whom are married except Ed. Ernest, who 
is still at home and operating the farm. Lucy F. 
was the wife of Morris Michael of AA^liiting, and 
died leaving two children, one of whom survives 
and lives with our subject; his name is AA'illis 
Everett Michael. Catherine N. married C. R. Bo}'- 
ington, and their home is five miles east of that of 
our subject on a farm owned and operated by Mr. 
Boyington; they have five children. JIary E. 
married AA^'illiam Reynolds, an early settler of 
Whiting, who is now living in Everest, and carry- 
ing on his trade of a carpenter; they have four 
cinldren. Willis R. is a carpenter and works at his 
trade in Holton, where he and his wife reside. 
Henrietta Frances married S. L. Dickinson of Ohio, 
and their home is on a farm northwest of AVhitinir; 
the}- have two children. Laura Alice is the wife 
of Wilraer Snyder, and lives on a farm on the 
Parallel. 

Mr. and Mrs. AVeible are members of the Pres- 
byterian Church and now attend at Horton. Thoy 
are possessed of more than ordinary intelligence 
and education, are kindly and social in their inter- 
course with their neighbors, and take an intelligent 



322 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



interest in movements of public importance, and 
are in consequence regarded liighlj'^ by ihose wlio 

know them. 



(l( ERMAN WILBERS. Few persons sojourn 
llTjfj long in St. Mary's Township without becom- 
^)^ iiig familiar with the name of tliis old and 
l^) highly -respected resident, who is recognized 
as one of its most solid men, and one of the leading 
land owners of Pottawatomie Count}'. He was born 
in the Kingdon of Hanover, Germany, near the 
Prussian line and adjacent to the town of Burren, 
Nov. 11, 181.5, and has consequently passed the 
seventy-fourth milestone on life's highway. His 
early years were spent in his native couutr}', where 
he received a thorough education in the German 
tongue, and he was mostly engaged in farming pur- 
suits until 'a man of twenty-six 3'ears. In the 
meantime he usually' spent two months of the sum- 
mer season in Holland, making turf, as that busi- 
ness was more profitable tliau farming, although it 
was of brief duration. 

The subject of this sketch is well born, being the 
son of John and Mary A. (Esthring) Wilbers, who 
were likewise natives of Wurtemburg, and devout 
members of the Catholic Church, to which their 
ancestors had belonged for generations. In tlie 
faith of this religion they reared their children, 
leading them when young to the great church near 
their home, a very fine edifice, covering nearly an 
acre of ground and which had stood probably over 
half a century. 

Life passed in a comparatively uneventful man- 
ner with Mr. Wilbers until the age above men- 
tioned, but in the meantime he was not satisfied 
with the outlook in his native country and determ- 
ined upon emigrating to the United States. Ac- 
cordingly in the summer of 1842 he set out on a 
sailing-vessel from the port of Bremen, and after a 
ten weeks' voyage first set foot upon American soil 
in the city of New Orleans. Thence he journeyed 
up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Cincinnati, 
Ohio, where for many j'ears he was engaged as a 
brickmaker. There, likewise, he was married, Aug. 
8, 1846, to Miss Mary C, daughter of John Fehr- 
ing. The Fehrings also were of German birth and 



ancestry, and the wife of Mr. Wilbers was reared 
not far from his childhood liome and trained in the 
doctrines of the Catholic Church. 

Mr. Wilbers and his wife commenced the journey 
of life togetlier in the Queen City, remaining there 
until 1870. Tlien coming to Kansas, Mr. Wilbers 
purchased 1..500 .acres of land near St. Mary's, this 
being mostly in its primitive condition and unim- 
proved, with the exception of two little Indian 
cabins and about twent3'-flve acres under cultiva- 
tion. The sturdy pioneer experienced the hardships 
common to life upon the frontier at that date, but 
he persevered through every discouragement and 
in due time found himself on the higli road to 
prosperity. He has about 700 acres of his land 
in a productive condition, and one of the finest 
farm dwellings in St. Mary's Township, adjacent to 
the city limits. Besides his own residence he has 
three other houses with barns, stables and other 
necessary buildings, conveniently situated for the 
general purposes of agriculture. Mr. AVilbers also 
owns several city lots. 

There were born to Mr. Williers and his wife 
eleven children, seven of whom are living. The 
eldest, John, one of the prominent younger men of 
St. Mary's Township, served as Township Clerk 
two years and was elected Township Trustee for 
three terms: Anna is the widow of John Warburg, 
and lives at home with her father; Herman, Jr., 
remains at the homestead; Frances is the wife of 
William Zolper, and they live in Chicago, 111.; 
Mary and Frank are with their parents; Joseph is 
in the Northwest. The chief products of the farm 
are cattle and corn, and Mr. Wilbers each 3'ear 
harvests a large amount of timothy hay. He has, 
however, now quietl}^ tsiken a back seat, turning the 
farm over to the management of his boys, who are 
regular "chips of the old block," carrying it on in 
the same well-regulated and profital)le manner. 



5^>g ^ ♦ 



: OHN W. FARROW, M. D., is a highly re- 
spected resident of Laclede, Pottawatomie 
Countv, where he has made his home for 
' the i)ast nine years. He lias a high reputa- 
tion and an excellent practice in his chosen profes- 
sion, in which he has shown marked skill for one of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



323 



his years. He is finely educated, not only in Ther- 
apeutics, but in other lines of study. Me is still 
young in years, having been born June 13, 18.58, 
in AVilliamsport. Md., where his earlier education 
was obtained. After passing through thecoinniou 
schools of that cit}', be attended the Mechanics- 
town College, and the College of Physicians and 
.Surgeons in Baltimore. In 1880 he took up his 
abode in Laclede. 

Dr. Farrow is a son of Joseph H. and Mary S. 
(Nitzel) Farrow, both of whom werebo'n in Mary- 
land, and who are now living in Baltimore, the 
father being sixty-two years of age, and the mother 
ten j-ears younger. Mr. Farrow is a druggist by 
profession, but is now head clerk in the post-ottice 
in the city where be lived. In politics he is a Re- 
publican. He served four terms as County Repre- 
sentative, and has also been a member of the State 
Senate. He is in good financial circumstances. 
The Farrow familj- is of Scotch and Irish extrac- 
tion, and the Nitzel family is of German stock. 
The grandfather of Dr. Farrow was William Nitzel, 
who was born in the Fatherland, and who cauie to 
this country in an early day, and settled in Mary- 
land, where he lived until the time of his death. 
He was a cooper by trade. Our subject is the sec- 
ond of .seven children born to his parents. Charles, 
the first born, died at the age of two years; and 
Kersner. the third in order of birth, at the age of 
seven. Besides our subject, Jennie, J^mma, Charles 
K., and Harry still survive. 

The wife of Dr. Farrow was in her maidenhood 
Miss Jlary Prunty, .and the rites of wedlock were 
celebrated between them, Nov. 24, 1887. The 
bride was born in Wamego. Feb. IG, 1868. and re- 
ceived an excellent education, and a careful train- 
ing in domestic and social virtues at the hands of 
her parents. Leonard and Adaline. Mr. Prunty 
was born in West Virginia, and was among the 
early settlers of Kansas. Ho built the first dwelling 
house in Wamego. lie is a man of means, and 
owner of a great deal of land and other jiroperty in 
this county. He also owns considerable property- 
in California, where he and his wife are now liv- 
ing. 

Dr. and Mrs. Farrow are the happy parents of 
one daughter, Rubj'. The Doctor is an enthusiastic 



Repulilic.an, though not an office seeker. The high 
character, intelligence, and hospitable, social na- 
tures of Dr. and Mrs. Farrow, are thoroughl3- ap- 
preciated by their neighbors and fellow-citizens, 
among whom they are general favorites. 



■i- 






^ 



RVING P. BELDEN. Among the younger 
members of the farming community of Whit- 

\ ing Townshi|), Mr. Belden occupies a promi- 
nent position. He came to J.ackson County from 
Chicago, in 1887, settling upon land which his 
father had purchased some years before, and is be- 
ing prospered in his lal)ors as a tiller of the soil. 
Enterprising and industrious, the indications are 
that he is bound to succeed. He was married in 
Chicago, Sept. 15, 1887, to Miss Minnie Hallock, 
and shortly afterward came with bis young wife to 
the place which they now occupy, and where, by 
their mutual efforts they are building up a comfort- 
able home. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of D. K. 
Belden, formerly of Princeton, 111., who came to 
AVhiling in 1870, and purchased the land now oc- 
cupied 1)3' Irving P. The paternal grandfather of 
our subject was Aniasa E. Belden, a native of New 
York, vvho spent his last years in Chicago. His 
son, Daniel K.. removed from New York to Bureau 
County, 111., at a verj- earl^' day, and took up a 
large tract of land. The maiden name of his wife 
was Persis, daughter of Asaph and Hermione 
(Clark) Pratt, nho came from Vermont and settled 
in Wisconsin at an earl}' day. Afterward they re- 
moved to Dover, Bureau Co., 111., but finall}' re- 
turned to Wisconsin, where Mr. Pratt died in 1888. 
His wife is still living. To Mr. and iMrs. Belden 
there have been born two children, a daughter, Per- 
sis, and an infant named George Edward. 

Mr. Belden. politically, is a stanch supporter of 
the Kepultlican party, and takes cjuite an interest 
in politic's, especially during Presidential years. 
While in Chicago, he was occupied chiefly as a 
clerk and book-keeper in a confectionarj' manufac- 
tory. While a resident of Maiden, 111., he belonged 
to the Congregational Chuicli for a number of 
3ears. He is one of six children born to his par- 



324 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ents, and is the eldest of the three survivors. His 
sister, Herrnioiie, died at the age of eleven j'ears; 
Edson A. died when a youth of seventeen years, of 
typhoid fever, at Maiden, 111.; C4eorge A. died in 
Chicago, 111., of eonsumption, at the age of twcntj-- 
one. His remains were laid to rest in the cemeter)' 
at Maiden. Henry O. makes his home with his 
brother, Irving P.; Daniel is in Chicago. The 
father of Mrs. Relden was J. H. Hallock, wlio died 
in Jlichigan about 1874. Her mother is still liv- 
ing, and makes her home in Kansas Cit}-. 



jP^ TEPHKN PERKINS came to Jackson 
^^^ County in 1870, before he attained his 
l[\/jj) majority, and for several years he was 
identified with its pioneer farmers in the 
work of developing its agricultural interests, and 
during that time he improved a good farm in Whit- 
ing Township, of which he was an early settler. 
He subsequently engaged in the meat business in 
Netawaka, and in 1887 established himself in Hol- 
ton in the same Hue. He has a neat, well-stocked 
market, and conducts a paying trade. 

Stephen Perkins is a native of Bureau County, 
111., Lamoille Township the place of his birth, and 
Dec. 2G, 1850, the date thereof. His father, Ed- 
ward Perkins, was born in Queen's County, Ireland, 
and was the only member of his family to come to 
America, he coming to this country when he was a 
young man, and first locating in Whiteli.all, N. Y. 
A few }-ears later he removed to Chicago, where 
he lived a year, and then he took up his abode in 
Bureau Count.y, 111., and was one of the first set- 
tlers there. He purchased Government land in 
Lamoille Township, erected a comfortable frame 
house of native lumber, and in the years that in- 
tervened between that time and his death, which 
occurred on that homestead, he improved a fine 
farm, and became fairly prosperous. "When he 
first settled there deer and other kinds of wild 
game were plenty, and the surrounding country 
•was in a wild, sparsely-settled condition. There 
were no railw.ays, and he was obliged to draw his 
wheat with an ox-team to Chicago, 110 miles dis- 
tant. He did his share in building up the county, 



and lived to see it a wealthy and well-settled dis- 
trict. The maiden name of the mother of our 
subject was Mary Wall. She was born in Queen's 
County, Ireland., and died on the Illinois home- 
stead. She and her husband reared nine children 
to good and usefid lives, three of whom are still 
living — John, Joseph and our subject, Joseph oc- 
cupying the old homestead. 

Stephen Perkins was bred to the life of a farmer 
in tlie liome of his birth, receiving a careful train- 
ing from his sterling parents, and gleaning an edu- 
cation in the pioneer schools of Bureau County. 
As soon as old enough he was set to work on the 
farm when he was not engaged in school, and he 
remained an inmate of the parental household until 
he was twenty years old. At that age, in 1870, 
well-equipped for the battle of life mentally and 
physically, he started out in the world to make his 
own w.ay, and attracted to Jackson County on 
account of the many facilities it offered to young 
men of enterprise and resolution, became here and 
made his residence in Wiiiting Township, which 
was then merely' a flag-station, the railway having 
been completed three years previous. As there 
was but one house in the village at that time, he 
was ol)liged to walk liack to Muscolali to find a 
lodging in a hotel. The first season of his settle- 
ment in Kansas he engaged in breaking prairie, and 
then lie bougiit a tract of vvild land one mile from 
the village, and being umarried at that time, he 
kept a bachelor's estalilishment, and carried on the 
improvement of his farm by himself. He gave his 
attention to agricultural pursuits until 1879, when 
he went to Xetawaka, and entered the meat busi- 
ness, which he conducted there very prosperously 
until 1887. In Jul}' of that year, desiring to in- 
crease his trade b}' establishing himself in a larger 
city, and perceiving a fine opening in Holton, he 
came hither and opened a meat market, which he 
has fitted up in good style, and as he has it alwa3's 
stocked with the best of everything in his line to 
be found in the market, he has secured first-class 
patronage. 

In the month of February, 1875, Mr. Perkins 
took an iniiiortant step in his life, that has eon 
tributed not only to his happiness, but h.as added 
to his material comfort and prosperitj', he at that 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



325 



time taking unto himself a good wife in the person 
of Miss Anna Nance. She is, liiic himself, a native 
of Illinois, born in Hancock County', to Casjier and 
F^rail}' (Stone) Nance, her father a native of Vir- 
ginia. Three ehihlren have been born of this mar- 
riage — Frank. May and Pearl. 

I\Ir. I'erkins is connected with the A. F. & A. M., 
as a member of Polar Star Lodge, No. 143. In his 
politics, he is a decided Democrat. He is a wide- 
awake, straightforward business man. of good 
standing among his fellow-citizens, and his pleasant 
social traits make him popular with those with 
whom he associates. 

■*• — -^!^-*^^*"'S^<r^ * 

ON. THOMAS K. ROACH was a gallant 
officer of the Federal Army, and served 
with distiuctiou during the late war. For 
twenty years he has been a resident of Kan- 
sas, identifled a part of that time with its agricul- 
tural interests, and for the past four years he has 
made his home in Holton. In early life he en- 
tered the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, and has enthusiastically devoted much of 
his attention to that holy calling, and even since 
coming to Jackson County, he has preached quite 
constantly to his old charges in Doniphan and 
Atchison Counties, and though old age is creeping 
on ap.ace, it does not seem to have impaired his 
mental vigor or to have rendered his power less 
manifest. He is distinguished in life as having 
been a member of tlie Legislature of two States, 
that of Tennessee, which he entered in earl^r man- 
hood, and that of this State, to which he gave the 
riper wisdom and experience of maturer years. 

The Rev. Mr. Roach was born in Wilson County, 
Tenn., near Round Hill Post-office, Oct. 13, 1817. 
His father, John Roach, was, it is tliougiit, bo''n on 
Richland Creek, three miles from the State House 
in Davidson Count}-, Teun., Jan. "28, 1791, being 
the date of his birth. His father, John Roach, Sr., 
was born on the banks of Cape Fear River, N. C, 
being the son of an emigrant from the North of 
Ireland, who settled there in Colonial times, and 
there passed the remainder of his life. He was a 
Presbyterian in his religious belief, and reared his 



family to the same faith. The grandfather of our 
subject was both a farmer and brickmason. About 
1790 he started from North Carolina with wagon 
and pack horses, and journeyed through the inter- 
vening wilderness to Tennessee, and became one of 
the earliest settlers of Davidson County. At that 
time there was but one building in Nashville, and 
the pioneers had made but few settlements in the 
primeval forests of that State. In a few years he 
removed to "Wilson County, where he bought a 
tract of timber land, and then devoted his time to 
the arduous task of clearing away the trees, culti- 
vating the soil, and at the time of his death in 1848, 
had improved quite a large farm. In that wild 
country there were no markets for several years, 
and the people were obliged to live in the most 
primitive manner, spinning and weaving their own 
clothing, cooking b}' open fires, and living on wliat 
they could raise, and the game that they shot. The 
maiden name of the paternal grandmother of our 
subject, was Rachel Hopkins. She was born in 
North Carolina, was of English extraction, and 
came from the same family from which the Rev. 
John Hopkins was descended. Both she and her 
husband were Presbyterians, and were among the 
first to secede from tlie old church to join the Cum- 
berland Presl^yterian Church. All that is mortal 
of them lies buried in Sugg's Creek Churchyard, 
in Wilson Count}', Tenn. 

The father of our subject grew to maturity in 
Wilson County, and learning the trade of a gun- 
smith, he opened a shop near his old home, .and 
carried on that trade in connection with blacksmith- 
ing. Guns were made by ^hand in those days, and 
he being an expert in their manufacture, carried on 
an extensive business, his guns commanding a 
read}' sale in Tennessee and adjoining States, until 
the introduction of machinery for m.aking them 
caused him to suspend operations. He resided in 
Tennessee until 1848, wlieu he disposed of his prop- 
erty there, and removing to Knox County, III., 
settled among its pioneers. He bought land four 
miles southwest of Knoxville, and lived there about 
eight years, when he sold and reinoved to Logan 
County, and in the town of Atlanta made his home 
until death called him to a higher, Dec. 24, 188G, 
and his mortal remains were buried in the ceme- 



326 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tery two miles east of that town. The maiden 
name of the mother of our subject was Maiy Kirk- 
patrick, and she was a native of South Carolina. 
She died in Atlanta in 18.56. His father, John 
Kirkpatrick, is tliought to have been born in Soutli 
Carolina, of Scotch ijareutage. Xine of the ten 
children that blessed their marriage, were reared to 
niaturit}'. 

The son who is the sulijeetof tliis personal sketch, 
was roared to manhood iu his native county. There 
were no free schools in tliat section of the country 
then, but his father, who took a great interest in 
educational matters, was a liberal patron of tlie lo- 
cal subscription school, and gave his clnldren the 
best advantages for acquiring learning tliat were to 
be had. His oldest son was graduated from Cum- 
berland College, Princeton, Ky., and he then estab- 
lished a select school in Wilson County, and our 
subject became one of his pupils. When not in 
school he helped his father on the farm, and after 
marriage bought a tract of land on Stone's Creek, 
six miles from the Hermitage. After living there 
two years, he sold the place and returned to Sugg's 
Creek, to till a part of his father's farm. In the 
year 1849, he removed to Knox County, 111., where 
he resided one year, and then bouglit land in 
Walnut Grove, McDonough County, the same 
State, and for a space of ten years was actively 
engaged in agricultura' pursuits in that localit}'. 
At the expirati(>n of that time he sold his property 
there, and going to Argyle, invested in a farm in 
that township. Aug. 12, 1862, he threw aside all 
personal considerations, left his home and his work 
to go forth to take part in the great conflict that 
was being waged on Southern battlefields, becom- 
ing on that date a member of Company I, 124tli 
Illinois Infantry, and when the company was or- 
ganized, he was elected captain. The regiment 
rendevoused until October, and was then ordered 
to Camp Jackson, Teun., and was there united with 
other regiments to form the first brigade of the 3rd 
Division of the 17th Army Corps, under command 
of Gen. Logan. Our subject and his comrades also 
fouglit under Gens. McPherson and Grant, and 
lliey took a conspicuous part in the battles at Port 
Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills, and in the siege 
and capture of Vicksburg. In 1863, Capt. Roach 



was obliged to resign his position in his company, 
and return home to recruit. In the spring of 1864, 
he was so far recovered as to be able to assist in 
organizing the 137th Illinois Regiment, and Gov. 
Yates Commissioning him Lieutenant Colonel, he 
.accompanied his regiment to Memphis, Tenn., 
where the}' ra.ade their headquarters, and there they 
bravely fought Forrest's command Aug. 24, 1861. 
Our subject was wounded during tlie engagement, 
but he still continued in command of the regiment, 
and remained with it until its discharge in Septem- 
ber, 1S6."), it liaving served two months be3'ond its 
term of eidistment. He won a fine militarj' record 
for coolness and courage in liattle, and as a most 
efficient and reliable officer, who could be trusted 
in every emergencj' to do the riglit thing at the 
right time. After his retirement from the army, 
Mr. Roach resided in McDonough County, 111., 
wliere he had previously made his home for a few 
years, and in the meantime he traveled tliree years 
in the interest of the American Bible Society', do- 
ing missionary work in tliirleen Illinois counties. 
When quite young he had been converted to the 
Christian religion, and had joined the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, and in 1847, he became a 
candidate for the ministry before the Nashville 
Presbyter}'. After his removal to Illinois, he had 
united with the Rnshville Presbytery, and in 1850, 
had been ordained preacher, and installed the same 
year as pastor of the New Lebanon Cliurcli. He 
also broke the "living bread" to the people of Wal- 
nut Grove, and later to them who dwelt at Arg3'le, 
though he did not lose his interest in agricultural 
pursuits, but devoted a part of his time to farming. 
In 1869, he came to Kansas, and located in Doni- 
plian County, buying a home near Highland. He 
was engaged in his beloved calling there for many 
years, and in 1880 took up his abode in Atchison 
County, where he carried on his ministerial work 
until 1884, preaching mostly at Round Prairie, and 
since his removal to Jackson County in that year, 
he lias still continued to look after the spiritual 
wants of his former charges in those counties. Af- 
ter coming here he lived on a farm that he pur- 
chased in Soldier Township, one year, and tlien he 
removed to Holton, buying city propert}', and from 
that time has been a resident of tliis city. His fine 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



327 



business qualifications have enabled him to secure 
a competency, and to build up a comfortable home, 
replete with all conveniences, wherein he and his 
good wife are enjoj'ing life, free from its cares. 

Mr. Roach has been twice married. He was first 
wedded July 16, 1835, to Nancy W. Cloyd, a na- 
tive of Wilson County, Tenn., and a daughter of 
.John and Letitia (Alexander) Cloyd. Her mar- 
ried life, thongh happ3' was brief, her death occur- 
ring in December, 1840. Our subject had two 
children by that union, Louisa C. and Angeline. 
Louisa married James W. Beard, and lives in Mt. 
Union, Henry Co., Iowa; Angeline died when 
twenty 3'ears of age. The marriage of our subject 
with ills present estimable wife, formerly' Martha 
Rhea, was solemnized Nov. 15, 1841. She was 
born in Smith County, Tenn., Jan. 9, 1823. Her 
father, Archibald Rhea, was a native of Ireland, 
and came from there to America with his parents, 
and settled in Smith County, where he carried on 
his occupation as a farmer. Subsequently he re- 
moved to Wilson County, and there died. Mrs. 
Roach's mother was Susan Littrel, prior to iier mar- 
riage, and she was born in this country, of English 
parentage. Mrs. Roach was young when her par- 
ents died, and she then lived with an elder brother 
and sisters, and was early taught to spin and weave 
besides her otlier household duties, and after her 
marriage she used to clothe her children in home- 
spun. A daughter and son, Nancj' J., and John 
M., have blessed her wedded life with our subject. 
Nancy married Edward T. Neel, and resides in 
Walla Walla, Wash.; John M. married Alice Frencii, 
and resides near Cumberland, Case Co., Iowa. 

A man of pure, lofty nature, truthful and hon- 
est, integritj' unswerving, on whose career in pub- 
lic or private life, no one can cast an aspersion, 
gifted with a keen, clear intellect, and remarkably 
well-informed, our subject has played no unim- 
portant part in upbuilding not only the material 
prosperity of this favored portion of Kansas, but 
he h.as aided in la3-ing the foundation, and in erect- 
ing the superstructure of its [jrescnt high social and 
moral status. He has taken part in the political 
and public life of the various States in whicli he 
has lived, making their interests his own. He was 
in early life an old-line Whig, and cast his first vote 



for John Bell for Congress, and his first Presiden- 
tial vote for William H. Harrison, the illustrious 
grandfather of our present President. He was a 
Republican before the formation of the party, and 
was among the first to identify himself with it. 
He was elected to the Tennessee State Legislature 
when he was but twenty-six years of age, being a 
candidate of the Whig partj-, and in the f^ill of 
1888 he was elected to represent this district in the 
Kansas Legislature, his course in both bodies mark- 
ing him as a sound and liberal statesman. He served 
with ability on several important committees in the 
latter, being a member of the Committee of Fed- 
eral Relations, Chairman of the Committee on 
Internal Improvement, and a member of the Com- 
mittee on Emigration. In commemoration of his 
army life, he is now connected with the G. A. R., 
belonging to AVill Mendcll Post, No. 46. He is a 
Royal Arch Mason. 



#^ 



-{- 



iLISHA D. ROSE, an honored veteran of 
the late war, and United States Commis- 
sioner for the District of Kansas, was a 
pioneer of Holton, with whose growth he has ever 
since been identified. For several j'ears he has 
been actively engaged in the real-estate business, 
and while thus gre.atlj' aiding in building up the 
cit3', he has sought in various wa3\s to promote its 
highest interests as a private citizen, and when 
he was at the head of the municipal government, 
or when he has served in a judicial capacit3-. 

Mr. Rose was born April-25, 1831, the town of 
Broome, Schoharie Co., N. Y., being the place of 
his birth. Seth Rose, his father, was a native of 
Vermont, his birth occurring there April 16, 1802. 
He went to Schoharie County in early manhood, 
married, and engaged in farming there until 
1834, when he emigrated to Indiana with five or 
six other families, making the entire journey across 
the wild, unsettled country that intervened, with 
ox-teams, cooking and camping by the wa3-side at 
noon and night. Mr. Rose located in La Porte 
County among its pioneers. There were no rail- 
ways in that then thinh' settled wilderness, and 
Michigan Cit3% on Lake Michigan was the only 



328 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



market. Deer and wild turkeys furnished a bounti- 
ful supply of delicious meat for the settlers, and 
bears were plentiful. lie built a log house on his 
place, cleared about twenty acres of his land, and 
was in a fair way to improve a fine farm when his 
earthly career was prematurely closed by his death 
Jan. 30, 1839, and all that was mortal of him was 
consigned to the cemetery near b^', whei-e be is 
sleeping the sleep of the just. He was a sturdy, 
upright man, of unswerving integrity, and in his 
death his community suffered a great loss. His 
wife, to whom he was married Feb. o, 1823, also 
spent her last years on tiie old homestead in La 
Porte County, passing away in war times. She 
was born Nov. 9, 1800, her maiden name being 
Sally B. Palmer. The following are the names of 
the seven children that blessed the marriage of that 
worthy couple : Ambrose, Anna, Milton, Elisha, Ros- 
well, Emeline and Harriet; Rossvell and our subject 
being the only meraliers of the famii}- now living. 
He of whom we write was seven years old when 
his father died, and two jears later he went to live 
wich a neighboring farmer, and was allowed to at- 
tend school in winter, and at other times assisted 
on the farm. He remained with him three years, 
and at the end of that time went to La Porte to 
learn the trade of a blacksmith, serving an appren- 
ticeship of three 3-ears. After that he did journey- 
work in the country a few months, and in 1849 
struck out for the North, where he shrewdly fore- 
saw that he would have broader fields of labor in 
newly settled portions of the country where men 
of liis catling would be inactive demand. He made 
his way to Wisconsin -and engaged as a jourue}'- 
man at his trade in Waukan, and visited other 
parts of the State. After a sojourn of a year and 
a iialf in that portion of the Northwest, he returned 
to La Porte County-, and followed blacksmithing 
tliere a short time and then purchased the shop of 
his emplo3-er at Westville and did general work in 
his line in that place two years. His next move 
was to Orr's Corners, where he was active!^- en- 
gaged at his vocation till 1858. In that year he 
came to tiic Territory- of Kansas, traveling by rail 
to St. Joseph, and thence on the Missouri River to 
Leavenworth, and from there by stage to Topeka, 
which was then but a small villaoc of two or three 



hundred people, and the surrounding country was 
ver3' thinly inhabited. Our subject located at 
Indianola, then a flourishing village, on the Gov- 
ernment Road, three miles northwest of Topeka. 
IIo built a shop in that place, and carried on his 
trade until 1861. In September of that year he 
laid aside his work to take up arms in defence of 
his country, enlisting in Company E, 8th Kansas 
Infantry and going South. He veteranized in 
February, 1864, and served with his regiment, tak- 
ing part in many important engagements, until liis 
discharge Jan. 9. 1866, proving to be a courage- 
ous, self-sacrificing, capable soldier, ever faithful to 
his duties, and always read}' and prompt in the 
hour of need. 

After his experience of army life Mr. Rose re- 
turned to liis home in Jackson Countj-, whence 
he came to Holton in 1868, and has ever since 
been a resident of this city. In 1876 he en- 
tered upon his present business as a real estate 
dealer, and has very prosperously engaged at it 
from tliat time, much of the property of this city 
and the surrounding countj- having passed through 
his hands, and he is constantly making large sales 
of realty for other people, doing all that he can to 
encourage the growth of this municipalitj'. 

In 1852 Mr. Rose was united in marriage to Miss 
INIary M. Smith, a native of Ohio, ar.d a daughter 
of Richard P. and Margaret Smith. The follow- 
ing are the five children that have been born of tlielr 
union: Josephine, wife of E. B. Junes, a resident 
of Holton; Alice, living at home with her parents; 
Ed S. ; Frank and William. Mrs. Rose is a true 
home-maker, who looks w-ell after the comfort and 
well-being of tlie inmates of her household. She 
is a devoted Ciiristianand a valued member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The wealth and prosperitj' of the city of Holton 
are due in a great measure to such men as our sub- 
ject, whose judgment singled it out as an eligible 
point for business in the midst of a country pos- 
sessing vast resources waiting for development hy 
master hands and minds. In him Holton has found 
one of her most useful citizens, a man of keen 
foresight, shrewd business qualifications, of incor- 
ruptible nature, and open hearted and generous 
handed. He has filled various offices of trust with 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



329 



characteristic fidelity and ability, having served as 
Count}^ Clcrii for eight years. He was Justice of 
the Peace when Kansas was a territory, and was 
Postmaster of Indianola at the time of his enlist- 
ment. For two terms he stood at the helm and 
skillfully guided the public affairs of this city, 
serving very acceptably as its Ma3-or. He has 
served the city as Judge for six years, which 
otliije he still holds, and is at present United 
States Commissioner for the District of Kansas. In 
anti-bellum da3's he was a Democrat. Differing 
materially from the majority of his party on the 
slavery question, he earl3' identified himself with 
the Republicans, and has ever since been a stanch 
supporter of the principles of the part3'. He is 
connected with the following social organizations: 
Holton Lodge, No. 42, A. F. & A. M.; Will Men- 
dell Post, No. 46, G. A. R., and the Loyal Legion 
of Kansas. 



AVID BENDER. Prominent among the 
pioneers of 1869, Mr. Bender deserves 
^^ more than a passing notice in a work de- 
signed to perpetuate the names of those 
who came to Northern Kansas when a large por- 
tion of the land lay as the Indian had left it. The 
country was but thinl3' settled, and was just be- 
coming safe to live in after the vicissitudes of the 
Civil War, and during which Kansas had been the 
scene of man3^ a traged3'. Soon after his arrival 
here, Mr. Bender purchased a quarter-section of 
land, within which was included the present site of 
Powhattan. He held |)OSsession until 1881, then 
selling out, [)urchased the quarter-section which he 
now owns and occupies, and which comprises one 
)f the finest farms in Jackson County. There was 
upon it at tlie time of its purchase by Mr. Bender, 
a large house built in Southern stv'le, which the 
faniil3' occupied for a lime, when it was then torn 
down, and upon its ruins was erected the present 
handsome dwelling. This latter is a two-story 
structure, 32x33 feet in dimensions, finely finished, 
and costing over §2,000. It stands upon a gentle 
elevation overlooking the village of AVhiting, a 
half mile distant, and has one of the finest situ- 
ations on the line of the Rock Island road. This 




road runs about eighty rods in front of the house, 
while the central branch of the Union Pacific runs 
within twenty rods on the south. Upon the farm 
is a maple grove, ten acres in extent, also an orch- 
ard of about five acres, and man3' other trees orna- 
ment the place. There are all the outbuildings 
required for the shelter of stock and the storage 
of grain, including a mill house, whose machinery 
is operated by a windmill, which at the same time 
pumps water for stock and furnishes the motor 
power for the machinery used in shelling corn and 
grinding grain. The main barn accommodates 
twelve head of horses and about five tons of hay. 
The farm is mostly enclosed and divided with 
hedge fencing, wiiich, neatly trimmed, presents a 
beautiful appearance. The whole premises indi- 
cate in a remarkable manner the industry, thrift 
and intelligence of the proprietor. 

Mr. Bender comes of substantial stock, and was 
born in Cumberland County, Pa., April 12, 1830. 
He lived in Carlisle until a young man of twenty 
years, acquiring his education in the common 
school. When seventeen years old he entered upon 
an apprenticeship at blacksmithing, at Valley 
Forge, five miles below his home, and three years 
later, having become fa journeyman, set out to 
battle witii the world. He first made his way to 
AVooster, Ohio, where he worked at his trade one 
3-ear, and then changed his residence to Ashland. 
fn the latter place he lived with an uncle, and later 
was joined by his father's family, with whom he 
took up his abode. He remained in Ohio for seven 
years, and in the meantime, Feb. 18, 1855, was 
united in wedlock with Miss Sarah J., daughter of 
the Rev. Jesse Ilines, a minister of the German 
Reformed Church. In 1858 Mr. Bender, with liis 
little family, leaving the Buckeye State, removed 
to Iowa, and .settled on Spring Creek, in Black 
Hawk County. He fii-st secured forty acres of land, 
and subsequently purchased ninety acres, and upon 
this land operated for a period of eleven years, 
coming thence, in 1869, to Kansas. 

The parents of our ^subject were Martin and 
Sarah (Steinhour) Bender, who were born and 
reared in Pennsylvania, but were of German de- 
scent. The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. 
Bender was Elizabeth Ilockensmith, of Marvland. 



330 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Her paternal grandfather was Jesse Hines, of Scotch- 
Irish stock. Mr. Bender, politically, is a Demo- 
crat, and a stanch supporter of the principles of 
his partj\ In Iowa he served as Justice of the 
Peace two terms, and was also Roadmaster and 
School Director. Both he and his wife are mem- 
bers in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, with which they have been connected for 
nearly a quarter of a centurj'. and in the doctrines 
of which they have carefully trained their children, 
who bid fair to follow in the footsteps of their 
parents. 

Of the eleven children born to our subject and 
his wife, the record is as follows: Rumina died in 
the twenty-eighth year of her age. July 19, 1884; 
Edwin A., who is married and the father of three 
children, is operating a farm in Whiting Town- 
ship; John O., who is married, and has four chil- 
dren, lives on a farm east of the town of Whiting. 
Louis C. is married, but has no children ; he lives 
one and one half miles east of Whiting. William 
IMeC. is unmarried, and is farming east of Whiting; 
Hattie Viola is the wife of Oscar Porter, and thej 
live on a farm south of Goff, Nemeha County; they 
have two children. Flora Ella is the wife of Will- 
iam Banks, of Whiting Township; they live on a 
a farm, and have one child. Jesse D., Martin A. 
and Alfred Wesley remain at the homestead. Mary 
R., a 3'oung miss of thirteen years, is attending 
school in Whiting. 



HOMAS P. MOORE, President of the First 
National Bank of Holton, was the pioneer 
banker of Jackson County, and is first and 




foremost among the men of ability and enterprise 
who have advanced the commercial prosperity of 
Holton, and made it the wealthy and flourishing 
metropolis of to-day, with extensive business in- 
terests, handsome Iniildings and residences, and 
with fine educational and religious institutions. 
He is a prominent figure in public life, in society 
and in politics, and is always lo be found on the 
side of the right in all tlie great issues that agitate 
the minds of the people. 

A native of Belmont County, Ohio, Thomas P. 



Moore was born amid its pioneer scenes Feb. 20, 
1839. His father, William Moore, was a native of 
Pennsylvania, and James Moore, his grandfather, 
was a native of the North of Ireland. He came to 
America in early manhood, and settling in Penn- 
sylvania, passed the remainder of his life there. 
The maiden name of his wife was Isabella McBur- 
• nej'. and she was a lifelong resident of the Key- 
stone State. Both she and ber husband were 
devoted Presbyterians. 

The father of our subject passed his early life in 
his native State, and when a young man went to 
Ohio, and there married Mai-ga ret Parr, a native of 
Belmont Count}', that State. Her father, Thomas 
Parr, was a pioneer of that section of the country, 
where he carried on farming the rest of his life, 
clearing and improving a good farm. The father 
of our suljject, after learning the trade of a tanner, 
followed it there a few years, and then devoted 
himself to agriculture. Buying timber land in 
Belmont County, he built a log house, which was 
afterward the birthplace of our subject, and then 
he commenced to clear awaj' the forest trees from 
his land. After improving a part of it he sold it 
at a good advance, and removed to Morgan 
County, where he invested in another tract of wild 
land. He cleared the greater part of that tract 
before he disposed of it, and emigrated to Iowa in 
1857. In that State he was a pioneer of AVashing- 
ton County, where he bought a prairie farm and 
also village property in AVashington. During the 
few }-ears of life that were left to hira, he was suc- 
cessfully engaged in the management of his farm. 
His death, which occurred in 1864, was a loss to 
the coramnnity, as he was a man of intelligence 
and strict probity. His wife died in 1851, in Mor- 
gan County, Ohio. 

Thomas P. Moore, of this biographical sketch, 
received his earl^- education in the public schools 
of Morgan County, Ohio, and after the removal of 
the familj' to Iowa he attended college at Wash- 
ington, and was there fitted for any vocation ho 
might choose to adopt, and he entered the profess- 
ion of teaching. After an experience of three years 
in that line in Washington and Randolph Counties, 
Mo., he turned his attention to the mercantile 
business in Washington, Iowa, and acted as clerk 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



331 



there one year. At the end of that time he es- 
tablished liimself in business in that cit}', carry- 
ing it on nine years. In 1872 lie sold his property 
there and came to Helton, Kan., and was the first 
to establish a bank in Jackson County, which he 
called the Holton Exchange Bank. There were at 
that time only about 600 people here, and Netawaka 
was the nearest railway station. He has been en- 
g.aged in the banking business in this city continu- 
ously since, and in 1883 he organized the First 
National Bank of Holton, and has always been its 
President. Its correspondents are Knauth, Nachod 
ife Kuiine. and Ninth National Bank of New York 
Citj'; with the National liaiik of Commerce, Kansas 
Cit3% and with the First National Bank, Leaven- 
worth, and it does a large business. 

The marriage of Mr. Moore with Miss Annetta, 
daughter of Gordon and Elizabeth Mallett, and a 
native of Lee County, Iowa, was celebrated in 
March, 1862. Five children have been born to 
them, namely: Fred G., who was a student at the 
Annapolis Naval Academy three j'cars, and com- 
pleted his studies at Princeton, and is now Assistant 
Cashier in the First National Bank; Scott R., a 
student at Campbell Universit}'; Annie P., Daisy 
L. and Cora B. 

Mr. Moore combii es great financial talent and 
rare business tact, witii fine powers of discrimina- 
tion and great tenacity of purpose, and honoring 
independence, industry and integrity' in thought 
and example, his success in life is complete. He 
has been as jirominently identified with the civic 
life of Ilollon, as with its commercial and other 
interests, and has been instrumental in a large 
degree in theestablisliment of a wise and enlightened 
city govennent, and in building up good schools 
for the education of its youth. He has served sev- 
eral terms as a member of the School Board, and 
he was Mayor of Holton two terms. It was during 
his vigorous administration of the city affairs in the 
latter capacity that this ardent temperance worker 
aided in driving the liquor saloons from this munic. 
ipalitj'. He has always used his influence to aid 
in bringing about needed reforms, or to further 
schemes for the improvement of the city, county or 
State. In politics, he is a firm Repuljlican. He was 
ap[iointcd a member of the Board of Regents of 



the Kansas Stute Agricultural Society, in 1 SK;), and 
w.as Loan Commissioner three ^-ears, and lias been 
President of the Board since April, 1889. He is 
connected with the A. F. & A. M. order as a mem- 
ber of Holton Lodge, No. 34, and belongs to Friend- 
ship Lodge, No. 1 769, K. of II. Both he and his es- 
timable wife are leading members of the Presbyte- 
rian Church, of which he has been Ruling Elder 
many years. It is said, "By their fruit ye shall 
know them:" Surely the unswerving integrity of 
an upright life proves the reality and worth of his 
religion. 

/^ HARLES K. STEVENS, Postmaster of Fos- 
(ll fil '•'^''•''*' Pottawatomie Co., Kan., is proprie- 
^^^' tor of the Eagle Hotel, and is also a large 
dealer in groceries. His irade in the latter busi- 
ness is extensive, and in all his relations with his 
fellow-men, whether of a social or a business na 
ture, he is highly esteemed and very popular. He 
was born in Bradford County, Pa., Nov. 29, 1843, 
and was reared in his native place, receiving a good 
common-school education, afterward attending the 
excellent academy at Camptown, where he finished 
his studies, so far as school-life is concerned, but 
he has always taken a deep interest in the historj' 
of the past, and keeps well posted in current liter- 
ature. Upc5n leaving school he engaged in the 
honorable but oftentimes trying occupation of 
teaching, in which he had good success. During 
the summers when the schools were enjoying vaca- 
tion, he employed himself on the farm, and fol- 
lowed that plan of teaching in winter and farming 
in summer until he started West in 18G9. He look 
the trip in a leisurely fashion, stopping six months 
at ].,anark. 111., and finally reaching Leavenworth 
October 3, in the fall of the same year in which he 
left home. Proceeding on iiis journey he reached 
Oskaloosa, Jefferson Co., Kan., and t.aught school 
that winter. He remained in that town for about 
one year, leaving on Oct. II, 1870, for Shannon 
Township, where he took up a homestead of eighty 
acres of raw land on section 14. 

On April 12, 1870, Mr. Stevens was united in 
marri.age with Miss LovicaKeeney. of .Stcvensville, 
Bradford Co., Pa., and she .accompanied him to his 



332 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



farm in the fall. Iinmeiiiately upon taking posses- 
sion of liis land, Jlr. Stevens set to work and built 
a comfortable frame house, and then proceeded to 
make all the other improvements. Breaking up 
the tough sod, building fences, and planting trees, 
kept him busy, but it was labor that well repaid the 
time and trouble spent in it, as he soon had a fine 
home, with everything necessary to happiness in 
rural life. A large orchard of well selected trees 
and a fine liedge which served the double purpose 
of a wind-break and a shade for stock, were among 
the valuable improvements put upon the farm by 
Mr. Stevens. He remained upon the farm until 
1884, when he removed to Fostoria, on .September 
20, and engaged in the business of keeping a hotel. 
Some time after starting the hotel he opened a gro- 
cery store, and is now doing a good and lucrative 
business. In July, 1889, he was appointed Post- 
master and took possession of the office on the 29th 
of the same month. He is a stalwart Republican, 
and has been Justice of the Peace fourteen years, 
and is still holding the position. He has also filled 
several offices in connection with the School Board, 
and in all respects stands high in the regard of the 
community. Miss Keeney, the first wife of our 
subject was a native of Stevensville, Pa., and died 
the spring following her marriage. Mr. Stevens 
was again married April 10, 1872, taking Miss Ellen 
A. Marcy for his wife. Of this union there has 
been born one child, Mamie J. 

Aden Stevens tlie father of our subject, was a 
native of Connecticut. He was born near Dan- 
bury, and when three years of age was taken b}' his 
parents to Bradford, Pa., where he grew to man- 
hood, and where in due course of time he was mar- 
ried to the lad}' of his choice — Miss Rebecca 
Ingham. Their home was on a farm, and they 
continued to reside on the same place until the in- 
exorable flat went forth and renjoved them from 
the scene of their labors and triumphs. His de- 
parture took place in 1881, at which time he was 
seventj--two years of age, her death occurring 
some years before in 1856, when she was forty-three 
3' ears old. 

Mrs. Ellen A. (Mai'cy) Stevens was born in Erie 
County, Pa., Oct. 13, 18J31, and resided in her na- 
tive place till licr twentieth year. The family 



home was some distance from Waterford, which 
was their post-office. Her father, James Marcy, 
was born in Maryland, in 1806, and removed to 
Erie County when a boj'. He grew to manhood 
in that county, and in the same place was married, 
to Miss Floretta Pringle. Farming was the occu- 
pation'which he followed for a livelihood during 
his career. When Mrs. Stevens was sixteen years 
of age, Mr. Marcy moved to Mercer County, 111., 
and lived there three years, then removed to Potta- 
watomie County, Kan., and located in Shannon 
Townsldp, where he took up a homestead and made 
a good farm and comfortable home for his family. 
His death occurred on the home place, Jan. 29, 
1889. Mrs. Stevens' mother is still living, and in 
a fair state of health and spirits. She was born in 
New York, Feb. 29, 1816, and became the mother 
of fourteen children, of whom eight grew to ma- 
turity, and five still live. They arc members of 
the Free Will Baptist Church. Mrs. Stevens is a 
lady highly spoken of b}' all, and Is well-known 
among the prominent jjeople, and especially to 
those interested in literature, as she is deeply 
versed in histor}' and scientific studies. 



^) HARLES D. LOGAN ranks among the first 
^ business 



G 



'ss men of Whiting, where he has his 
'^f' headquarters. B}' close application to the 
details of his work he has built up the largest trade 
in that line' in the county. He carries a full line 
of everything that is used in the construction of a 
building, making a specialtj- of lumber. His place 
of business occupies 150 square feet of ground, 
with a shed room 50x110 feet, and twelve feet high. 
In the well-finished office, 16x24 feet, paints, oils, 
nails, and builders' hardware may be found. 

Robinson Township, Alleghany Co., Pa., was the 
native place of our subject, and the date of his 
birth Oct. 23, 1858. One year later he was taken 
by his parents to Southern Ohio, where they re- 
mained until the time of Morgan's raid; they then 
returned to the Keystone State for a three years' 
residence. Columbiana Countj-, Ohio, was their 
next place of abode, and they are still living in 
East Liverpool, that county. The father is Will- 




lLH0LW8.BH0{Om£/?SmLL/MB£H,C0AL,6/?AmfUMPS,m/VDM/LlS&.3CALEjj0l^BUnGfmk'^mmiC0M^ 




Residence &. Lumber Yard of C.D.Logan,Whiting Jackson Co. Kan. 




VERMiLLioNVALLEYRoLLERMiLLsXCAPACiTYrs.Bbis) J. A.Porter, Prop. LaClede,PottawatomieCq.Kan. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



335 



iam F. Logan, of Scotch-Irish descent, and a second 
cousin of John A. Logan, the "Black Jack" of hon- 
ored memory. The mother was in youth Jane 
Anderson, and was of French extraction. 

The subject of this sketch lived with his parents 
in East Liverpool, receiving such advantages as the 
common schools afforded. At the age of seventeen 
years ho started out for himself, empty-handed, to 
make his way in the world. He came directly to 
Jackson County, and in North Cedar Township 
began to work for George Myers, a contractor and 
builder. After working for him about a year 
he engaged in business for himself. Seven years 
ago he entered into partnership with John Earnest, 
a practical contractor and builder, and still carries 
on that line of work. He is individually engaged 
in the sale of lumber and building material. 

Ihitil Feb. 25, 1889, the lumber business was 
controlled jointly by our subject and Newton J. 
Swisher, under the firm name of Swisher & Logan ; 
their business connection commenced in 1887 and 
ceased only at the death of the senior partner. The 
firm in addition to their large stock in Whiting has 
also $500 worth of stock in the creamer}*, which is 
located near their place of business, and which was 
started in June, 1880, with a paid-up stock of 
S;5,800. Mr. Logan owns a half interest in the 
luml)er firm of Logan & Friend in Ontario, his 
partner being Carl E. Friend. Thej' carry 500,000 
feet of lumber and a full line of supplies, and al- 
though recently established are doing an excellent 
business. Among the many large contracts taken 
and completed by the firm of Earnest ife Logan, was 
the Newman ik Dickie building in Holton, which 
was erected at a cost of ¥9,000. The greater part 
of their work consists in the erection of farm build- 
ings — dwellings, barns, etc. — and nearly all the first- 
class residences of tiiis kind in the county have 
been their work. 

Maj- 23, 1881, Mr. Logan was united in marriage 
with Miss Lizzie (4illis, and they are the parents 
of one daughter, Agnes Rosella. Mrs. Logan is 
the daughter of Robert S. and Agnes (Blair) 
Gillis, of Scotland, who on coming to America lo- 
cated in Chicago, where their daughter Lizzie was 
born. Mr. and Mrs. Gillis removed from the gar- 
den Cit}' to Kansas, and for some time lived in 



North Cedar Township, their present home being 
in Garfield Township. 

In 1886 Mr. Logan erected for his own occu- 
pancy a pleasant residence, favorably located and 
overlooking the track of the Rock Island Railroad. 
It is of excellent design and contains seven rooms, 
with hall, closets, bathroom, etc. Mr. Logan is a Re- 
publican, and is now filling the office of Township 
Clerk, which he has occupied for three terms. Mr. 
Logan has not only manifested a close attention to 
the details of business, but has shown a discrimina- 
tion in the selection of his goods, and the disposal 
of his stock and the carr^-ing out of his contracts, 
which is rarely met with in one so young. His 
person.al character is excellent, and although his 
educational facilities did not extend beyond the 
common branches, he is well-informed and intelli- 
gent. Mrs. Logan is a member of the United 
Presbyterian Church, at North Cedar, Jaclcson 
County. 

On another page of this volume may be found a 
lithographic engraving of the liome of Mr. Logan. 



>^«r^ 



ellARLES A. HOLM. Few of the young 
men of the present generation have achieved 
the success in business which has been the 
fortunate experience of our subject. He is now in 
his earl}' prime, and notwithstanding this fact, has 
become closel}- identified with the interests of Pot- 
tawatomie County, and has matei-iall}' assisted in 
its development. What the future holds for him, 
we cannot tell, even though we might desire to lift 
the veil which hides our to-da3-s from the to-mor- 
rows. It must be left for a later biographer to i)en 
the results of an energetic and enterprising life, 
whose successful commencement we herewith chron- 
icle. 

Charles J. Holm, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Sweden, having been born at Erbogan, 
that countr3\ When he had reached manhood, he 
was apprenticed .as a mechanic, becoming experi- 
enced and practical in various trades. Later he 
engaged in agriculture, and owned a fine farm; he 
was also emplo3'ed in the manufacture of charcoal, 
and was in the region of the iron mines of Sweden. 
During the hard times in the mines, he met with 



336 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



reverses, and so resolved to emigrate to America, 
and there establish a home. Hither he aceordingl3' 
came in 1868, and homestoaded a claim in Blue 
Valley Township, Pottawatomie County, tbis State. 
This lie continued to improve and operate until in 
1883, when he sold it to his son. J. E,. and bought 
ICO acres of land in tlie northern part of Green 
Township. Having been successful in agricultural 
pursuits, he is now in comfortable circumstances, 
and lives retired from life's active labors. He, 
however, still oversees the management of liisland. 
In matters, political, lie is a Repulilican, while re- 
ligiousl}", he afliliates with the Metliodist Episcopal 
Church, at Olsbursj. 

While residing in Sweden, the father of our sub- 
ject was united in marriage with Louisa Anderson, 
a native of that country. She died in Pottawato- 
mie County, in the autumn of 1880. After her de- 
cease, the father was again married, his second wife 
being Miss Charlotte Carlson. By the first union 
he became the father of four children, namely: J. 
E., partner of our subject, and a farmer in Blue 
Valley Township; Charles A.; Frank, who is farm- 
ing in Blue Valley Township; and William, who 
is attending Pond's Business College, at Topeka. 
Of the second union one child was born, a daugh- 
ter, Emma, who is at home. 

Although a native of Sweden, where he was born 
Jan. 5, 1864, almost the first recollections of Charles 
A. Holm, are of the homestead in Blue Valle^^ 
Township, whither he had come with his parents in 
the spring of 1868. He was reared on his father's 
farm, and was given the advantages of a common- 
school education until he was fourteen 3-ears of age. 
Then he commenced to worlv for himself, being- 
occupied at various pursuits until he was sixteen 
j^ears old. In 1880 he commenced to clerk in Ols- 
burg, and was thus emploj'ed until 1882, when he 
entered Pond's Business College at Topeka, Kan., 
graduating in 1883 with honors, and a standing of 
ninety-eight per cent. 

Upon leaving college, Mr. Holm returned to OIs 
burg, and in partnership with his brother, J. K., 
stai'ted in the pump and windmill business. The}^ 
owned a well-drill, and had a force of men con- 
stantl}^ emploj'ed. The}' would drill a well, and 
have the pump and windmill set up complete within 



four days. By steady attention to their business, 
they gained a good start, and becoming well known, 
succeeded in doing an extensive business. In this 
business Mr. Holm made a start toward financial 
prosperity, and he has just reason to be proud of 
his present standing, as it rejiresents the results of 
his own unaided efforts, lie commenced without 
any cash capital, and even paid his own way through 
college. In July, 188o, the two brothers purchased 
a couple of lumber yards in Olsburg from John 
Foster & Son, and Shonbeck & Anderson. This 
lumber yard they have enlarged since purchasing 
it, and have added to its value bj' erecting office 
buildings, dry -sheds, and warehouses. In 1887 
they discontinued the drilling business, though thcj' 
are still interested in pumps and windmills. They 
do an immense Imsiness, malving their purchases in 
large lots, buj'ing and selling lumber, coal, lime, 
cement, and building material. Mr. Holm is also a 
director of the Union Barn Company, of Olsburg. 

Mr. Holm was especiallj' fortunate in the selec- 
tion of a wife, as her refinement and accomplish- 
ments fit her to .adorn any society, and to take a 
prominent part in social circles. She was Miss 
Rosa Barker, a native of Quincj', 111., and the daugh- 
ter of S. C. Barker, a contractor and builder of 
Burton, 111. Their wedding occurred June 9. 1889, 
in Westmoreland, Kan. As in business circles, so 
in political affairs, Mr. Holm wields considerable 
influence, and is always interested in what is cal- 
culated to upbuild his communitj'. He, however, 
has no office aspirations, but has served as delegate 
from the Republican party to county and Congres- 
sional conventions. 

A lithographic engraving of the lumber j'ard of 
Holm Bros., with its office buildings, warehouses, 
etc., is presented on another page of the Album, 
and represents one of Olsburg's most flourishing in- 
dustries. 



^ AMES A. PORTER. Indiana has sent many 
of her most prominent and prosperous citi- 
zens to settle the frontier towns of the West, 
and to develop a civilization similar to that 
of their native State. They brought with them 
boundless ambitions, strong hands, and clear brains, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



337 



and with these possessions liave been awarded the 
success which is tlieir just due. Scarcely could we 
with propriety omit from among them tlie hi story 
of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and 
who is now the proprietor of the mills at Laclede, 
formerly known as the Prunty Mills. He is recog- 
nized as a business man of fertilitj' of resources, 
depth of mind, and quickness of perception, and 
therefore bids fair at no distant day, to be ranked 
with the wealthy citizens of Pottawatomie Count}-. 

George K. Porter, the fatlier of our subject, was 
of Irish parentage, and was born in West Virginia, 
in 1798. At an early d.ay he removed to Washing- 
ton County, Ind., and became one of the pioneers 
of that region, then considered as a part of the re- 
mote and uncivilized West. Still later, he again 
removed, this time locating in Missouri, where he 
died at the age of eight3'-six years. Religiousl}' he 
was a faithful member of the Christian Church, 
which he united with in the first years of its organ- 
ization. He had the pleasure of witnessing ils rai)id 
.and steady growth, and was identified witli its de- 
velopment. 

Upon reaching years of maturity, George Porter 
took unto himself a wife and helpmate, «iio was in 
youth Nancy Scott, a native of Indiana. Our sub- 
ject was earl}' orphaned by the deatli of this de- 
voted and loving mother. The native county of 
our subject was Washington, in the State of In- 
diana, and the date of his birth. May 24, 1830. He 
was educated principally in Washington County, 
and wlien a youth of seventeen years, located in 
Missouri, whence he afterward emigrated to Cali- 
fornia. On the Pacific Coast he was variously oc- 
cupied, until April, 1889. He was prospered in 
his undertakings, and accumulated consideral)le 
])roperty. Finally he traded his i)roperty in Cali- 
fornia for some in Pottawatomie Count}', Kan., and 
accordingly returned East. 

Mr. Porter has not been without the assistance of 
a wife and helpmate during these years, but estab- 
lished a home of his own in 1SG4, being married, 
December 9, of that year, to JHssCandace A. Staf- 
ford. Mrs. Porter was born in Parishville, St. 
Lawrence Co., N. Y., Aug. 10, 1829, and is the 
daughter of Erastus and Prudence (Perkins) Staf- 
ford, the former a native of New York State, where 



he died when sixty years of age. He was a cloth 
manufacturer. His wife was a native of the Green 
jMountain State, and lived until seventy-three years 
of age. Both were consistent members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. The family of our sub- 
ject comprises, besides his wife, their son George, 
now twenty-one years of age. Two other children 
died, one in infancy, and the other, Robert, when 
ten years of age. Although this excellent family 
have been residents of Pottawatomie County only 
a short time, they haye endeared themselves to all 
who know them by their kindly deeds and generous 
actions, which cast a lustre over the lives of all who 
come in contact with them. 

On another page of this volume may be found a 
lithographic engraving of the mill which Mr. Por- 
ter operates. 



)EN,TAMIN HAFER. The subject of this 
notice is distinguished among the citizens 
^)Jlj of Franklin Township, for his zeal for the 
public welfare of his district, and for the 
strict integrity and uprightness of purpose which 
characterize all his efforts for the prosperity and 
advancement of his community. Anything that 
m.ay reasonably be supposed to further the interests 
of the township, can confidently count on his sym- 
pathy and, if convinced of its practicability, the 
projectors of the plan can be assured of his active 
assistance. Such men, who are not carried away 
by chimeras, tempted by cupidity, nor restrained 
by prejudice, are of inestimable value to a place, 
and when discovered, should be esteemed accord- 
ing to their rarity. We are happy to say that Mr. 
Ilafcr is highly regarded and duly appreciated by 
his admiring friends. 

Godfrey Hafer, the father of our subject, was a 
native of Germany, and came to America when 
quite young, in the care of his parents. Tlie mother 
of Benjamin Hafer, was Mary Phillip, a native of 
Ripley County, Pa. The first home of Godfrey and 
Mary Hafer after marriage, was in Ripley County, 
Pa. From there they removed to Fayette County, 
Ohio, which they in turn left to take up their resi- 
dence in Iowa County, Wis., where they settled in 



338 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the year 1842. In the summer of 1856 thej' re- 
moved to Jackson Count3', Kan., and settled in 
Franklin Township. They made their home in 
that county during the rest of their lives. The 
death of the mother occurred on the 1st of May, 
1872. and that of the father on June 24. 1882. 
Tliey were the parents of nine ehikhen, of whom 
five were sons. 

Benjamin Hafer is tlie eldest child of his father's 
family, and was born in Ripley County, Pa., Aug. 
2, 1844. He accompanied his parents to Jackson 
County, Kan., in 18uG, and continued to reside 
under his father's roof until he enlisted in the 
Union army in July, 1862. When the Civil War 
had raged with mucli violence for over a year, and 
the end was ap[)arontly no nearer than when it be- 
gan, licith sides girded themselves with fresh zeal 
and prepared to continue the struggle to the bitter 
end. The Government at Washington issued a 
call for more troops, and in response to that call 
our subject enrolled himself in Companj' B. Ulh 
Kansas Infantry, and served until September, 1865. 
During his term of enlistment he took part in the 
battles of Boonesborough, Prairie Grove, and Van 
Buren, Ark., and Lexington, Mo. He also assisted 
in Price's raid. He patiently endured the ills in- 
cident to a long campaign, and in action strove 
manfullv for the "right as he was given to see the 
right," but when victory perched upon tlie starry 
b.anner lie had so bravely defended, he was pro- 
foundly grateful, and welcomed the blessing of 
peace, as those only can who know b}' experience 
what are the horrors of war. He and his comrades 
were mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth, and he im- 
mediately returned to his father's home in Franklin 
Township. 

On Dec. 18, 1866, Mr. Hafer left his father's 
house and took to himself a wife in the person of 
Miss Mary L. Mitchell, a daughter of Moses and 
Barcena (Price) Mitchell, natives of Tennessee 
and North Carolina. Mr. Mitchell at first set- 
tled in Jackson County, Mo., then removed to 
Clinton County, Mo., where he was married, and 
finally located in Cedar Township, J,aekson Co., 
Kan., about the year 1860. The mother died in 
Missouri, and the father contracted a second mar- 
riage before leaving Missouri, willi Mary F. Coffee, 



a native of Kentuek3'. The father then went to 
Jefferson County, where he now resides. Mrs. Ha- 
f^r was born in Clinton County. Mo.. March 19, 
1846. and is an amiable lad_v, .iceomplislied in all 
true housewifeh" duties aud dignity. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hafer are the parents of three children whose names 
are: ISIoscs M., Oscar G., and Mary F. Moses is 
married to Miss Laura B. Clark, aud resides in 
Franklin Township. 

When Mrs. and Mrs. Hafer united their fortunes 
and started out to make a home for themselves, 
they chose section 23, Franklin Township, and, 
liking it .so well, have remained there to the present 
time. Tlie farm embraces 280 acres of land upon 
which Mr. Hafer has made good improvements and 
has erected a comfortable set of buildings. He 
confines his attention strictly to his business of 
farming and stock-raising, and has metw^ith success 
in his operations. Mr. Hafer's good qualities are 
ajipreciated by his Democratic friends, and thej' 
have secured his election to the office of Township 
Treasurer. He is a memlier of the Farmers' Alli- 
ance, and he and his wife are devoted members of 
the Methodist Church. 



*^*iC#r*^' 




JOHN L. WILLIAMS, M. D., was a 

r physician aud farmer of Jackson 
coming licre sliortli' after the close 
of the war, in whicli lie had -ablj' served as 
an officer in two Ohio regiments. He was at one 
time engaged in tlie manufacture of flour here, but 
in 1884 went to Alabama and engaged in fruit cul- 
ture. Returning from his sojourn in the South in 
1887, he established himself in the insurance, loan 
and pension business and is accounted one of the 
substantial financiers of Holton. He claims AVaj'ne 
Township. Belmont Co., Ohio, as the [liafe of his 
birlli, which occurred Nov. 13, 18U». 

Thomas Williams, the father of our subject, was 
born in Virginia in 1793, a son of Joseph Williams, 
a native of the same State. He removed from 
there to Ohio about 1808, and was a pioneer of 
Belmont County, where he secured a tract of Gov- 
ernment land which he improved into a good farm. 
He resided there some j'ears aud then went to Mor- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



339 



gan County where his long life was brought to a 
close wlien lie had attained the age of ninety years. 
The maiden name of his wife was Sarah Lawson. 
She was a native of Kentucky an<1 died in I'lelmout 
County, Ohio. 

The father of our subject was anout fifteen years 
old when his parents crossed the wild country- in- 
tervening between his native place and their new 
pioneer home in the primeval forests of Ohio. 
Soon after his marriage he bought a partly improved 
farm in Wayne Township, and in tlie double log- 
house wiiich stood on the jilace at the time of pur- 
chase the Doctor w'.as born. In 1829 Mr. Williams 
removed with his family to Morgan County, and 
buying 120 acres of timber land he proceeded to 
erect a shelter for his wife and children, building a 
log-cabin, with a dirt and stick chimney, and split- 
ting puncheon for tloor. The mother used to cook 
the savor}' meals tliat she prepared for her family 
by the open fire in the rude fireplace. She was also 
an accomplished weaver and spinner, and under her 
deft fingers flax and wool were made into cloth 
wherewith to clothe husband and children. The 
country roundabout was sparsely inhabited. There 
were no railways there and McConnelsville, on the 
Muskingum River, was the nearest market. With 
the assistance of his children the father of our sub- 
ject cleared a fine farm, put it under excellent cul- 
tivation, erected comfortable buildings, and other- 
wise greatly improved it before his death, which 
occurred on his homestead in September, 1862. He 
was ably assisted in his labors by a capable, de- 
voted wife, whose maiden name was Marj' Steward. 
She was born in Pennsj'lvania, a daughter of one 
Jacob Steward, a native of Ireland, who came to 
America when he was a young man. He married 
in Pennsylvania a lad}-, native of that State, of Ger- 
man parentage. About 1817 thej' removed to 
Ohio and cast in their lot with the early pioneers of 
Belmont County, where they bought wild land and 
improved a farm on which they spent their last 
years. The venerable mother of our subject died 
in his home, in 1880, at the advanced age of eighty- 
four years. Of her nine children two are now 
living. 

0..r subject was her first-born. In the primitive 
log school-house, heated by the blaze of logs in the 



rude fireplace, and lighted by the removal of a log, 
greased paper being placed over the hole thus made 
in the wall, he gleaned the rudiments of his educa- 
tion. As soon as large enough his services were 
demanded to assist his father in clearing bis land 
and preparing it for cultivation. lie was ever a 
lover of books and an ambitious student, and made 
the best of his educational .advantages, so that at 
the age of twenty-two he was well qualified to 
teach, and entering that profession he was engaged 
at it for five or six winter terms, employing his 
leisure in the stud}' of medicine, for which he had 
a natural aptitude, and in 1846 he commenced its 
practice, oijening an office in Kosseau, Morgan 
County. He attended medical lectures .at Willoughby 
Medical College in Lake Count.y, and was graduated 
therefrom with a high standing in 1847. In the 
fall of that year lie established himself in Gibi- 
sonville, Hocking County, and in the busy years 
that followed he built up a large and lucrative 
practice, besides giving his attention to other mat- 
ters. Soon after locating there he bought some 
farm land and interested himself in agriculture and 
stock-raising. And he also served as Postm.aster 
of Gibisonville. He was a resident of that town 
when the war broke out in 1861, and in August of 
that year all personal interests were laid aside from 
patriotic motives, and he enlisted in the defence of 
his country's honor, becoming a member of Com- 
pany B, 31st Ohio Infantry, and was at once com- 
missioned First Lieutenant of his company, and in 
Februar}-, 1862, receiv.ed deserved promotion for 
his gallant conduct and efficiency as an officer, to 
the position of Captain. He served with his regi- 
ment until January, 1863. and during the greater 
part of the time wns detailed as its surgeon. The 
arduous duties thus devolved upon him proved too 
great a strain for his health, which became im- 
paired, and in consequence, he was obliged to 
resign in the month just mentioned. He returned 
to Hocking County, Ohio, and resumed his practice 
and looked after his varied interests in Gibison- 
ville. He did not, however, lose his concern for 
the welfare of his country, but watched the pro- 
gress of the war with intense anxiety, and in the 
spring of 1864, with renewed vigor, he again of- 
fered his services to the Governmeut, and afforded 



340 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



active assistance in raising the 151st Oliio Regi- 
ment, was elected its Major, and served with his 
men in and near Washington, D. C, until after the 
expiration of the term of enlistment, whifli was for 
100 days. After leaving the army he resided in 
Hocking County until the fall of 1866, and then 
came to Kansas to avail himself of the numerous 
advantages to make money offered to men of intel- 
ligence and enterprise. He bought two farms 
adjoining this cilj^ and superintended their im- 
provement besides practicing his profession. In 
1874 he abandoned his calling to devote himself to 
the manufacture of flour, having traded for a mill 
in town, which he operated the ensuing seven 
years with marked financial success, and at the 
same time carried on agriculture and the nursery 
business. In 1881 he sold the mill, continuing in 
the other branches mentioned until 1884, when he 
went to Decatur, Ala., and invested in a fruit farm, 
which he managed three years. vSelling his prop- 
erty there, he again came North, and buying city 
property, and building a commodious house he has 
since resided here, and is prosperously engaged in 
the insurance, loan and pension business. 

Doctor Williams has been thrice married. He 
•was wedded in 1841 to Miss Lucinda Shepard, of 
IMorgan County, Ohio. Slie died in April, 1846. 
The Doctor's second marriage, which took place in 
May, 1847, was to Miss Margaret McKeever, a na- 
tive of Pennsjdvania. She died in April, 1848, 
leaving'one son, Thomas C. a graduate of the Leb- 
anon (Ohio) University, and now a successful 
teacher in Durango, Colo. Our subject was mar- 
ried to his present wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth 
A. Whitcraft. a native of Ohio, in April, 1849. 

Dr. Williams was formerly an old-line Whig in 
politics, but from the hour of the formation of the 
Republican party he has been in deep sympathy 
with its policy, and has been one of its strongest 
supporters in this part of the country-, or where- 
ever he has made his home. He has filled various 
offices of trust in a manner to show that he is a 
loyal and puljlic-spirited citizen. He w\'»s elected 
to the State Legislature of Kansas in 1869, and so 
well did he fulfil his duties as legislator that he 
was re-elected by his pleased constituency in 1870 
and 1871 to serve two terras as a member of that 




honorable body, and his whole career as a states- 
man marked him as a wise and conscientious coun- 
selor and an incorruptible citizen. He and his 
amiable wife are devoted members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and their acts and deeds testify 
to the sincerity and purity of their religion. The 
Doctor is an honored member of the G. A. R., iden- 
tified with Will Mendell Post, No. 15; and he be- 
longs to Holton Lodge, No. 34, I. O. O. F. 

-^-*-B-^ — ^^ 

f ARON URBANSKY. The man who starts 
at the foot of the ladder in life and perse- 
veres tlirough difficulties and discourage- 
•(/ ments, finall}- attaining the goal of his 

ambition, deserves more than a passing notice. 
There is not, perh-\ps. in Pottawatomie County-, a 
man who has labored with more [jersistenee. or 
who has been more amply rewarded, than the sub- 
ject of this notice. He now stands at the head of 
the mercantile intei-ests in St. Mar3-'s, being an ex- 
tensive dealer in clothing, dry-goods and general 
merchandise, doing a business of §20,000 to §30,- 
000 annually. lie also has a store in Lawrence, Kan., 
wdiere he transacts $55,000 worth of business per 
3^ear; and in the spring of 1889 he opened another 
establishment in Junction City with a $12,000 
stock, and there also has a good business. He came 
to St. Mary's when it consisted of a few frame and 
log bouses, and perhaps five stores. The trade was 
chieflj' with Indians. He commenced in a modest 
manner. Init now occupies an elegant large store 
building, with seventy-five feet front, with plate 
glass windows, and in other respects furnished and 
equipped in modern style and with modern con- 
veniences. 

The subject of this sketch was bom in AVest 
Prussia, Jan. 2, 1839, and, in accordance with the 
laws and customs of his native countrj^, was placed 
in school at an early age, and pursued his studies 
until a lad of fourteen. In the fall of 1856, when 
a youth of seventeen j^ears, having determined to 
seek his fortune in America, he set out from Ham- 
burg on the sailing-vessel "North America," and 
after an ocean voyage of six weeks and four days 
landed safely in New York City. He worked there 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



341 



about four weeks at making caps, and earned money 
enougli to get to Cliicago, 111. In the latter city 
his step-brother, Cohn. furni.shed liim with a small 
stock of goods and he started out as a puck peddler, 
and w.as thus emplo^'ed until the spring of 1857. 
He then jcined a Town .Site Corapan^^ which pur- 
posed coming to Kansas and laj'ing out the town 
of Eudora, in Douglas County. In the meantime, 
Mr. I'lhansky pursued his former business, and 
after selling out his stock, returned East as far as 
Illinois, locating in Lima, Adams County. There, 
in jiartnership with Mrs. Harrison Cohn, he opened 
a general store and remained until 1861. The 
partnership was then dissolved, and Mr. I'rbansky 
opened in business for himself at Lima, but sold 
out the following j'ear and returned to Eudora, 
opening a general store. In 1864 he established a 
branch in Atchison, but a year later removed 
both stocks to Lawrence, where he operated until 
1867. 

The next removal of our subject was to DeSoto, 
Kan., where he engaged in his former business, re- 
maining till 186',). In the spring of that j'eai' we .*ind 
him in St. Mary's, of which he has since been a resi- 
dent. In the meantime, in 1864, during the Civil 
War, he joined the 5th Regiment of the State 
Militia, and assisted in chasing the rebel General 
Price from the soil of the .Sunflower State. 

Mr. Urbansky was first married, in 1865, at Law- 
rence, this State, to Miss Emma, the daugiiter of 
Jacob and Mena AVoUmann. a native of Prussia and 
a member of the same church as her husband. To 
them there were born twelve children, eight of 
whom were living, viz: I>enn3-, William, Joseph, 
David, Morris, Lilly, .Sydney and Grover C. The 
deceased children died in infancy. Mrs. Emma 
Urbansky departed this life May 31, 1887. at the 
earlj' age of forty-three. Our subject subsequently 
married Jennie Wollmann, a sister of his first wife, 
July 15, 1889, at the Southern Hotel, at St. Louis. 

The first stone dwelling in the city of St. Mary's 
was erected by Mr. Urbansky about 1880. He has 
met with reverses like other men. In 1884 the 
store which he first erected,on the site of the present 
building, was destroyed by fire, together with its 
contents, involving a loss of about >!40,Ono. upon 
which there was an insurance of only $17,500. 



He at once rebuilt, and has done a larger business 
than ever before. He owns a store in Lawrence, 
and has other valuable property in St. Mary's. He 
also has lots in Los Vegas, N. M. He owns 160 
acres of land in and around Wabaunsee, this State, 
upon which is situated the depot of the Atchison, 
Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. He h.as 162 acres 
of improved land, three miles from Topeka, and 
about 200 acres, probably a mile south of St. 
Blary's. All this propertj^ has been accumulated 
by the exercise of unflagging industry, economy 
and a wise investment of capital. 

The parents of our subject were David and Sarah 
(Joseph) Urbansky, likewise natives of Prussia, 
members of the Hebrew Church, and of pure Ger- 
man ancestry. The}' spent their last years in St. 
Mary's. Mr. Urbansk}' is a charter member of 
Pottawiitomie Lodge, No. 52, A. F. & A. M., of 
St. Mary's. He has been identiiied with the Ma- 
sonic fraternit}- for a period of twenty-eight years, 
having joined the brotherhood at Lima, 111., in 
1861. He votes the Democratic ticket, and has 
held the office of Citj' and Township Treasurer 
since the spring of 1889. 



^ AMES Q. MARK, an old settler and jn-omi- 
nent farmer of Pottawatomie Count}', Kan., 
owns and operates a fine farm of 240 acres 
of land on section 11, IJock Creek Town- 
ship. The estate is fenced, and the greater part is 
under excellent cultivation. Near the center of the 
section he has erected a comfortable and commo- 
dious residence, and has surrounded it with trees, 
shrubber}', flowers, velvet}' lawns, and at a conven- 
ient distance, a kitchen garden. 

Mr. Mark was born in Putnam Count}', lud., in 
1830, and lived there until his departure for Kan- 
sas. He fallowed farming in the Hoosier State, 
and was thus a practical agriculturist when he com- 
menced his life in the new State of Kansas. One 
of the most important events in the life of a man 
is that by which he takes a wife who will prove his 
greatest joy or his most grievous burden. Our 
subject did not m.ake a mist,ake in the selection of 
a life partner, as his noble wife proved a "true 



342 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



yoke-fellow" and an admirable woman in eveiy re- 
spect. James Q.^^ Mark and Miss Ann Thursby 
Siddens were married, in 1850, at tbe home of the 
bride's parents in Putnam County^ Ind., and began 
life ^together in the same county, remaining there 
until, as before mentioned, they came to this State. 
Their union has been blessed by the birth of ten 
children, of whom eight still live to comfort and 
cheer their declining years. They are named re- 
spectively: Sarah, wife of P. G. Etchison, of West- 
moreland ; Joseph, who is at the parental homestead ; 
Alice, Mrs. William Waldon,a resident of the town of 
Westmoreland ; Mary, who married J. B.Walker, of 
Pottawatomie County; Charles, a farmer of Potta- 
watomie County; James, Elmer and Milton are at 
home. Mrs. Mark is a sister of Abraham Siddens, a 
sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. 

Our subject, accompanied by his wife and sis 
children, left Indiana in 1865 and came overland 
to Johnson County, Kan., the journey occupying 
six weeks. Upon their arrival they took up a new 
farm of eighty acres and commenced the task of 
subduing the soil and making it fit to produce the 
crops necessary to support life. Two years later 
they removed to Pottawatomie County and took 
up 120 acres of raw prairie, and made improve- 
ments thereon as rapidly .as they were able. Their 
first residence was a log cabin, and there they lived 
several years and until they erected their present 
handsome house, in which they hope to pass the 
evening of their days in ease and comsort, enjoying 
the reward of earlier years of toil and self-denial. 

During the first years Mr. Mark passed in this 
county, the farmers were compelled to go to the 
southern part of the county for all of their provis- 
ions, as the land w.is thinly populated and the log 
cabins of the farmers dotted the landscape at very 
infrequent intervals. Goods of all kinds were con- 
veyed by wagons, and the journey required days 
and sometimes weeks. Mr. Mark, assisted by his 
noble wife, worked faithfully year after year, and 
by industry and prudence increased the acreage of 
their farm and improved its condition. Gradually 
they brought it to its present state of cultivation, 
with large orchards, good fences, and all the out- 
buildings necessary for the proper carrying on of a 
farm. To the cultivation of the soil they have 



added the business of stock-raising, their specialtj' 
being hor.se3. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Westmore- 
land finds in our subject and his wife devoted 
members, while they are highly respected in their 
community for their manj' good qualities. Politi- 
cally, Mr. Mark is a Republican, and has served on 
the School Board of his district. He is wholl,y 
worthy of the esteem which he receives as an hon- 
est, reliable and industrious pioneer of the Sun- 
flower State. 



eAPT. M. M.BECK, editor and proprietor of 
the Ilolton Recorder, is one of the leading 
citizens of this city in whose upbuilding he 
has taken a deep interest from its infancy, and 
througli the columns of his paper, one of the ablest 
journals published in this part of Kansas, and in 
various other ways, he has actively promoted its 
advancement. He is a veteran of the late war, in 
which Ife won honor, distinguishing himself as a 
brave and fearless officer, who not only knew how 
to lead his men gallantly in the charge, but was a 
faithful subordinate upon whom his superior officers 
always placed great reliance. 

Capt. Beck was born Jvov. 22, 1838, five miles 
southeast of Centreville, Waj'ne Co., Ind., in the 
pioneer home of his parents, William and Cather- 
ine (Nethercutt) Beck. His father was born in 
Darke County, Ohio, in 1809, and was a son of 
Saoiuel Beck, of New Jersey, who was one of the 
early pioneers of that part of Ohio. After his re- 
moval there he had bought a tract of heavily tim- 
bered land, and was busily engaged in clearing and 
cultivating it until 1820, when he .again became a pio- 
neer, moving with his family still further west and 
locating in Wayne County', Ind., among its earh' 
settlers. He bought a tract of land in the primeval 
forests, and cleared and imprdved a farm, on which 
he lived until death called him hence. He was a 
consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

The father of our subject was but a boy when 
his parents went to Indiana, and there he was reared 
to man's estate, and took unto himself a wife. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



343 



bought wild land near Centreville, and after the 
death of his father bought the interest of the other 
heirs in tlie old homestead where he had been 
reared, and removed to it with liis faniil}'. That 
was before the daj' of railwa\'S in that sparsely set- 
tled countr}', and farming was carried on under 
difficulties, as even after the land was cleared and 
placed under cultivation the produce, the grain, 
poric, etc., had to be tnken in wagons over rough, 
lonely roads to market, the nearest one being Cin- 
cinnati, sixty miles away, until the Whitewater 
canal vvas completed. Mr. Beck was quite unfortu- 
nate during- the hard times of 1840 and 1844, when 
there were so many linancial failures throughout 
the countr}-, he losing all his possessions, and being 
obliged to rent land for a time. In 1849 he re- 
moved to Putnam County, where his wife had in- 
herited a tract of land, upon which they settled, 
and he engaged in farming, built a comfortable 
home, and once more prosperity smiled on him, 
and he continued in good circumstances until his 
death in 1875. His wife preceded him in death, 
passing away in 18:38. She vvas a native of Vir- 
ginia, and a daughter of Moses and Christiana 
(Rozer) Nethercutt, natives of Virginia and pio- 
neers of Ohio, their removal to that State being 
made over the mountains with pack horses. They 
resided in Ohio some years and then went to'\Va3^ne 
Countj-, Ind., of which tliey were early settlers. 
The father bought a tract of timber land, upon 
which he first built a log house for a dwelling, and 
later replaced it bj' a commodious brick structure, 
one of the first ever erected in that section of the 
country. They subsequently removed to Putnam 
County, and there died, he at the age of eighty-oue 
and she aged seventj'-nine years. Our subject was 
one of ten children, of whom the following seven 
were reared: Samuel, Mary .T., M. M., David D., 
George W., Sarah E. and John W. The parents 
of our subject were faithful Christians and exemp- 
lar}- members of the Methodist Kpiscopal Church. 
The father was a Whig until the formation of the 
Republican party, which he was one of tiie first to 
join. He was a strong temperance man and was 
opposed to the traffic of intoxicating liquors, and 
he was, in short, a friend of all reform measures. 
The subject of tliis biography |)assed his early 



life on a farm, and aided hisfatlier in its cultivation 
when he was not attending the publtc schools. He 
continued with his parents until he was seventeen 
years old, and then began life on his own account 
as a clerk in a general store in Bainbridge, Ind., 
and was thus employed for various merchants until 

1860, when he bought an interest in a store with 
W. T. and J. A. Scott in Bainbridge. In April, 

1861 , he was among the first to volunteer in defence 
of the Stars and Stripes, enlisting in Company K, 
16th Indiana Regiment, for one year, he being the 
third man to enlist from Bainbridge. He served 
with his regiment in Maryland and Virginia in the 
Arm}' of the Potomac, and was discharged in Ma}-, 

1862, with the other members of his regiment. In 
July of that year he again enlisted, becoming a 
member of the 18th Indiana Battery, his term of 
enlistment being for three years, or until the war 
closed. When the regiment was orgaiiized he was 
commissioned Senior Second Lieutenant, and he 
fought valiantly in many battles in Kentucky, Ten- 
nessee, Georgia and Alabama, and one year was 
with Wilder's Lightning Brigade, and the rest of 
the time was with McCook's Division of Cavalry. 
In November, 1863, his services were rewarded by 
promotion to the position of First Lieutenant, and 
in May, 1864, he was still further advanced by be- 
ing made Cajitain, and he commanded the battery 
until he was mustered out July 2, 1865. Through- 
out his long service, extending almost from the time 
that the first gun was fired in the opening battle 
until after peace was declared, he displayed the 
qualities of a true soldier and a leader in many a 
hard-fought contest. He took an active part in the 
battle of Chickamauga and was in all the engage- 
ments of the Atlanta campaign, including the siege 
and capture of the city; he accompanied Gen. 
Thomas in his campaign against Gen. Hood, and 
with Gen. Wilson's cavalry he assisted in the pur- 
suit and capture of Jefferson Davis, the President 
of the Confederacy. 

After his retirement from the army Capt. Beck 
resumed his mercantile business in Bainbridge, 
continuing there until 1869. In that year he was 
attracted to Kansas by its sunny climate, fertile soil 
and the many advantages the great and growing 
commonwealth offered over its older sister States 



344 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for coining wealtli. He entered activel)' into ag- 
ricultural pursuits, and commenced the improve- 
ment of a farm three miles north of this city. He 
only resided there one year, however, and then 
came to Holton to act as clerk for awhile, and he 
then started a drug-store, which lie managed witli 
good financial success until 1884. In 1873 be was 
appointed Postmaster of Holton and served eight- 
een months. In 1875 he entered upon his career 
as a journalist, establishing the Holton Recorder, 
and a few months later he bought the Holton Ex- 
press, and consolidated the two papers. In July, 
1875, he was re-appointed Postmaster of Holton, 
and held tiie office until 1886. He sold his drug 
business in 1884, and since 188G has devoted his 
time exclusively to the management of his paper 
and to his job printing office. He is more than 
ordinaril}' well informed, and is an exceedingly 
discerning, sagacious member of the editorial fra- 
ternity, standing among the foremost of his profes- 
sion in this part of Kansas, and he has made Lis 
paper a power in the land, his readj', fluent pen 
wielding a great moral and social influence through 
its columns and vigorously advancing all reforms 
that will in any wa}' benefit the commonwealth or 
promote the wellfare of the people at large. He 
is a strong temperance man, and was one of the 
original Prohibitionists of the State, although never 
a ••tliird part3'" man, but standing stauchly bj- the 
Republicans in all political movements. He has 
aided the cause of education as a member of the 
Board of Directors of Campbell University, and as 
a member of the present Board of Education of 
Holton. He was one of the members of the first 
City Council. The Captain is an honored member 
of Will Mendell Post, No. 46, G. A. R., and he is 
identified with the A. F. & A. M., belonging to 
Holton Lodge, No. 42, and he is also a member of 
the I. O. O. F., Holton Lodge, No. 34. 

In his marriage, in 1866, to Miss Mary H. Scott, 
a native of Putnam County, Ind., and a daughter 
of W. T. and Sarah Scott (of whom see sketch on 
another page), Capt. Beck was fortunate in secur- 
ing a good wife, who devotes herself to his inter- 
ests, to the cai'e of her family and to making their 
home comfortable and happy. They have five 
children — Edward S., Martha M., William T., Clara 



M. and Lillian S. Edwin, their first born, died at 
the age of fourteen months. The family all belong 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are among 
its most active workers. 



A^MES H. SHEHI. The oldest settler and 
the most prominent man in Spring Creek 
Township, Pottawatomie County, is the 
lion. J. H. Shehi. He occupies a finely im- 
proved farm on Spring Creek, and is engaged in 
feeding cattle and hogs for the market, in raising, 
full blooded Durham cattle and a good grade of 
hogs and horses. His residence is a large stone 
structure which was erected in 1866, and which has 
a ground dimension of 19x33 feet in the main, 
with a wing 17x30. The large and valuable barn 
was destroj^ed by fire in the fall of 1889. Mr. 
Shehi owns 997 acres, all well improved, neatly 
fenced, r.nd a bearing orchard of 300 trees. The 
estate contains the two largest springs in the 
county, and 300 acres are of fertile bottom land. 
Of this large estate 640 acres occupy section 4, 
160 are on section 3, 160 on section 10, and 37 on 
section 34. 

Tiie father of our subject was John Shehi, born 
in Fauquier Countj% Va., and son of a Scotch-Irish 
gentleman, whose birth took place in Ireland. John 
Shehi moved to Kentucky in 1790 and there en- 
gaged in tilling the soil, also taking flatboats down 
the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, 
where he would dispose of boats and cargo. Dur- 
ing the war of 1812 he served as a Lieutenant un- 
der Gen. Wm. Heur^- Harrison. In 1832 he changed 
his residence to the neighborhood of Monmouth, 
111., and ranked among the prosperous farmers and 
stockmen of the Prairie State. In the spring of 
1865 he came to Kansas, and resided with his chil- 
dren until his death in 1876, departing this life 
when past eighty-nine years old. The mother of 
our subject, in her maidenhood Miss Mary Mc- 
Donald, was born in the Blue Grass State and died 
in Illinois Nov. 8, 1864. The maternal great- 
grandfather fought in the Revolutionarj^ War, 
serving eight years under Gen. Wasliington. The 
paternal family consisted of six children: John. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



345 



now n, resident in Monmouth, 111.; our subject; 
Daniel, of Colombo Springs, Col.; George W., of 
this township; Henry, deceased, and Harrison. 

He of whom we write first opened his eyes to the 
light, July 7, 1832, near Monmouth, 111. He was 
reared on the parental acres and his schooling was 
limited, as he had the asthma so badly he could not 
attend school much of the time. At the age of 
seventeen he determined to try the climate of the 
Pacific Coast for his health, ami in the spring of 
1850 started overland with an ox-team, striking 
the Missouri River at Council Bluffs and taking the 
North Platte trail. Six months later he arrived in 
Willamette Valley in Lyon County, Ore., where he 
took a claim under the first Homestead Act. He 
worked at Ijrick-making and wood-chopping during 
the first fall, his asthma soon leaving him. In the 
spring of 1851, he went to Northern California and 
engaged in prospecting, and during the summer en- 
listed in the service against the Rogue River 
Indians, taking part in several skirmishes and fights 
with them. In the fall after the disbandraent of 
the troops, he mined for a time in Southern Ore- 
gon and then returned to his claim, which, three 
years later he sold, and going to San Francisco 
took passage on the steamer ''John L. Stevens" to 
Panama, crossed the Isthmus on a mule, and took 
Atlantic passage on the mail steamer "Central 
America" to New York Cit}', whence he journeyed 
to his heme in Illinois. 

Mr. Shehi took up the business of brick-making 
near Monmouth, and after continuing so engaged 
for two 3'cars, began farming, following the latter 
empl03'ment until the spring of 1860, when with 
his brother, George W., he st.aited for Pike's Peak. 
They remained at the gold fields but one month, 
the illness of the brother compelling their return 
to the States, which they reached by northern Kan- 
sas. Being pleased with the appearance of this 
section, in July Mr. Shehi located a part of his 
present possessions, and building a sliauty re- 
mained here until Oetolier, when he continued his 
journey to his native State. He purchased his land 
with the Government warrant received by his fa- 
ther for services during the war of 1812. Having 
spent the winter in his native St.ate. he brought his 
family to his new home the following spring, and 



has since accumulated the fine property before 
mentioned and made all the improvements thereon, 
having first endured the trials of pioneer life, do- 
ing the work upon his farm for some time with 
oxen and hauling all needful supplies from Leaven- 
worth. He has made as man^- as twenty- trips to 
and from Illinois, and brought down many a buck 
in the earh- days here, having also killed buffaloes 
on the plains. In partnership with his brother 
George W., he has been extensively engaged in 
buj-ing and shipjiing stock, and both are well- 
known among stockmen and shi|)pers. 

Mr. Shehi has been twice married, the first al- 
liance having been contracted in Galesburg, 111., 
in October, 1855, with Miss Ethelda M. Shute, a 
native of Clinton County, N. Y., who departed 
this life in 1883. Eleven children were born to 
this marriage. Martha died in Illinois in infancy; 
George is now a conductor on the cable railroad in 
Los Angeles, Cal., and Henry is farming in this 
township; Winfield is in the livery business in Fos- 
toria; James S. is farming on the paternal estate; 
Mary is deceased; Fannie is the wife of Mr. 
Edwards of Wamego; John and William are at 
home; Merrit is deceased; Celia is at home. 

The second marriage of Mr. Shehi took place in 
Westmoreland, in December, 1884. the bride being 
IMrs. Theresa Price, who was born in Alsace, 
France, Sept. 22, 1845. and came to Ohio with her 
parents, Michael and Marj' (Walcor) Kalhofer, both 
of whom were French. Her father had been in 
the army of Napoleon Bonaparte. He located in 
Stark County, Ohio, and became very well-to-do. 
Both he and his wife were Catholics. Their family 
consisted of five children: James and Jane, now 
living in Stark County; Mary, at Marysville, Cal., 
and Anthon}', at Colorado. Theresa Kalhofer was 
married at Ft. Wayne, lud., Nov. 30, 1863, to Lot 
Price, a carpenter, who was born in Mifflin County, 
Pa. They came to Topeka in 1869, and later to 
Wamego, this county, where Mr. Price departed 
this life in 1882, leaving a childless widow to 
mourn his loss. 

AVhile in Illinois in 1862, Mr. Shehi enlisted in 
the 83rd Illinois Infantry, but was refused on ac- 
count of asthma. He has ever been a stanch Re- 
publican and has served as delegate to county- and 



346 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



State conventions. Since becoming a resident of 
Kansas lie has been prominent in the public affairs 
of tlie county and has held various offices. In liis 
township he has served as Trustee two terms and 
has been Treasurer for an equal number; has been 
a member of the School Board, etc. In the fall of 
1873 he was sent as a representative to the State 
Legislature, serving during- the two sessions in 
1874, taking part in the discussions before the 
Legislative body and being a member of several 
important committees. He was one of the first 
six who cast their votes for Harvey for United 
States Senator. In tiie fall of 1875 he was elected 
County Sheriff and re-elected in 1877, moving to 
Loviisville during his incumbeuc}- of that office, the 
duties of which he discharged for four years. On 
Sept. 22, 1877, lie was accidentally shot by the Dis- 
trict Clerii, the bullet passing through his lungs 
and entering the right breast where it is still lodged. 
The accident was a very close call for Mr. Sliehi, 
but he recovered from tiie wound in a short time. 
He belongs to the I. O. O. F. at Westmoreland. 
He is the soul of hospitality and his house is ever 
ojien to friends and to those who have been less 
fortunate in life than he, and all who enter its walls 
find choice entertainment for body and mind. 
Winning friends wherever he goes by his genialitj', 
his intelligence, and his interest in wliat is best in 
public movements, he holds a proud position among 
the citizens of Kansas. 



«-»^-> — 



\f^ ENRY W. VOGE. The worthiest and 
!f)V most intelligent portion of mankind are 
f^^ they who maintain the laudable ambition of 
^p leaving to their descendants an honorable 
name. Here and there tlie biographer encounters 
an individual who lias l)een enabled to look upon 
life in its proper light, who has done what he could 
both in prosperity- and adversity, and whose name 
will be held in kindly remembrance long after he 
has been gathered to his fathers. These thoughts 
involuntarily arise in reviewing tiie career of Mr. 
Voge, which has been one praisewortiiy in the ex- 
treme, filled in wMtb kindly deeds, and with that 



close adherence to the principles of truth and in- 
tegritj', without which no man's life can approach 
perfection. For tlie past few years he has followed 
milling for an occu|)ation. and is proprietor of the 
finest mill and elevator combined, in AVamego and 
vicinity. He commenced the battle of life depend- 
ent upon his own resources, equipped only with a 
practical education, and the qualities of industry 
and perseverance which are usuall3- the essentials 
of success. After having amassed a fortune in the 
coal mines of Staunton, 111., he withdrew his inter- 
ests in tliat section, and invested in property in 
Pottawatomie County, Kan., and has ])rovided 
admirably for his family, having set his house in 
order for any emergency. 

The youngest child of his parents, Henry W. 
Voge was born Marcii 21, 1837, in tlie Duchy 
of Brunswick, Germany, and there grew to man's 
estate, receiving a tliorough education in the 
mother tongue. After leaving school he learned 
the trade of a stonecutter and mason, at which he 
occupied himself until coming to America. He 
crossed the Atlantic in June, 1856, when a 3'outh 
of nineteen j'ears, landing in the city of New 
Orleans, whence he proceeded to Belleville, III., 
where he worked in the coal mines and continued 
to reside thirteen years. A part of this time he 
operated as agent for the German Mining Com- 
pany, selling coal in St. Louis, and afterward carry- 
ing on business for himself. 

On the 1st of June, 1869, Mr. Voge transferred 
the scene of his operations to Staunton. III., open- 
ing the first coal mine in that region. Later he 
opened another on the line of the Wabash Rail- 
road, associating himself in partnership with Will- 
iam B. Panhorst, now deceased. This partnership 
continued until April, 1877, and thereafter Mr. 
Voge operated the mines alone until 1880. That 
j-ear he commenced developing two other mines, 
one at Staunton and one at Gillespie, working 
them successfully until 1882. Then changing his 
occupation, somewhat, he leased a 300-barrel flour- 
mill for one year. In 1883, coming to Wamego, 
he built the mill which he now owns and operates 
at a cost of $50,000, and wiiich stands to-day un- 
incumbered. The first foundation stone was laid 
on the 28th of .June, that year, and on the 17th of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



347 



.Tanuai'y following, the mill was iu oi)eratioii. The 
building comprises three stories and a basement, 
occupj'ing an area of 40x70 feet. It is equipped 
with the latest-improved machinery from the large 
foundries of E. P. Allis & Co., of Milwaukee, 
Wis., at a cost of §23,600. Its capacity is 200 
barrels per day. It runs continuously and has a 
fine trade. Tiiis mill is located on l^incoln Avenue, 
the main street running diagonal!}' from the Union 
Pacific depot. 

]\Ir. Voge gives his exclusive attention to his 
business, which fact has been the secret of his 
success, although his health for the past two years 
has been far from robust. He gives emploj'ment 
to eight men, and deals in all kinds of grain. The 
great elevator, with a capacity of 30.000 bushels, 
is situated on the east side of the mill, and is run 
by a separate engine. It is an enterprise reflecting 
not only great credit upon its projector, but is 
duly valued by the people of Wamegoand vicinity. 

One of the important events in the life of Mr. 
Voge was his marriage, which was celebrated on 
New Year's day in 1858. The bride was Miss 
Caroline Timpncr, who was a native likewise of 
Brunswick, born and eared not far from the chil- 
hood home of her husband. Mrs. Voge was the 
eldest daughter of Ludwig Timpner, a prominent 
man in his community, and who, with his excellent 
wife is now deceased. Of this union there were 
born six children, of whom only one survives, a 
daughter, Johanna Wilhelmina, the wife of August 
Sievers, and living in Staunton, 111.; she has three 
children. Mrs. Caroline Voge departed this life at 
ber home in Staunton, 111., Oct. 28, 1878. 

Mr. Voge contracted a second marriage, June 
29, 1879, with Miss Lena J. Fritz, who was born 
in St. Louis. Mo., Feb. 7, 1854. Her parents were 
natives of Germany, and emigrated to America in 
1818. They located fust in St. Louis, and then 
removed to Staunton, 111., where the father still 
resides. Mrs. Fritz died when her daughter Lena 
was a child of seven j'ears. Mrs. Voge is a well- 
educated lad3^ and is now the mother of four ciiil- 
dren — Henrietta L. J., Charles "W. A.. Tina A. S., 
and Araaiia E. I. Their education is being care- 
fully superintended b}' their parents. Mr. and 
Mrs. Vose are members in "ood standing of the 



German Lutheran Church, contributing liberally 
to its support, and being among tlie chief pillars. 
Mr. Voge is in fact the head of the congregation. 
Politicall}', he is a sound Republican, taking an 
active interest in State and National events. He 
is serving his second term as a member of the City 
Council, and is closely identified with the social 
and material interests of Wamego. 

Beginning business for himself it the age of 
nineteen j'ears, with a capital of §200, the present 
status of Mr. Voge illustrates in a marked degree 
the industry and good judgment with which he has 
operated all through life. In addition to his mill 
property, he owns a valuable farm of 240 acres in 
Madison County, 111., besides three residences in 
Staunton and that which he occupies in Wamego; 
also twenty-two lots centrally located. To his 
daughter in Illinois he has given .an abundant por- 
tion. His farm embraces a valuable coal deposit. 

The father of our subject was Frederick Voge, 
who married Miss Joh.anna Oppcrman, and both 
were natives of Biunswick, where the}^ spent their 
entire lives. The elder Voge was a shipper, and in 
good circumstances. He departed this life in June, 
1871, at the age of seventy-seven years. The 
mother died in April, 1870, .iged seventy-six. 



t 



DGAR LEWI.S. The business interests of 
Wamego find a stirring representative in 
/J Mr. Lewis, who came to the place in May, 
1888, and purchasing the business of Leach Bros., 
deals in books, stationery and notions, carrying a 
fine, well-selected stock of all the articles in this 
line. He is still a j'oung man, having been born 
M.a}- 10, 1861, in Decatur. 111., and stiirting out in 
life on his own account when a youth of eighteen 
3'ears. After being married he opened a store of 
general merchandise at Laclede, which he eonducled 
one j'par, then sold out and was variously occupied 
thereafter until embarking in his present enterprise. 
He w,is married, Sept. IG, 1886, to Miss Mary 
Ann Elizabeth, daughter of James L. Prunty, the 
latter a prominent citizen of AVamego and a mem- 
ber of the Iron-Clad Lumber Compan}^ 

The subject of this sketch is the son of the Uev. 



SIS 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



H. R. Lewis, a minister of ilie Presbyterian Church 
who lias followed his calling continuously for a 
period of forty -eight years, a career almost unprec- 
edented in the annals of the West. The elder Lewis 
was born in Seneca County, N. Y., Oct. 25, 1821, 
and completed his theological studies under private 
tutors. He pursued his nunisterial labors in the 
States of Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Mis- 
souri. 

The mother of our subject was Mrs. Priscilla A. 
(Hainline) Lewis, a native of Kentucky, where she 
was reared to womanhood and married. There 
were born to her and her iiusljand six children, 
onlj' three of whom are living — Ennis, Edgar and 
Emma. The former is married and a resident of 
Kentuck}'; Edgar attended the common schools 
during his younger years in Iowa and Kansas, ancl 
availed himself of every opportunity of becoming 
generally well informed. He is the Master of Ex- 
chequer in the K. of P. lodge at Wamego, and also 
belongs to the A. O. U. W. In politics he is con- 
servative and not ashamed to be called a "mug- 
wump"; Emma married D. W. Stutsman, M. D., 
and resides at IJonaparle, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. 
Lewis are the parents of one child, a son, James 
Leroy, who was born March 6, 1888, at Wamego. 
The little family occupies a neat home in the cen- 
tral part of the city and arc held in high esteem in 
their community. 

•- ►?-«-i^ 



ON. DeWITT C. LOCKE. The scenes trans- 
^^ piring during the early days of Kansas and 
while it was still a Territory, had the effect 
^ of developing many heroic spirits, and to 
them this now prosperous commonwealth is in- 
debted for her present position as one of the wealth- 
iest States in the Union, and one whose history 
from the beginning has furnished a tale more thrill- 
ing than fiction. The subject of this notice first 
pressed the soil of the Sunflower State, then a Ter- 
ritory, in the spring of 1858, locating in what was 
then Calhoun, but is now Jackson County, with 
his brother John, two .and one-half miles southwest 
of Circleville. He sojourned in that region most 
of the time until 18()(j, and for one and one half 



years was employed as clerk in a store in Holton. 

During the year above mentioned Mr. Locke 
purchased land on section 2, Franklin Township, 
of which he has since been a resident, and during 
the twenty-three years of his sojourn here he has 
fully established himself in the esteem and confi- 
dence of his fellow-citizens. He owns 320 acres of 
land in Franklin and Garfield Townships, making 
his residence in the former. He has erected sub- 
stantial modern buildings and gathered around 
himself and his family all of the comforts and many 
of the luxuries of life. His hospitable home is the 
frequent resort of the best people of the county, 
and a place where good cheer abounds and where 
is extended to both friends and strangers a courte- 
ous and hearty welcome. 

Mr. Locke was first married, in Circleville, this 
State, to Miss Margaret R. McComas, a native of 
Missouri. She became the mother of two children, 
William E. and Lizzie M., and departed this life at 
her home in Franklin Township, in 1873. In 1875 
Mr. Locke was married a second time in Garfield 
Township, to Miss Betty R., daughter of N. D. 
Lewis, who was one of the earliest settlers of Jack- 
son County. The Lewis family removed hither 
from Missouri in 1854. Mr. Lewis was born in 
Pennsjdvania and his wife, Mar}' Reid, in Ohio. 
The latter died in Garfield Township, but Mr. 
Lewis is living and a resident of Denver, Colo. Of 
this union there were born three children — Effie 
B., Clara E. and Nona L. 

After occupying other positions of trust and re- 
sponsibilitj', Mr. Locke, in the fall of 1868, was 
elected to represent the Democrats in the Kansas 
Legislature, and served one term. During the 
troublous times of the Civil War he was enrolled 
in the State Militia and assisted in driving the 
rebel Gen. Price from the soil of Kansas. He has 
taken an active part in political affairs, and has al- 
ways kept himself thoroughly posted in regard to 
State and National history. Both he and his wife 
are prominently connected with the Presbyterian 
Church, attending services at Holton. 

Mr. Locke was born in Corinth, Orange Co., Vt., 
Dec. 26, 1835. His parents were John and Sarah 
(Thurston) Locke, who were likewise natives of the 
Green Mountain State, and born respectively' in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUlM. 



349 



town of Corinth, and Orange County. For about 
sixteen j'ears after their marriage they lived in 
Corintli and then removed to CLielsea, Vl., wliere 
they spent the remainder of their da}'s. Their fani- 
ii3' consisted of six sons and eight daughters, of 
wliom DeWitt C. was tiie second son and fourth 
cliild. Eleven of these are living. 



ON. JOHN H. KELLER, a prominent mem- 
ber of tlie Kansas bar, is actively practic- 
ing his profession in Holton, in partnership 
with C. W. Noble. He is a conspicuous 
figure in public life, and has been no less distin- 
guished as a statesman tlian as a law^'er. He was 
born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Nov. IG, 1831. 
His father, Samuel Keller, was a native of Lancas- 
ter County, Pa., coming of an old family that 
came to America with William Penii, .and were 
among the first settlers of the Keystone State. 
John Keller, the grandfather of our subject, w.as 
born and reared in Penns3'lvanin, and removed 
from tliere to Ohio in 1802, and was one of the 
first pioneers to settle in Tuscarawas Countj-, where 
he bouglit 200 acres of forest-covered land between 
Bolivar and Zoar, pleasantly located on the east 
side of the Tuscarawas River. He improved a 
good farm, and died there about 1833. 

Tiie fatlier of our subject was quite young wlien 
liis parents removed to Ohio, and there he w,ts 
reared and married, Eva .Snelbalicr becoming his 
wife. She was born in Penns_ylvania in 1810, a 
daughter of John Snelbaker, a native of Berks 
County, the same State. He removed to Oliio, and 
was a pioneer of Stark County, and died there in 
tlie home of tlie parents of our subject. After 
marriage, Mr. Keller bought a tract of timber land, 
adjoining the old liomeste.ad, and iiis first work 
was to build a log house, in wliich iiumble dwelling 
the son of whom we write was born. He sold that 
place in 1845, and removed to Bolivar, where he 
engaged in the grain business some years. In 1850 
he went to Stark County, and investing in a farm 
there, engaged in agricultural pursuits, malving his 
home thereuntil his death, June 11, 1886, at tiie 
advanced age of eiglity-four years. His wife died 



on the homestead, Jan. 25, 1879. Slie w.as a not- 
able housewife, and in her early years used to spin 
and weave all the clotli witli which she clothed lier 
family, .and slie did her cooking before tiie fire iu 
the huge, old-fasliioned fire-i)Iace. She was the 
mother of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew 
to maturity. 

Our subject early became a student in tiie pub- 
lic schools of his native State, and like other 
farmer's boys, he was required to ,assist in the La- 
bors of tlie farm, and when his father w.as in tlie 
grain business he helped him in that. At the age 
of sixteen he began to learn the trade of a carriage- 
maker, serving an apprenticeship of two years. 
After that he did journeyman work in Circleville, 
Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio, and sub- 
sequently in Terre Haute, Ind., being eng.aged in 
th.at manner about seven years. He then returned 
to Ohio, and was emploj^ed in buying timber for a 
furniture company in Cleveland, continuing at that 
until 1855. In that year he resolved to try life 
further Westward, and embarking on a steamer as 
the most expeditious method of travel in those 
daj's, he traversed the Ohio, Mississippi and Illi- 
nois rivers, penetrating to the interior of the Prai- 
rie State as far as Peoria, then a town of but a few 
hundred inhabitants. After a short time there he 
proceeded to W.ashington, in Tazewell County, and 
established himself in the furniture business in 
that city. Three years later he removed to Peoria 
to advance his legal education, lie having previ- 
ously begun the study of law, and entered the 
law oflice of Powell & Wheat, and in 18G0 he was 
admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court. He 
commenced practicing in Peoria, and carried on 
his profession there and in tlie surrounding couiit3-. 
He next visited St. Paul, Minn., and after a few 
weeks stay there he returned to Ohio for tlie first 
time since leaving it in 1855. In the fall of 18G5 
he started West, with the intention of settling in 
Missouri, but after visiting different places, he con- 
eluded not to locate there, but to see what the 
young and vigorously growing State of Kansas 
held for him, and in the month of Jnlj' he came 
here, and immediately opened a law office in Hol- 
ton. and has pr.acticed here ever since, gaining a 
large clientage, and winning his »vav to the fore- 



350 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



most rank among his professional brethren in this 
part of the West. lu 1869 lie formed a partner- 
ship with M. L. Snj-der, which was discontinued in 
the fall of that year, and our subject practiced 
alone until 1875, and then went into partnership 
with W. H. Dodge for two months. After that he 
and his son were togetlier until 1882. In that}'ear 
the son went to Dakota, and located at Elk Point. 
In 1885 Mr. Keller and Mr. Noble formed their 
present partnership. They do an extensive busi- 
nesss in the courts of this section of the State, and 
have met with more than ordinar}' success finan- 
cially and otherwise. 

Mr. Keller is endowed with fine intellectual gifts, 
and his clear, comprehensive, analytical mind, 
backed by a strong will and industrious habits, has 
brouo'ht him to the front in various capacities, and 
has gained for him an enviable reputation in pub- 
lic life. While a resident of Tazewell County, 111., 
he was often called to positions of prominence by 
his appreciative fellow-citizens. He served as 
Deputy Sheriff of the county, discharging the duties 
thus devolving upon him with characteristic fear- 
lessness, promptitude and fidelity. In 1867, a little 
more than a year after his settlement here, he was 
appointed Probate Judge to fill a vacancj-. and 
served one year. In the fall of 1878 he was once 
again called from private life to public office, being 
elected a representative to the State Legislature. 
In the senatorial contest he cast his vote for John 
J. Ingalls, and was one of his stanehest supporters. 
He was placed on the committee that was appointed 
to investigate the charges of bribery in that same 
memorable contest, also serving on the commit- 
tees for the revision of the laws and municipal cor- 
porations, and on other committees, where his cool 
judgment and wise counsels were greatly valued by 
his fellow-members. Our subject has also mingled 
much in the civic life of this citj-, and has borne 
an honorable part in its government since its or- 
ganization as a municipal it}', and before, as he was 
a member of the Board of Town Trustees. He was 
a member of the first City Council, has served sev- 
eral terms since, and is a member of the present 
Board of Councilors. He was at one time Com- 
missioner of the Circuit Court of the United States, 
and has been a Notary Public since 1868. Politi- 



cally, he was in earlj- life a Whig, but since the 
formation of the Republican partj' he has been one 
of its strongest adherents. .Socially, he is promi- 
nently identified'with the I. O. O. F., was a charter 
member of Holton Lodge, No. 34, and has repre- 
sented it at the Grand Lodge. Mrs. Keller, who is 
a woman of fine Christian character, is an exem- 
plary member of the Presbyterian Church. 



-Er- 



1? RA J. MARTI:LL. This gentleman is said to 
II be one of the best educated men in Pottawato- 
/£ mie County. He owns eight}' acres of good 
land in Belvue Township, besides city property in 
Topeka. and has various other interests which yield 
him a comfortable income. He is a lover of fine 
horses, and has about ten head of good trotting 
stock. He is a native of this county, and was born 
Nov. 26, 1858. For a man of his years, ho has 
made good headway in all respects, and is looked 
upon as one of the leading men of his county. 

In noting the parental history of Mr. Martell, 
wo find that his father, William Martell, was a na- 
tive of Canada, born in Montreal in 1816. About 
1849, he came to Kansas and secured 320 acres of 
land on section 22, in Belvue Township. A man of 
enterprise and ecergy, he was prosperous from the 
start, and is now the owner of 1,060 broad acres, 
upon which he carries on general agriculture, realiz- 
ing handsome returns. Politically, he affiliates with 
the Democratic party, and is a member of the Cath- 
olic Church. The ilartell family is of French 
extraction. Mrs. Sophia (Wilmett) Martell, the 
mother, is a native of Wisconsin, and the daughter 
of lladna Wilmett, who was likewise born in the 
Badger State. Mr. Wilmett removed from Wis- 
consin to Cook County, III., and thence to Council 
Bluffs. Iowa, dying thereabout 1845. To William 
and Sophia Martell, there was born a family of ten 
children, namely: Frank W., William, who died in 
Belvue Townshi[), at the age of thirty-eight years; 
Oliver, Charles, Ira; Hattie, who died in Belvue at 
the age of twenty-six; Sophia, Jerome, Ambrose, 
and John. 

Ira J. Martell was the fifth child of his parents, 
and spent his early years in the place of his birth, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



353 



attenrling the common schools. Later he entered 
St. Mary's College, from which he was graduated 
in 1874. He was a boy more than ordinarily bright 
and intelliiient, fond of liis books, and still keeps 
up the habit of reading, which he contracted dur- 
ing his younger years. He worked on the farm 
with his father until 1881, and in the meantime 
served as Township Trustee. In 1882, he repaired 
to Topeka, whei e he sojourned two years, and was 
variously occupied. Then returning toBelvue, he 
engaged in the grain and stock business, but in 
1886, went back to Topeka. and took the position 
of clerk in the Santa Fe office of the Santa Fe Rail- 
road. In 1887, he resigned his position to embark 
in the insurance business. He is now engaged in 
selling goods on the road in Missouri and Iowa. 
Mr. Martell manages to be at his headquarters in 
Belvue Township during important elections, and 
gives his support to the Democratic part}'. He 
was reared in the doctrines of the Catholic Church, 
of which he is a devout member. 



AVID B. KITTS. A volume which in- 
cludes biographies of residents of Potta- 
watomie County, would be incomplete 
without a sketch of the life of this gentle- 
man, who is the oldest citizen of Westmorland and 
has spent both time and money for the benefit of 
the city, and early in the history of this count}-, 
became identified with its agriculturists, assisting 
in the development of Lincoln Township. 

The natal day of Mr. Kitts was April 11, 1821, 
and his birthplace Chester County, Pa., where his 
childhood was spent until the age of four years. 
His parents then removed to the city of Philadel- 
phia where the greater part of his education was 
obtained, it being Hnisfied in Hannibal, JMo., where 
his father subsequently located. After completing 
his schooling he engaged in brickmaking until the 
great gold excitement in California. 

Partaking of the fever which attracted so manj^ 
to the Pacific Coast, in 1850 our subject made the 
overland trip, being four months en route and 
spending the first few months after his arrival in 
Sacramento County. In 1851 he went to the 




northern county of California, where he spent two 
years in command of thirty men scouting and 
patrolling the country. He subsequently engaged 
in mining, merchandising and brokerage, returning 
East by water to New Orleans and up the Missis- 
sippi River to Iowa, where he arrived in February, 
1860. Settling in Ottumwa, he resumed his former 
occupation of brickmaking, furnishing the material 
for the early built prominent buildings of that 
town making 4,000,000 bricks. 

On the account of the health of his wife, Mr. 
Kitts removed to this count}' in 1866, and engaged 
in farming in Lincoln Township, improving nevv 
land, and living thereon until 1872, wlien he re- 
moved to this city, or rather to this town site. He 
built the first house on the site, buying the eighty 
acres on which he now lives, and which has since 
been added to the city. He engaged in mercantile 
business on State between Third and Fourth Streets, 
and continued so occupied until 1879, when he re- 
tired from active business, looking only after the 
interest of his place. 

Mr. Kitts was first married in 1845, his bride 
being Miss Susan George, who lived hut thiee 
years after marriage. He was subsequently united 
with Miss Jane George, who was spared to him but 
seven months. His present wife was in her maid- 
enhood Miss Susan Armer, the ceremony that 
united them taking place at Ottumwa, Iowa, Sept. 
26, 1861. They have four children: Harvey M., 
Joseph, Allen and Susan M. The latter is now the 
wife of O. J. Washburn, of Topeka. 

John Kitts, the father of our subject, was by oc- 
cupation a general superintendent of omnibus 
lines, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He 
married Miss Hannah Gill, who bore him a family 
of five children. He died at Hannibal, Mo., in 
1844, his widow surviving until the following 
year when she too passed away. 

David B. Kitts, has served in various public ca- 
pacities, and has been interested in the advance- 
ment of various works of importance. He served 
as Justice of the Peace for four years, and has also 
been Township Trustee. Township Assessor, City 
Assessor and Street Commissioner. He was also 
the second Mayor of Westmoreland, first filling a 
vacancy and then being elected, and also served on 



354 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




the Council for three years. He gave a whole 
block of land to the county upon vvhich to erect a 
court-house, and also contributed §100 casli for the 
erection of the same. He gave the ground upon 
which the Methodist Episcopal Church stands and 
donated lots for the parsonage to the Congrega- 
tional Societ}-. He is a member of the former 
church, and assisted in organizing the first society 
of that denomination in this city. Of the social 
orders, lie belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the Ma- 
sons, having for four years held the chair in the lat- 
ter society. As will be seen from the above facts 
he is liberal and public spirited and a fine represen- 
tative of tie Western citizen. His name is a syno- 
nym of honor, uprightness, intelligence, liberality 
and true manhood. A lithographic portrait of Mr. 
Kitts will lie found on another page. 



LPHEUS W. McCOIN, D D. Pottawato- 
(@//JJi mie County is honored b}- the residence 
within its bounds of this gentleman, who, 
for his character and ability, is held in 
high esteem b\' all who know him. He was the 
recipient of a most excellent education, and the 
years which have passed since his college days have 
added to his intelligence and understanding. He 
is well versed in all the important topics of the 
da3', bringing to their consideration an accurate 
judgment, a keen comprehension, and a just esti- 
mate of right and wrong. His pure life wields 
an inrtuence for good which is felt beyond his own 
home, and his pleasant and courteous manners 
and kindly consideration for others win him many 
friends. 

He of whom we write was blessed in being the 
son of parents of a considerable degree of culture 
and of the highest moral principles. His father, 
William McCoin is an honored minister of the 
Methodist Protestant denomination, and is now 
laboring in Emporia Kan., his age being about 
eight}' years. He is of Scotch extraction, and was 
born in (iuilford Count}-. N. C., w-hence in 1859 he 
went to Hall County, <ia., where he remained some 
seven years. He then removed to Greenwood 
County, Kan., and in 1879, to the place 'where he 
now resides. His wife bore the maiden name of 



Elizabeth Piggott. and she was born in Daviilson 
County, N. C. in the year 1811, her death taking 
place in Green vvot>d County, Knn.. in 1868. bhe 
was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Welborn) 
Piggott, who were natives of the same .State in 
which she was born. Her father was a Justice of the 
Peace for many years, and a man of much intelli- 
gence and prominence. Both parents were mem- 
bers of the Methodist Protestant Church, and lived 
to an advanced age. The family, of which our sub- 
ject is the second child, comprised eleven brothers 
and sisters, named respectively: Susannah J., Al- 
pheus W., Yancey L.. AVilliam A., Frances N., 
Columbus F., Julius S., Amanda E., Luvinai, 
Surena E., and one who died in infancy. Yancey 
died at the age of thirtj'-nine years, Luvinai at the 
age of twenty, and Columbus at the age of thirty. 

The Rev. Mr. McCoin was born in David.son 
County, N. C, Jan. 14, 1830, and after receiving a 
fundamental education in the common schools, took 
up the higher studies in Yadkin College. Entering 
that educational institution in 18.58, he attended 
until the Civil War began in 18G1, and then went 
to Georgia, where he was engaged in pedagogical 
labors until 1872. All his spare moments had * 
been devoted to a [)reparation for the ministry, and 
at the date last mentioned he was licensed to preach. 
He vvas Secretary of the Annual Conference of the 
Methodist Protestant Church, which was held at 
Atlanta the next jear. 

At that time Mr. McCoin came to Lyon County, 
Kan., and after remaining there about a twelve- 
month went to Emporia, and joined the Annual 
Conference of the J\[ethodist Protestant Church, 
being ordained an Elder in the Conference that was 
held in Amerieus, Lyon County. He was then 
given the P^raporia Circuit, aud remained on it 
until 1876. The next year he was sent on the Louis- 
ville Circuit of Pottawatomie County, but owing 
to depression of the times, caused b\- the failure of 
crops, etc., the citizens were unable to support a 
church there, and our subject therefore turned his 
attention to teaching until 1882. He is now en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising on the 160 pro- 
ductive acres on secLion 32, Center Township, 
where he now lives. 

On Sept. 1. 1863. the rites of wedlock were 



'PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



355 



celebrated between the Rev. Mr. MeCoiii .and Mrs. 
Ann Eliza (nollid.ny) .Tones, widow of .Tames 
Jones, by wliom slic liad bad two children — Mattie 
R. and James R., both still livino-. .She is a daugh- 
ter of Robert HoUiday, a native of Ireland, who 
came to the United States when a child, and spent the 
remainder of his life in Georgia, dying when about 
seventy years of age. He was a large slave-owner 
and quite wealthy, and was a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. Mrs. McCoin was born in Fay- 
etteville, Fayette Co., Ga., and is a lady of culture 
and refinement. To her and her present husband 
three children have been born, all living, who are 
named — Ilallie D., John W. and Pearl F. 

Mr. McCoin is a stanch Republican, and while 
not desiring office, has been induced to accept sev- 
eral minor positions. In his ministerial and pedagog- 
ical labors, he 'i.as made excellent use of his talents, 
and established a line reputation, while in the work 
which he has recently adopted he finds both pleas- 
ure and profit, and a ple.ising relief from the many 
years of brain work which his professions entailed 
upon him, the mental and spiritual nature finding 
sutHcient stimulus, and the intervals of active out- 
door occupations being abundantly filled with read- 
ing and study. 

-l^^- 

'^J HARLES H. WILLIAMS, dealer in hard- 
Ill ^ ware, has been in business in Holton for 
"^^f many years, coming here iu the first decade 
of the growth of the city, and he is classed among 
its prosperous merchants who have been active in 
developing its commercial interests, and may 
take an honest pride in his ]iart in promoting its 
progi'ess. 

lie is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, 
born in tiio town of Zanesville, Oct. 17, 1836. His 
father, Asher Williams, was born in Crawford 
County, Pa., and was there reared to man's estate. 
He learned the trades of chair-maker and house- 
painter, and in 1835 left his native State and 
sought a home in the wilds of Ohio, and was one 
of the early settlers of Jluskingum Count3% locat- 
ing in Zanesville, where lie followed his trades till 
the spring of 1845. His next move was to Adains- 
viUe. in the same county, where he continued era- 



ploj-ed. as previously mentioned, for some years. 
In 1857 he took up his abode in Cambridge, 
Guernse3f County, where he was engaged in the 
manufacture of chairs many years, and there his 
life was brought to a close in 1880 at a ripe old 
age. The maiden name of the mother of our sub- 
ject W.1S Janet Hubbell, and she was born in New 
York, a daughter of Jedadiah Ilubbell, who is sup- 
posed to have been a native of the same State. 
He removed from there to Pennsylvania and lived 
in Meadville till he emigrated to Ohio in 1833 and 
became a pioneer of Zanesville. lie was a paper- 
maker by trade and was employed in a mill there, 
and there his last d.ays were passed. The maiden 
name of his wife was Mary Davis, and she was 
born in Boston. Mass., and died iu Zanesville. 
The mother of our subject is now living in Cam- 
bridge, at an a<lvanced age. 

He passed his early life in his native State, re- 
maining with his parents till he was seventeen 
years old. At that age he went to Zanesville to 
learn the trade of a carpenter, and was bound out for 
that purpose for a period of four years, but he was 
taken sick a little more than a year after that, and 
was obliged to go home without having served out 
his apprenticeship. In September, 1855, he went 
to Chicago, then a small city with but little prom- 
ise of its present importance and size as the second 
city in point of population in tlie United States. 
He worked at carpentering there till the fall of 
1856, and then returned to Ohio, and on the last 
day of the year was married to Mary F Bradford. 
In January, 1858, Mr. Williams removed to Cam- 
bridge and remained there till the following April. 
and then came to Kansas, traveling by rail to 
Wheeling, and thence coming by the Ohio, .Missis- 
sippi and Missouri rivers to Leavenworth, and 
there chartered an ox-team to carry him to his 
destination across the open prairies, and on the 
journey passed bj' Holton, which then comprised 
three or four dwellings and one store. He made a 
claim to a tract of land in what is now Grant 
Township, and erected a frame house 14x16 feet in 
dimensions for a residence. There were no rail- 
ways west of Jefferson City, and the river towns 
were the nearest markets and depots of supply. 
Mr. AVilliams broke a few acres of his tract of wild 



356 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



pi'airie, and in the following winter found work at 
various employments, and at one time worked on 
a sawmill on Banner Creek. The following year 
he carried on his trade, and in the spring of 1860 
came to Holton and was engaged at it here. 

In September, of tiiat 3''ear, Mr. Williams re- 
turned to Ohio, and in September, 1861, enlisted in 
Company B, 15th Ohio Infantry, and he served 
till he was incapacitated by a severe wound re- 
ceived in the heat of battle in June 1864. He had 
proved himself to be possessed of true soldierly 
valor, was cool and courageous when facing the 
eneni}', and always faithful and orderly in the dis- 
charge of his duty. He bore a creditable part in 
many important engagements, among which we 
may mention the siege of Corinth, battles of Slii- 
loh, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga and Missionary 
Ridge, and from the latter place he went with the 
troops that engaged with the rebels at Straw- 
berry Plains, and he was then transferred to the 
64th Indiana Regiment. He was dispatched to 
Dandridge, East Tenn., with his comrades, and 
from there was sent to Knoxville, where he was 
detailed to work on a bridge, and did detached 
duty till April, 1864, and then joined the com- 
mand at Cleveland, Tenn., whence it was sent 
with Gen. Sherman on the Atlanta campaign. Our 
subject took part in all the battles from there to 
Pine Knob, and while bravely fighting the foe in 
the latter engagement he was wound9d and was 
sent to the hospital at Nashville. From there he 
went to Jeffersonville, Ind , and was discharged 
from the hospital in that city and then reported at 
Camp Denison, and after that was ordered to 
Todd's barracks, Columbus, where he was honor- 
ably discharged Sept. 13, 1864, as his term of ser- 
vice liad expired. In the fall of the same year 
Mr. Williams assisted in putting in raachiner}- in 
a paper-mill at Zanesville, and in tlie winter manu- 
factured chairs in Cambridge with his father. In 
1866 he came to Holton once more and was busily 
engaged at his trade till the fall of 1869. He 
then went into the lumber business, continuing in 
that until March 20, 1889. He had eng.aged in 
the har<lware business as earl3' as 1876, and 
carried on both branches together, and at the 
same time had sold agricultural implements. At 



the present time he confines his business to the sale 
of hardware. He has a commodious store, neatly 
appointed and well stocked with the best of every- 
thing in his line, and he has a large and profitable 
trade. 

Mr. Williams' first wife died early in 1878, 
leaving behind her the memory of a good life. 
He was married to his present estimable wife, Mrs. 
Anna (Fesler) Williams, widow of the Rev. Mr. 
Williams, Dec. 20, 1878. Mrs. Williams had one 
child, Howard, bj' her first marriage. 

Mr. Williams is a member of the G. A. R., be- 
longing to Will IMendell Post, No. 46. He is 
also connected with the A. F. & A. M. as a member 
of Hfilton Lodge, No. 42; and he belongs to 
Friendship Lodge, No. 1769, K. of H. In matters 
of general advancement and improvement Mr. 
Williams is earnestly interested,and he is conceeded 
to be a thoroughly good citizen, a kind and oblig- 
ing neighbor, and an exemplary man in every re- 
spect both in business and private life. He and 
his wife are sincere Christians and active workers 
in the church, he being a member of the Methodist 
society and she belonging to the Presb3terian con- 



-o»i)=(:«o. 



"iflASPER WHIMS, a prominent citizen of 
Westmoreland, where he is now living re- 
I tired from active pursuits, has an honorable 
l^^y record as a soldier, a teacher and a journal- 
ist, as well as in several departments of public life. 
He was born in Beaver County, Pa., March 12, 
1840, obtaining his education at Hookstown Acad- 
emy', and remained in the Keystone State until 
about twenty-two years old. He then entered the 
Union aimy as a member of Company H., 140th 
Pennsylvania Infantr3\ Among the most terrible 
conflicts in which he participated were the battles 
of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Po 
River, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court- 
house. At the latter engagement he was seriously 
wounded, losing an arm, the limb being am- 
putated on the field by Dr. John Wishart, of 
Pittsburg, Pa. Mr. Whims was sent to Emory Hospi- 
tal at Washington, D. C, and thence to the Cam- 
den Street Hospital at Baltimore, Md. Becoming 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



357 



convalescent he was sent to Philadel[)liia, where he 
was honorably discharged Dec. 14, 1864, his en- 
rollment having dated from Aug. 12, 18G2. 

Returning to Beaver County, Mr. Wliims again 
took up his studies and then engaged in teaching 
for a year. Following this was a service of four 
j'ears as Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hancock 
County, W. Va.; this being succeeded by two j^ears 
experience as traveling agent for a New York pub- 
lishing house. Again entering the field of peda- 
gog3', Mr. Whims spent three years in professional 
labors in the East, and then came to Kansas, reach- 
ing this county, June 18, 1880. and serving as 
principal of the Westmoreland school for one j'ear. 
and two years elsewhere in this county. Me was 
then elected .Justice of the Peace on the Republican 
ticket and subsequently re-elected, his entire [leriod 
of service being five years. 

The first newspaper published in this cit\- was 
instituted by Mr. Whims and others, under the 
name of the Westmoreland Weekly Period. The 
proprietor continued his journalistic efforts three 
J'ears, and then sold the sheet to ^Messrs. Shiner and 
Codding, who changed the name to Recorder. 

At the home of the bride in Hancock Count}', W. 
Va., Aug. 14, 1862. the interesting ceremony 
was performed which transformed Miss Sarah A. 
Flower into Mrs. Jasi)er Whims. JNIiss Flower was 
born in the county where her marriage took place, 
her natal day being .Jane 20, 1836, and that county 
being her home until the family moved West. 
Seven children have l)een born to her, four of 
whom still survive. These are: Alexander K, 
now in California; Frank L.. living in Atchison; 
Anna ISI. and Newton BIcLain. 

The parents of our subject were Calelj and 
Rachael (Kerr) Whims, both of whom were born 
in Beaver County. Pa., which was their home until 
death. The birth of Mr. Caleb Whims took place 
May 12, 1802, and that of his wife Nov. 19, 1803. 
They reared a family of nine children, our subject 
being the sixth in order of birth. The occupation 
of Jlr. Whims was that of a farmer, and his death 
took place in April 18, 1874. The mother sur- 
vived until 1885, she having a short time before 
her death visited her son Jasper, in this place. 

Alexander Flower, the father of Mrs. Jasper 



AVhiras. was born in Eastern Pennsylvania in 1799, 
and at the age of thirteen was taken to Beaver 
County, where he grew to manhood, marrying Miss 
Margaret Wilson, born in Ikdmont County, Ohio, 
1801. They spent the most of their lives in West 
Virginia, where Mrs. Flower died M.ay 8, 1880, and 
her husband in 1883. Mr. Flower was a fanner 
and miller by occupation, and both he and his wife 
were members of the Christian Church. 

ISIr. Jasper Whims is a member of Westmore- 
land Post, No. 151, (J. A. R. He belongs to the 
Christian Church, in which he has held the differ- 
ent oflices, having been Sunday-school Superinten- 
dent for three years. lie is highly spoken of by 
all, and is respected for his mental attainments and 
genial nature, as well .as for his u])iight character 
and useful life. 

■S^OHN r.ArER. This gentleman reijresents 
in a marked degree the sterling vvorth and 
respectability of Clear Creek Township" 
Pottawatomie Cour.ty. He is influential 
and well-to-do, the architect of his own fortune, a 
man looked up to in his community and one emi- 
nently deserving of the esteem in which he is held 
b}' his fellow-citizens. He carries on farming suc- 
cessfully and owns the north half of section 34, 
the greater part of which he has brought to a state 
of cultivation, the remainder being devoted to 
pasturage. 

The Province of Alsace Lorraine, the disputed 
territory between France and Germany during the 
Franco-Prussian War, was the early tramping 
ground of our subject and where his birth took 
place Jan. 25, 1830. He lived there until a young 
man of twentj'-three years, then, not satisfied with 
his condition or his prospects, emigrated in 1853 to 
America and settled in .Southern Indiana. He lived 
there until after the close of the Civil War, then in 
1 870 crossed the F.athcr of Waters and located in 
Brown County, this State. Ten years later, in 1880, 
he changed the scene of his labors to Pottawotajnie 
Count}'. He has been greatly prospered in his labors 
since becoming a resident of this county and latterly 
has made a specialty of stock-raising, also buying 
and feeding. He averages 100 head of cattle, fiom 



358 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



thirty to thirty-flve Lead of horses and over 100 
head of swine. His operations are carried on with 
that systematic thoroughness which has gained liim 
tlie reputation of being one of the best farmers in 
this section of country. 

Tlie residence of Mr. Lauer is situated jusl with- 
out the corporate limits of the town of Blaine, 
where his children have the advantages of good 
schooling and the churches. Mr. Lauer in earlj' 
manhood learned the barber's trade in the old 
country, which he followed in Indiana and after 
coming to Brown County, Kan. While a resident 
of Southern Indiana he was married. June 10, 1859, 
to Miss Maggie L., daughter of Peter Mashinot. 
who was born in France. The children born of 
this union are named respectively: Nicholas, John, 
Fritz, Anna, Louisa, Maggie, Peter, Antone, Jose- 
phine, Lizzie, Emma and Philip. Five of them 
arc married ; tlie others are at home with their par- 
ents. Louisa is the wife of Herman Knitter, and 
Maggie married Elmer Fifield. 

The parents of our subject were Philip and 
Emma (Schneider) Lauer, likewise natives of Alsace 
Lorraine, the father a weaver and m.anufacturer of 
fine underwear and similar goods. Four of their 
children came to America — John, Nicholas, Peter 
and Mary Ann. All Init John are deceased. Mr. 
Lauer and all his family are connected with the 
Catholic Church. 

^RYING SNOOKS. There are few more popu- 
I lar men in Belvue Township, Pottawatomie 
|i\ County, than he with whose name we introduce 
this sketch. He is comparatively young in years, 
having been born Dec. 6, 1855. in Sn3der County, 
Pa. He came to Kans.as with his parents in 1871 
and lived with them for ten years thereafter, when 
he purchased propert}- in Belvue and is engaged in 
farming. He has just been elected one of the 
Township Trustees and is a member in good stand- 
ing of the Methodist Episco[)al Church. The in- 
dications are that he has entered upon a most 
praiseworthy career and he has hosts of friends 
who are watching him with kindly interest. 

The father of our subject was John G. Snooks, 
likewise a native of Pennsylvania, who, after com- 



ing to Kansas, lived for a time in Belvue and then 
removed to Topeka, of which he is now a resident. 
He is a farmer by occupation and politicallj', a 
sound Republican. He became connected witli the 
Methodist Episcopal Church many years ago and 
has attained to the age of sixty-three j'ears. The 
paternal grandfather, Abraiiam Snooks, was a na- 
tive of New Jersey, whence he emigrated early in 
life to Pennsylvania where he carried on farming 
and spent the remainder of his days. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Sarah J. Price. She was born in Pennsylvania 
and is still living, being now about sixty years old. 
The parental familj' consisted of three children — 
Irving, Mary A. and Charles L., who are all living. 
Irving, like his brothers and sisters, was reared 
upon tiie farm and attended the common school. 
He was trained to those habits of industry and 
economy which have been the secret of his success 
in life. When approaching the twenty-sixth year 
of his age, lie was married, Jan. 15, 1881, to Miss 
Emma L. Case. This was the first wedding in 
Belvue. Mrs. Snooks was boin in Pennsylvania 
Jan. 4, 1858, and is the daughter of Joseph and 
Nancy (Stephenson) Case, who were likewise na- 
tives of the Ke^'stone State. Mr. Case was a farmer 
by occupation and died in Pennsylvania a'uout 
1879. Mrs. Case subsequently came to Kansas and 
died at the home of her daughter in Pottawato- 
mie County, in 1886, aged sixty-six. Mr. and Mrs. 
Snooks are the parents of four children — Thirza, 
Albert S., Sadie and Clinton N. Sadie died at the 
age of about two years. Mr. Snooks and his little 
family occupy a neat home and enjoy the friend- 
ship and acquaintance of the best people of their 
communit}'. 



<|, IfeASHINGTON I. PKIE.ST. joint proprie- 



\/\li' '''^^ ^^ ^^^ Whiting ^eirs. which is pub- 
V^^ lished in Whiting, Jackson County, has 
already shown his ability in the conduct of that 
sheet, in which he is assisted by his brother, W. E. 
I'riest. The JSfnvs was purchased by the Priest 
Bros., in 1889, and has been enlarged and improved, 
and now ranks among the best papers of the county. 
It has a large and increasing circulation, and its 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



359 



advertising columns are well patronized by tiie 
business men of the town and county'. The paper 
is a well-edited a]id neatly jjrinted six-column, 
eiglit-page folio, and is deserving of the patronage 
of every family in the count}-. In addition to Ihe 
usual items of news, each wcelc brings some well- 
written article from some of its correspondents, the 
best in the county being members of the corps. 
Politics are entirely t.ibdoed in the [jublication, 
although Mr. Priest is personally an ardent 
Republican. 

Mr. Priest is a son of W. (x. and R. L. Priest, 
and the family is of .Scotch stock. The grandfather 
was a sailor for many years, and finall}- settled in 
Ohio, whence he came from his native country, 
Scotland. Our subject is a native of the Buckeye 
State, having been born in Fulton Count}'. March 
12, 18.JG. While he was quite young his parents 
went to Michigan, afterward moving to Missouri, 
then to Iowa, and finally settling in Bcment, 111., 
when he was but seven years of age. At that early 
period in his life he began to learn the ]irinter's 
trade, but owing to failing eyesight he left the 
office at the expiration of two years, and became a 
painter. 

We may well conclude that the journalistic in- 
stinct w.as strong in young I'riest, for at the age of 
twenty-one, he, in partnership witli another man, 
started the Lovington E/iti'rpi-!S<\ at Lovingtou, 
III. The}' continued the pulilication for two years, 
when our subject sold his interest and accepted a 
l)Osition as foreman of the Bement Gazette, which 
place he held for five }ears. He then purchased 
the Gazette plant, but had the misfortune to lose 
the office and all its contents by fire before the 
insurance vvas transferred. 

In this conflagration. Mr. Priest lost everything 
he possessed, as his room, in which his private 
effects were kept, adjoined the office and was also 
destroyed. His most precious possession, and one 
which no money could replace, was a scrap book 
whose contents he had been collecting for years, 
and which were the only preserved specimens of 
liis mother's compositions in prose and poetry, she 
having in her young days been a writer of some 
note. After this catastrophe 3Ir. Priest returned 
to the brush for a living, and continued his work 



as a painter until, in company with his brother, he 
bought out the Xetrs. 

The wife of Mr. Priest was in her maidenhood 
Miss Rebecca J. Marshall. She was born in Wayne 
County, 111., and is the daughter of Marques Mar- 
shall. She is a lady of culture and refinement, and 
one in whom her husband finds a kind luit alile 
critic, and an ap[)reciative judge of his work in the 
field of journalism. Their happy union has been 
blessed by the birth of five children: Capitola 
Pearl. Lota Luella, Edith Lisle, and the twins. 
The latter were born on the 4th of March, 1889, 
and being, as tlieir father claims, born Republicans, 
have been christened Harrison and Morton. 

Mr. Priest wields the pen of a ready writer, and 
displays sound reasoning, keenness of perception, 
and an accurate judgment, both in the editorial 
columns and in sifting the mass of items from which 
to compile the news which his sheet contains. 
These qualities, together with his apjjreciation of 
what is best and most worthy of publication, lead to 
the confident expectation that his influence will be 
extended, and his name more widely known in the 
ranks which already include so many talented men 
and women. 



<« )¥ ILLI AM H. .SUMNER. This gentleman i.s 
\^l// tbe oldest employe and conductor on the 
^^ Central Branch of the Union Pacific Rail- 
road in Kansas, and is a well-known resident of 
Whiting. .Jackson County. During his long exper- 
ience as a railroad man. he has passed through 
some trying experiences where coolness, quick 
judgment, decision and bravery haVe been called 
for, and lie has provecKqual to the occasion. His 
birth took place in Hillsdale, Columbia Co., ?C. Y.. 
.Sept. 3, 183G, and he was reared on a farm, obtain- 
ing the meager education atTorded b}- the puljlic 
schools in those <l.ays. At the age of thirteen years 
he started out in life as an apprentice to a brick- 
layer, and after acquiring the trade, took a position 
as fireman on the New York Central Railroad, in 
the year 18,o0. For eight years he filled dilTerent 
positions on that road, and then engaged in mer- 
cantile business in his native town, continuing so 



360 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



occupied until the breaking out of the Civil War, 
when he sold out and entered upon a more danger- 
ous life. 

Going Soutli, Mr. Sumner helped to operate the 
Louisville & Nashville Railroad during the war, 
this service being exceedingly hazardous, even 
more so tlian that of the soldier. Trains were often 
fired into by the Rebels, and in many instances 
were ditched or bridges burned, and in fact, the life 
of araUwayraan in the Southern States during this 
eventful period was anything but a pleasant one. 
Five times Mr. Sumner was taken bj' the enemy, the 
capture in each case being accomplished by the de- 
railing and ditching of the train. Twice he was 
taken prisoner bj' John Morgan's men, and on 
several occasions met the notorious raider, of whom 
as a soldier he has a high opinion, as Morgan would 
never allow his men to kill his prisoners. Mr. Sum- 
ner was conductor of the train which Morgan 
captured at Woodburn, Ky., and which carried 
thirteen car loads of mules and six car-loads of 
horses. The horses were taken by the Confeilerate 
General, who then set fire to the train, destroying- 
it and the mules. The boys on the train renamed 
the station, christening it " Muleburn " instead of 
Woodburn. On another occasion the train was 
ditched near Lebanon, Kv., and Mr. Sumner, his 
engineer, and tw'o brakemen took to the woods and 
escaped capture by walking back to the junction 
thirty miles distant, traveling all night and all the 
next day. 

Mr. Sumner remained on the Louisville & N,ash- 
ville Railroivd until the fall of 1864, when he went 
to Wisconsin and secured a conduotorship on the 
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, his run 
being from Milwaukee to LaCrosse, His next 
change was to a train on the Pan Handle, with a 
run between Richmond nml Logansport, Ind., his 
home being in the latter place. In 1868 he went 
to Des Moines, Iowa, and took a position on the 
Rock Island route, where he continued until 1877, 
when he changed to the Central Branch of the 
Union Pacific Railroad, running a train from At- 
chison west as far as the road was finished, which 
at first was to Washington County, Kan.; Concor- 
dia and Beloit afterward being the passenger divis- 
sion. Except during the war, Mr. Sumner has al- 



ways run on passenger trains. While a conductor 
on the Rock Island, his train went into the washout 
of a culvert, killing the engineer, fireman and one 
passenger. During his twelve years run on the 
Missouri P.aciflc Railroad, with the large and full 
trains of that road, he has never had a passenger 
hurt. 

In 1878, Mr. Sumner moved his family to Whit- 
ing, where lie had bought land and owned the 
Whiting House, the only hotel in the town. He 
quit the road for a short time to run the hotel, but 
the second year sold out and built a fine cottage 
home iu the southwestern part of the town. The 
place comprises four village lots, and the large 
grounds with their adornments make, with the resi- 
dence, a beautiful home. He had previously owned 
a quarter section of laud two miles southeast of 
town, upon which he made many improvements. 
He later bought ninety-five acres adjoining the citj', 
which is under a fine state of cultivation and bears 
marked improvements. On it he has erected a 
large barn at a cost of §1,300, and has one of the 
most complete systems of waterworks in the county, 
pipes conveying the fluid from the reservoir to the 
house, burn, hog and cattle lots, and the force being 
supplied l)y a large windmill. The place bears a 
fine orchard of 600 apple trees, and a large quan- 
tity of grapes and other fruits, including a great 
variety' of the small fruits. This place is carried on 
by jMr. Sumner himself, and on it he has some fine 
black Galloway cattle, which are registered thor- 
oughbreds from imported stock, in the herd being 
the fine J'oung bull " Ladd," which has a com|)lele 
pedigree. 

Mr. Sumner was married iu his early life to Miss 
Christina L. Smith of Hillsdale, N. Y., who died not 
many months after their marriage, leaving a daugh- 
ter — Christina L.. who is now the wife of William 
P. Reynolds of Whiting, formerly of Illinois. Mr. 
and Mrs. Reynolds have two children — William S. 
and Frank. 

In December, 1860. Mr. Sumner was again mar- 
ried, the bride l)eing Miss Sarah J., daughter of 
John and Maignret (Thompson) Hardick. Her fa- 
ther was a wholesale shoe dealer in Hudson, N. Y., 
for thirty years, and both ancestral lines belong to 
the Empire State. Her grandfather Hardick bore 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



361 



the given name of Philip, and died duiing the 
childhood of his son, John. ;\Irs. Sumner's grand- 
mother Hardick was called " lietsey," her proper 
name being Elizabeth, and her family, the Grahams, 
were among the first settlers of that country. They 
lived in Hudson when the nearest trading point was 
New York City, and they were obliged to make the 
trip in a sloop, taking a week to go and come. At 
that place Betsey Hardick passed her entire life, 
living to the ripe age of ninety-two years. Mr. 
Sumner and his present wife have had two children 
— Mamie, a young lady at home, who was edu- 
cated in the High Schools of Leavenvvorth ; and 
Frank, who died in infancy. 

Mr. Sumner adheres stanclily to the principles of 
the Democratic party. He was one of the original 
members of Lodge, No. 250, A. F. & A. M., in 
Whiting, and is also a charter member in Jackson 
Lodge, No. 214. I. O. O. F. In the Masonic order 
he has advanced to the degree of Knight Templar. 
Mrs. Sumner is a charter member of Rebecca Lodge 
No. 72. She is also a worthy member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. 



y; \V. SARGENT, editor and proprietor of 
tlie Holton Siyiial, has worked his way up 
W^ until he stands well at the head of his (iro- 
fession, although he is still a young man. He is 
endowed with keen, clear vision and much lilcrary 
talent, and his ably edited paper, the only organ 
of the Democratic parly in Jackson County-, wields 
a marked influence in politics in this section of the 
State. Mr. Sargent is a native of Ashland (Jounty, 
Ohio, Aug. 20, 1858, l)eing the date of his birth. 
He is the son of Leonard Franklin Sargent, who 
was born near Peterboro, Canada. His father, 
Pliilip Sargent, was born in the North of Ireland, 
and was one of the early settlers of the country 
near Peterboro, and there he lived many years, but 
his last days were spent in Holton, Kan. The 
maiden name of his wife was Margaret Coulter, 
and she was likewise of Irish birth. They were 
Presbyterians, and alvv.ays true to the faith. 

The father of our subject was reared and edu- 
cated in his Canadian birthplace, and there learned 
the trade of a machinisl. which he followed there 



till he came to the -'vStates," in 1856. He located 
in Ashland County, Ohio, and was employed there 
at his trade till his removal to Illinois, in 1867, 
when he established himself as a machinist in 
Litchfield. The following year he came to Holton 
and opened a wagon shoji, which he carried on till 
his death, which occuried Nov. 2, 1886. The 
maiden name of the mother of our subject, who 
makes her home in this city, was Mary A. Treace, 
and she was born in Ashland County, Ohio. Her 
father, George A. Treace, was born in Pennsyl- 
vania. He removed from there to Ohio, and was 
a |)ioneer of Ashland County, lie was both a 
farmer and a millwright, and he iunight a tract of 
laud, and besides improving a farm, he worked at 
his trade, continuing to live on his Ohio homestead 
till his death. The maiden name of his wife was Maria 
Sigler. She was born in Pennsylvania, and died on 
the home farm in Ashland County. The father of our 
subject was always a Republican from the forma- 
tion of the party till the day of his death, and he 
ever toolc an intelligent interest in (jolitical and 
l)ublic affairs. He was a member of Holton Loilge, 
No. 34, I. O. O. F. 

W. W. Sargent, of this biographical review, was 
the only child of his parents. He was given good 
educational advantages in the public schools of 
his native State, and in the city schools after he 
came here. In 1872 he commenced to learn the 
printer's trade in the ollice of the Holton Express, 
and worked there three years, and he was emploj'ed 
in the ofHce of the Topeka Times after that. In 
1878 he entered upon his career as an editur. re- 
turning to Holton and establishing the Holton 
Siijnal, which he has published ever since with 
success. This bright, newsy paper is the only one 
in the county that voices the policy of the Demo- 
cratic party, and is well supported, having a large 
number of subscribers. On the 2;id of December, 
1887, Mr. Sargent's office was burned, and the 
entire outfit destroyed, excepting the books and 
files of papers. Not a whit discouraged by this 
serious misfortune, he at once energetically set 
about securing new machinery, presses, etc., and 
fitted up a fine ortice, and during the time did not 
lose a single issue of his paper. Mr. Sargent is a 
spirited, independent, wide-awake young man, well- 



362 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



equipped for the journalistic profession, with a 
successful past and a promising future. He is a 
facile and forcible writer, and possessing a mind 
well stocked with useful information, discusses in- 
telligently in the columns of his paper all subjects 
that arc of general interest to the reading public. 
And while he is an intense partisan, he is not ag- 
gressive, but with sterling sense uses tact and 
moderation in all arguments and in presenting the 
issues of the times to the people. He is one of the 
leading spirits of the young Democrac3- of Kansas, 
and in 1884 was the candidate of his party for 
Presidential Elector for the 1st Congressional Dis- 
trict, and lie lias lieeu Chairman of the Democratic 
Central Committee for the past eight years. He is 
a prominent member of Holton Lodge, No. 34, 
I. O. 0. F., and of Friendship Lodge, No. 15, 
K. of P. 

—5 * >a - c< « i-— 

U ALTER PARMENTER. The subject of 
this sketch came to Kansas Territory in the 
W^J fall of 18.i6, in time to assist in the mak- 
ing of it a free State and putting himself on record 
as a public-s|iirited and lil)eral-minded (citizen — one 
who willingly endured toil, hanlship and sacrifice 
for the sake of tlie future good, not only of himself 
and his immediate interests, but of those that 
sliouhl come after. He is widely and favorably 
known to most of the old residents of Franklin 
Township, Jackson Countj-, among whom he has 
sojourned for so many years and built up for 
himself the record of an honest man and a good 
citizen. 

A native of Pittsfleld, Vt., J\Ir. Parmenter was 
born ]\Iarcli 29. 18:33. and lived there on his father's 
farm until after reacliing manhood. He was twent^y- 
three years old when coming to Kansas, and settled 
first in what was then Calhoun, but is now .Lackson 
County, taking up a Government claim on section 
35, in what is now Franklin Township. He was then 
a single man, and proceeded with the improvement 
of his property in bachelor style until the Dth of Feb- 
ruary. 1860. On the evening of that day he took 
unto himself a wife and helpmate, Miss Sarah E. 
Jones, the wedding being celebrated at the bride's 
home in Cedar Township. The wedded pair com- 



menced housekeeping on the new farm in a man- 
ner corresponding to their means and surroundings, 
little occurring to break the quietude of their 
lives until the opening of the War of the Rebel- 
lion. Mr. Parmenter watched the conflict until 
August, 1862, and on the 19th of that month en- 
listed as a Union soldier in Company B, 11th Kan- 
sas Infantry, in which he served until the elose 
of the war. He received his honorable discharge 
and was mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth, after 
wiiich he returned to his farm a)id family, and 
.as a tiller of the soil has been uniformly pros- 
perous. He owns 300 acres of land in Franklin 
and Cedar Townships, and has made good improve- 
ments on the home farm. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Parmenter there have been 
born four children, the eldest of whom a daughter. 
Harriet E., is the wife of O. F. Winner, and lives 
In Cedar Township; Mary E. married Ezra N. 
Garber, and lives in Franklin Township; Ruth H., 
Mrs. J. P. Duffy, is also a resident of Franklin 
Township; Walter G., the only son, died when 
about five years old. Mr. Parmenter is a sound 
Republican, politically, and has held the school 
offices of his township. He identified himself with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church manj' years ago, 
of which his wife is also a member in gooil stand- 
ing, and in which j\Ir. Parmenter has filled the 
offices of Class-Leader and .Steward. 

The father of our subject was Walter Parmenter, 
a native of Massachusetts, who married Miss Mary 
Daley, who was born in A'ermont. After their 
marriage they settled in Pittsfleld. the latter State, 
where they spent the remainder of their lives. The 
father served from the opening until the close of 
the War of 1812, and the paternal grandfather dis- 
tinguished himself as a patriot in the Revolution- 
ary War. To Walter and Mary Parmenter there 
was born a famil}' of ten children, eight of whom, 
two daughters and six sous, lived to mature years. 
Six are now living, and Walter, Jr., was the eighth 
child. Jlrs. I'armenter is the daughter of Harlan 
C. and Ruth H. (Zell) Jones, who were natives re- 
spectively of Alabama and Virginia. After their 
marriage they settled in Warren County, Ohio, and 
thence removed to Parke County, Ind. From there, 
in the fall of 1855, they came to what is now J.ack- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



363 



son County, Kan., settling on Cerlar Creek, in 
Cedar Townsliip. Tliere the falliei- died, on the 12tii 
of April, 1870; the mother is still living, making 
her home in Mayetta. Mrs. Parmenter was the 
eldest of ten children, and was born in ^Varren 
County, Oliio, April 13, 1838. 



//^KORGE SMITH, a retired farmer and 
eapitalistof nolton,'_vvas]one of the earliest 
pioneers of this city and county, and from 
the da}' of his settlement he has been a prominent 
factor in their upbuilding, having, with great pub- 
lic spirit, conti'ibuted liljerallj' to all schemes to 
[ironiote their growth, and seeking in all ways to 
advance their highest interests materially, morally 
and socially. On account of his well-known and 
fearlessly expressed opinions concerning the evils 
of slaver}', he had to leave Missouri where his life 
had been endangered and came to Kansas in terri- 
torial days to build up a home under these sunn\' 
skies, and to symi)athize with and aid those noble, 
courageous, self-sacrificing settlers who were fight- 
ing for the admission of the Territory into the 
I'nion as a Free State. 

Mr. Smith, whose native place is Erie County, 
N. Y., was born Sept. 25, 1811, a son of Humphrey 
and Nancy (Walker) .Smith, the father born either 
in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, and the mother a 
native of Boston, Mass. Her father, Robert Walker, 
was born in England, and when a j'oung man he 
came to America as a soldier of the British Army 
during the Revolution. Being impressed with the 
justice of the cause of the Colonists, he took sides 
with them and became a lo^'al citizen of this coun- 
try. He married a lady of American birth, but of 
English ancestry, named Atvvatcr. 

Humphrey Smith was a pioneer of Western New 
York, locating there when the country was a howl- 
ing wilderness, with scarcely any other inhabitants 
than the Indians and wild animals. In March, 1816, 
he again became a jjioneer. starting for the far dis- 
tant frontier territory of Missouri, accompanied 
by his wife and three children and other families, 
embarking on a flalboat on the Alleghany River, 
and floating dowi: that stream and the Ohio, and 



then paddling up the Mississippi and Missouri 
Rivers to Bojnsville, Mo., where they stoi)ped a 
short time, and then proceeded to Howard County, 
of which they became the earliest settlers. Mr. 
Smith lived there three years and then removed to 
Ra}' County, where he resided until 1821, wl.en 
Clay County became his home. He there bought a 
tract of wild timbered land, and improved the 
water power by making a dam and building a grist 
and sawmill, the first in that section of the conn- 
try. Before that the [jioneers had had to grind 
their corn themselves in a mortal', and they sub- 
sisted entirely on home products, their food being 
cooked before the open fire in the rude fire-place, 
and the mothers and daughtets spun and wove all 
the cloth and made every garment worn by them- 
selves and other members of their families. Mr. 
.Smith's i)atrons came from ten to twenty miles dis- 
tant, and as there were no markets near for their 
grain, distilleries were plentiful all through that 
region. St. Louis, 300 miles distant, was the near- 
est market and the people used to go there with 
teams for their supplies. In 1810 the father of our 
subject became a pioneer of still another Slate, 
moving to Iowa and casting in his lot with the few 
settlers of Dallas Count}' who had preceded him. 
He invested his money in a tract of Government 
land, and utilized the water power by building a 
sawmill which he operated some years. He then 
returned to Smithville, Clay Co., Mo., and there 
his earthly pilgrimage ce.ased at the venerable age 
of eighty-three years. His parents, Abraham and 
Margaret (Davenport) Smith, were pioneers of 
Erie County, N. Y., where they spent their last 
years. They reared a family of fifteen children. 
There were eight children born to the parents of 
our subject, seven of whom grevv to maturity; 
Doctor, Erastus. George, Calvin, .lulia Ann, Da- 
mon, Hiram. 

George, of whom we write, was in his fifth year 
when his parents removed to the Territory of 
Mis.souri, and he well remembers the incidents of 
that memorable journey and of the primitive pio- 
neer life that obtained in those parts in that day. 

He remained with his parents till his marriage, 
and after that he farmed with his father one y :ar 
He then proceeded to the Platte Purchase in Mis- 



364 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



souri, and was one of the first white men lo locate 
there. He had a claim on which he lived about a 
year, and then traded it for a better one, which was 
also situated on the Platte Purchase, thirteen miles 
east of West|)ort, he paying 150 to boot. The 
land had not yet come into the market, and 
the country was almost in a state of nature, but 
very little having Ijeen done towards cultivating 
the fertile soil, and the deer and other wild animals 
had not retieated before the few settlers in that 
rptrion. Wben tlie Government had surveyed tlie 
land and offered it for salt; our suljject bought it at 
the land oflice at Plattsburg. paying .<!l.2o an acre 
for it. Wlien the trouble arose between the Free- 
State men and the pro-slavery element in Kansas 
his sympathies were distinctly witli the former, 
and being quite free in the expression of his senti- 
ments he aroused tlie enmity of his neighbors who 
were strongly in favor of slavery, and they 
threatened to hang him. As that was not a pleas- 
ant prosiiect even for such a man of nerve as Mr. 
Smith, he wisely determined to remove to Kansas. 
Accordingly in Ainil, 18.57, he started on horseback 
for the Territory to seek a suitable location, and 
traveling to the present site of tlie city of Holton, 
which had just then been staked out, althougii not 
a building had been erected, he was pleased with its 
surroundings, and bought a claim joining the vil- 
lage, for which he was to pay §50. He paid 
Si 5 in cash, and at once went to work to build 
a lou' cabin. Returning to Missouri for his fam- 
ily, he yoked a pair of oxen and a jjair of cows 
to a wagon, on which lie loaded his household goods 
and then with his wife and children traversed the 
plains to their future home. Not having casli 
enough to enter his land here he went back to Mis- 
souri and borrowed $700 at 20 per cent, without 
"ivino' security, and he then entered 528 .acres of 
wild prairie land near llolton. When the town 
site was entered he furnished §200 of the money 
necessary to pay for the land, and in return received 
sixty lots now incluiled in the city limits, some of 
which he donated to different individuals for the 
purpose of building up the town, and he has 
always thus identified himself with the best inter- 
ests of the county, of whose entire development 
he has been a pleased witness, and while aiding its 



growth he has accumulated a large amount of 
property by his industry and perseverance, and 
good judgment, and is numbered among its wealthy 
citizens. 

Mr. Smith has been twice married. He was 
wedded to Miss Melinda Brown, a native of Ken- 
tucky, March 27, 1836. After a happy, brief mar- 
ried life of three years she dipd April 5, 1 839. 
Three children were born of that union, two of 
whom were reared : Nancj% who married G. C. 
Taylor and now lives in Texas; Philena, who mar- 
ried the Rev. James Lawrence, a presiding elder in 
the Methodist Church. She is now deceased. The 
second marriage of our subject, which was solemn- 
izen Nov. 5, 1840, was to Miss .Surilda Shelton, a 
native of Woodford County, Ky., and a daughter 
of William and Mary (Cullen) Shelton. Eight 
children have blessed the wedded life of Mr. and 
Mrs. Smith, of whom the following seven grew to 
manhood and womanhood: William S. ; Mary, 
wife of John T. Warren; Sarah F., wife of A. H. 
Miller; Walker; A. Burlingame; Eugenia, wife of 
John M. Lavely; Narcissa, wife of Edward E. 
Burkett. Humphrey, the first born son of our 
subject and his wife, served three years and three 
days in the .jth Kansas Regiment, a member of 
Company A, and bravely laid down his life for his 
country at Little Rock. Ark. William, their second 
son, was a member of the same regiment, and he 
did gallant service during four years in the late 
war, and was for a time held prisoner by the enemy 
at Ft. Tyler, Tex. The faniil\' were still further 
represented on Southern battle fields by all the sons- 
in-law who did good service in the war. Tiie en- 
lire family are all Republicans in their political 
views. 

One of the substantial, moneyed citizens of 
.lackson County, with whose interests his own have 
been ulentical for so many years, Mr. Smith's ca- 
reer since coming here is a fine example of what a 
poor man maj' accomplish b}' resolution, energy 
and fair business talents. That he has labored for 
no selfish ends, is shown by the generous use he has 
made of his wealth in forwarding public enterprises 
or in helping the needy and unfortun.ate. - Mr. 
Smith was in early years an old-line Whig, casting 
his first Presidential vote fort^en, Harrison in 1840, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



365 



and in 1844: voting for Heury Clay. In 1854 he 
joined the Sons of Temperance, and has been an 
advocate of that canse ever since, and is ever to be 
found on the side of the riglit. He and his es- 
timable wife are respected members of the Metho- 
dist Episcoi)al Ohureli, and their dail3- lives afford 
examples of tnie Cliristian conduct. Though he 
lias long since passed the milestone that marked 
his sevenlietli year in life's journey, Mr. Smith still 
retains a bright, inquiring mind and his interest in 
his country and its affairs and in the world in gen- 
eral is as fresh as ever. During the last few years 
he has added to his store of information by travel- 
ing qiiite extensively throngii the West and South, 
where his observing eye noted manj^ things worth 
seeing. In 1884 he visited Texas, and on his re- 
turn home he stayed his course for a lime at vari- 
ous points, stopping for a wliile in New Orleans, 
La.; Nashville, Tenn., and at different places in 
Kentuck}'. In 1886 he visited Tacoina and Port- 
land, in Washington and Oregon, and other places 
in that part of tlie country, and in 1887 he made 
another trip to the Pacific coast, visiting Sacra- 
mento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, 
where he invested in real estate, returning home in 
February, 1887, and in November of the present 
j-ear (1889) he is contemplating another journe3' 
to the PaciBc Slope. 



BRAHAM SIDDENS. The gentleman who 
'GS/uJi is here represented is one of the prominent 




fanners of Rock Creek Township, Potta- 
watomie County. He resides on section 22, 
where he owns a fine farm comprising 120 acres of 
well-cultivated and productive land. He also enjo^'s 
the distinction of being one of the old residents of the 
township, the date of his arrival being 1873. Mr. 
Siddens was born in Putnam County', Ind., July 9, 
1830, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Coffman) 
Siddens. Joseph Siddens was born in Virginia and 
passed the years of liis youth in his native State, 
afterward removing to Kentucky-, where lie re- 
mained some lime, then once again changed his 
place of abode and located in Putnam County, Ind. 
While a resident of that place he was married a 



second time, taking for his wife a Miss Coffman, 
who bore him eight children. The first wife had 
been the mother of tliree children, and he thus be- 
came the parent of eleven boys and girls, not a 
small family by any me.ans. In 1865, having heard 
so much of the superior advantages which Kansas 
offered, especially to farmers, he pulled up stakes, 
so to speak, and removed to the land of promise. 
He first settled in Johnson Countj-, but sometime 
afterward removed to Pottawatomie Count}-, where 
he finally ceased his earthly migrations and departed 
for the true "Land of Promise," located in the heav- 
enly regions. His farewell to earth wa.s spoken on 
tlie 30tli of January, 1879, he being then eighty 
years and six months old. His wife, the mother of 
our subject, was already in the better land, having 
gone wlicn Abraham was a lad of twelve years. 

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in 
his native State, and there married Miss Sidnev 
Snyder, June 26, 1850. The young couple imme- 
diately began housekeeping on a farm and con- 
tinued to follow the occupations of rural life 
until 1865, when thej' removed to Platte Count}', 
Mo., where they located on a farm. In 1873 Mr. 
Siddens removed his famil}' to Kansas and bought 
the Jfarm on which he at present resides, in Potta- 
watomie Count}'. At the time he purchased it there 
were some improvements made, and the family 
wa.s spared the inconvenience of moving directly 
upon raw prairie. Since becoming the owner of 
this place he has made many valuable improve- 
ments, and it is now a fine farm with a neat cottage, 
conveniently planned and tastefully finished. He 
has planted an orchard, built fences, and erected 
barns and outbuildings for the comfort and con- 
venience of stock, and by careful and scientific 
cultivation has largely increased its natural pro- 
ductiveness, until now it is justly pointed out to 
the visitor as a model farm and an evidence of 
what can be accomplished in this fertile State. 

Mr. Siddens has been an officer of the school 
district ever since his first year in the township, 
and is now a School Director. He has been elected 
to the office repeatedly, only succeeding in escap- 
ing the responsibility for one brief year. Ho is not 
a politician, but votes the Republican ticket. He 
is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal 



366 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Church, of Westmoreland. 'and has filled the re- 
sponsible (josition of Class-Leader and has;also been 



Jan. 10, 1878, to Miss Ellen, daughter of P. B 
Herrick, of Pottawatomie County, and a native of 
Steward. He lives a consistent Christian life and Indiana. The children liorn of this union are Sa- 
deservedly enjoys the respect and confidence of his \ rah, Paul, William and Frank. Mr. Allen is active 
fellowmen. 

Mrs. ISiddens was born in East Tennessee, May 



13, 1830, and when a child of^five years removed, 
in company with her father, .Jacob Snyder, to Put- 
nam County, Ind., where she grew to maturity and 
where she was married to Mr. Siddens. Miss Sny- 
der was a lady of great force of characterland 
sweetness of disposition, and these qualities she has 
retained to the present time, and their possession 
has made lier a valued helpmate to her husband, 
who is also a man of marked ability and of even tem- 
per. Their union has resulted in the birth of nine 
children, named respectively, .Joseph, Jacob, Lewis 
C, Amanda (deceased) : Laura, now the wife of 
William Bump, of Pottawatomie County; Rachel 
Isabelle; Georgia, Theodore A. (deceased), and 

Katie. 

f-<^ 



ENJAMIN J. ALLEN. An air of comfort 
I. and content surrounds the home of Mr. Allen 
who owns 240 acres of good land on section 
31), in Clear Creek Township, Pottawato- 
mie County. He now lias sixty acres under the 
plow -and the balance in pasture and meadow. His 
dwelling is a neat, new structure with a stone base- 
ment, finished and furnished in modern style. In 
addition to general agriculture he makes a spec- 
ialty of live stock, mainly cattle and swine. He is 
looked upon as one of the most prosperous farmers 
in the neighborhood and deserves his success, as 
his place is thrifty and well kept and displa}'S neat- 
ness and good order. 

A native of Winnebago County, 111., Mr. Allen 
was born Jan. 10, 1858, and came to Kansas with 
his parents when a lad of eleven years, they settling 
on Dutch Creek, in Jlill Creek Township. Potta- 
watomie County, where Benjamin was reared to 
man's estate. His iiarents, Benjamin and Sarah 
Jane Allen, are still li\ing and are now residents of 
Lone Tree Township. Kan., being among the oldest 
settlers and liighly respected citizens of that region. 
Mr. Allen was married on his twentieth liirthd.ay, 



in school matters, and is politically, a sound Re- 
publican. 





OSES S. MILAM was a pioneer of Jackson 
V County in the early years of its settlement, 

and is still one of its honored citizens. 

For manj- jears he was actively engagtd 
as a practical farmer and skillful carpenter in the 
township about three miles from llolton, but in 
1870 he removed hither with his family, and h.as 
been a continuous resident of this city since, and 
here he has a cozy home, supplied wath all the nec- 
essary comforts of life, and is enjoying in his de- 
clining years the well-earned competence that is 
the fruit of his early industry', wise frugality, and 
excellent management. 

The birthplace of our subject is four miles west 
of Frankfort, Franklin Co., Kv., and there he was 
born June 12, 1826. James Milain, his father, was 
born in Fayette County, K^-., March 10. 1792. 
while his father, Moses Milam, was born in Wales. 
The latter came to this country, and settled near the 
Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Buying land 
there he engaged extensively in agriculture and 
horticulture, and he originated the Milam apple. 
In 1775 he removed to Kentuekj', and was a resi- 
dent of Fa^-ette Count}' when the battle of Lexing- 
ton, Mass., was fought. He was one of the early 
pioneers of that region, and took up a tract of 
wild land there, which he partly improved before 
he sold it a few years later, and went to Franklin 
Count}' to live, and was one of the first to settle 
there. He was a great hunter, famous for his skill 
with the rifle, and he kept the family larder well 
supplied with venison, wild turkey and other game. 
He took up a tract of land four miles west of the 
city of Frankfort, and was a resident there until his 
death. The maiden name of his wife was Sarah 
Anderson, and her remains lie buried by the side 
of her husband on the farm where their last years 
were spent. 

The father of our subject was reared in his na- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



367 



live KentiR'kv, and passed his entire life tliero, dy- 
ing in 18(J5, and lie too lies sleeping his last sleep 
on the old iiomestead where his parents are buried, 
and liis wife lies by his side. Iier deatli occurring in 
18C7. Her maiden name v/as Susan Nowclj, and 
she was born in Owen Connty. Ky. They were tlie 
parents of nine children, all of whom grew to ma- 
turitj'. 

Their son Moses, of wliom we write, was reared 
on that old Kentucicy Iiomestead. and at the age of 
seventeen, went to Frankfort to learn tlio trade of a 
carpenter, at wiiicli he served until tlie breaking 
out of the Mexican War. He was then about 
twenty years of age. and liis patriotic heart was 
stirred with youthful ardor, and longing to join 
the troopr- that were volunteering for service in 
Mexico, and his name was soon enrolled as a mem- 
ber of the 2d Kentucky Regiment, in C'apt. Cham- 
ber's Company. I'roceening to Mexico, our subject 
did gallant service in the battle of Buena ^'ista, 
and fought in other engagements with valor. He 
served one j'ear, and was then discharged with his 
regiment at the expiration of the term of its en- 
listment. Returning to his Kentucky home, he re- 
sided there until 1854. busil3' empkiyed at his trade. 
In that year, the stalwart, active young man. 
shrewdly- judging that in a newly settled country 
there would be a great demand for men of his call- 
ing, determined to emigrate to the Western fron- 
tier. He proceeded on his journey by rail to 
Louisville, thence by boat on the Ohio, Mississippi 
and Missouri Rivers to Independence. Mo., and 
from tiiaf city he was conve^'cd l)y team to Ilarri- 
sonville, Cass County, in the same State, and there 
he worked at his trade a few years, and also oper- 
ated a steam sawmill. In 1857 he visited the Ter- 
ritory of Kansas, with a team, coming as far as 
llolton, which had just been platted, and the lots 
were sold that year, though at that time there was 
not a house on the present site of the city, wnth the 
single exception of a small log cabin. Mr. Milam 
attended the land sale here, itnd made a claim to a 
tract of wild prairie three miles east of town. He 
remained here two weeks, and then returned to 
Harrisonville, and carried on liis trade there one 
year, and then erected a steam sawmill, which he 
managed the ensuing J'ear. In August. 18511, he 



once again came to Kansas, this time for perma- 
nent settlement, bringing his family with him. He 
resided on his father iu-law's farm here in Jackson 
County, and was prosperously engaged as a builder, 
and also gave some attention to farming. In 1870 
he removed to Holton, and has lived here continu- 
ously since, he havingaccumulated agoodl\- amount 
of property, so that he was enabled to retire from 
active labor, while yet in the prime of life. In 
looking back over the p.ast, it must afford Mr. 
Milam singular pleasure that in his work he has 
contributed his quota to the development and 
growth of Jackson County, and so to the ui)build- 
ing of this great and glorious commonwealth of 
Kansas. His life-record is that of a man of indubi- 
table integrity, truthful and conscientious in ail his 
acts and dealings with his fellow-men, and kind, 
thoughtful, and generous in bis relations with them, 
and in his domestic life all that a husband .and 
father should be. He and his wife, as consistent 
members of the Presbyterian Church, have the 
moral and religious welfare of the community at 
heart, and never neglect an opportunity to pro- 
mote it. 

Their peaceful and i)leasant wedded life began 
Oct. 9, 1855, and of the children born to them they 
have one son living. Dr. Thomas Milam, a gradu- 
ate of the medical department of the Louisville 
Universit}', who is now successfully [jractising his 
profession in Wetmore, Nemaha County. He mar- 
ried Miss Nettie Crist. The wife of our subject 
was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., Sept. 21, 
1834. her maiden name being Harriet K. Stokes. 
Her father, Thomas II. Stokes, was born in Vir- 
ginia, Jan. 24, 1802, a son of one William Stokes, 
also a Virginian by birth, who removed to Tennes- 
.see in the early d.ays of its settlement, and was a 
pioneer of Rutherford County. He bought timber 
land, improved a good farm, and there passed the 
remiinderof his life. ThR maiden name of his 
wife was Isabella Hale, and she was likewise a na- 
tive of Virginia, and died on the homestead in 
Rutlierford County. -Mrs. Milam's father was very 
young when his parents removed to the wilds of 
Tennessee, and there he was reared and learned the 
trade of a wagon-maker. In 1837 he journeyed to 
Missouri witli a team, and was among the first set- 



368 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tiers of Platte County, where he took up Govern- I 
mt'iil laud, which he at once commenced to improve 
after he had built a log house to shelter his family. 
At tliat time there were no wliite settlers in Kansas, 
and no cily on the present site of Kansas City, and 
no markets, so the settlers were obliged to live on 
home products entirely, and the wives and daugh- 
ters used to spin and weave all the cloth used by 
their families. In 1854, Mr. Stokes sold his prop- 
erty in Phvtle County, and resided in Cass County , 
until 18.56. In that ye.ar he came to Kansas and 
took up a tract of Government land three miles 
east of the present site of Holton, of which there , 
was then no trace, the city not having been platted \ 
nor any house erected on the land that it now oc- 
cupies. Mr. .Stokes built a log cabin on his claim, 
putting up a sod chimney, and moving in before 
the structure was completed. He soon split punch- 
eon for the floor and door, and otherwise increased 
its comfortableness. There were no railways nearer 
than Jefferson City, Mo., and he liad to go to that 
city for his supplies. He removed to Holton m 
1870, and continued to be a resident of the county 
until his death Oct. 30, 1889. His memory is held 
in respect as one of the early pioneers of the county, 
whose entire development he thus witnessed, and 
■was a useful factor in promoting. The maiden 
name of his wife was Araminta C. Moore. She was 
born in Tennessee, a daughter of Peter and Sarah I 
(McKniglit) Moore, and she died in Holton, May i 
20,1870. Of their nine children seven were reared 
to maturity. Their daughter, Mrs. Milam, resided 
with them until her marriage, and she is now tlie 
only member of the family living. She was early 
taught to spin, knit and weave, and became an ac- 
complished housewife, who understands well the art 
of making home cozy and comfortable. 



#^ 




m 



ftlLLIAlNl HARRISON. Among the many 
f fine farms of Jackson County, tiiat owned 
and occupied by the gentleman above 
named, deserves prominent mention. It is located in 
Jefferson Townshii). and comprises 360 acres, upon 
which is a more than usuully well-built and com- 
modious residence and barn, as well as the many 



other edifices necessarj' to a thorough housing of 
grain, machinery and stock. The orchards are 
noteworthy, there being 1,000 apple trees now bear- 
ing, and as many that are still too young for fruit- 
age. The owner of this splendid estate pronounces 
this an excellent farming countrj-, and his success 
in that line demonstrates the truth of his opinion. 
He has made something of a specialty of raising 
cattle, in connection with his other work, and has 
reached success also in that branch of farm labor. 
Mr. Harrison is not only a leading farmer, but a 
prominent citizen and an old settler in this county. 

The parents of our subject, Thomas and Mary 
(Holdeu) Harrison, were natives of England, where 
the father was engaged in the occupation that the 
son now follows. In 1849, he emigrated to the 
United States, and for a time lived in AVcst Al- 
ban}-, N. Y., whence he removed to Illinois, taking 
a contract on the Illinois Central Railroad, and 
building that road through Springfield. He next 
removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where he engaged in 
buying and shipping cattle and hogs, and in other 
trade, and after a time returned to his former em- 
pl03'inenl of agricultural pursuits on a farm in 
Delaware Count\', the same State. In the month 
of Ajjril, 1862, he came to this county and State, 
and bought a pre-emption claim of 160 acres in 
what is now Grant Township, improving the land, 
and adding to it until his acreage reached 642i 
acres in this county. 

The fii.e estate w^as his home until 1867, when he 
removed to Atchison, where he entered into a real- 
estate business, continuing it until his death in 1876, 
at which time he had reached the age of sixty-six 
years. His esteemed wife survived until 1889, 
when she too passed away, at the age of seven'^y- 
nine. The father w-as a member of the Catholic 
Church, and the mother of the Episcopal Chuich. 
Mr. Harrison was a leading citizen of Atchison, in 
wliich city he erected thirteen houses, and where 
his liberality toward all benevolent enterprises, and 
his active interest in all public affairs, was well- 
known and highly appreciated. In politics, he was 
liberal, giving his suffrage to the candidate he con- 
sidered best fitted for the position to which he was 
nominated. The family consisteil of ten children, 
of whom four are now living: John is following 



fe:ic-t^— ^^-wijaaw 




Farm Residence of Nils Rosdahl, Sec.9.WhitingTr,Jackson Co.Kan. 



-.-„„.. - -,j-,jyj^^^^^ftltl l Smm.'^J^r r^ ' 




Farm Residence of Norman B.Hill, 5ec.4. Jefferson Tp, Jackson Co. Kan. 








Farm Residence of W??. HARRi5ON^5Ec.2r.JEFFER50NTp.,jACK50N Co.,Kain 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



371 



tbe trade of a stonemason in Wellington ; George 
' Thomas is a contractor of Atchison; Henrj' P. is an 
engineer, and liis lionie is in Hiawatha. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this notice, 
is the second eldest of the brothers now living, and 
his birth took place in Manchester, England, July 
29. 1845. Being scarcel}' more than a babe when 
his parents came to America, his education and 
training were received iu this country, and his 
early life was chief!}' spent on a farm in Iowa, and 
in this county, to which the famil}' removed when 
he was about sixteen years old. Here he did a 
large share of the work of improving the farm and 
preparing it for the after yield of crops that made 
it sc valuable. He was not yet twenty j'ears old 
when he enlisted among the defenders of the Union, 
ills name being attached to the muster roll of Com- 
pany C, 7th Kansas Cavalry, on March 14, 1864. 
During his army life, which continued until Oct. 8, 
1865, he spent most of his time on detached dut}*, 
taking a part in numerous skirmishes. The battle 
of Tupelo was the most prominent in which he par- 
ticipated, if we except those of Price's raid, dur- 
ing which he took part in every engagement from 
the entrance of that noted General into Missouri, 
until his abandonment of that section. 

After his discharge from the service, Mr. Harri- 
son returned to his home in this county, and then 
began life for himself in Grant Township, l)y find- 
ing employment in breaking prairie and threshing, 
and during the following ten years he continued 
the latter work, and also operated a farm. In 
the winter of 1866, he made his final settle- 
ment on a part of the land that he now occu- 
pies, it being then a raw quarter-section, which he 
immediately began to improve and bring to its pre- 
sent state of productiveness, siibsequentl}- adding 
to the acreage until it reached the amount before 
mentioned. 

An important step in the life of our subject was 
taken on Feb. 9, 1868, when he was united in mar- 
riage with Theaby K. While. This estimable lady 
is a native of Missouri, and a d.aughter of G. W. 
White, one of the old settlers in this county. The 
happy union of IMr. and Mrs. Harrison, has been 
blessed by the birth of two children, both of whom 
are at home ami engaged in the studies suited to 



their years. They bear the names, respectively, of 
George Thomas and Maggie. 

Mr. Harrison belongs to the social order of the 
A. F. & A. M. and the G. A. R. He is a Republi- 
can, and takes an active part in political work, 
evincing an intelligent interest in the issues of the 
d.ay. As a citizen he is interested in all public 
affairs, liberal in contributing toward every worthy 
movement, and among the residents of the county 
he holds a prominent position, to which his intelli- 
gence, generous and social epirit, and good char- 
acter entitle him. 

On another page will be found a view of Mr. 
Harrison's residence. 




ILS ROSDAHL. The life of this gentle- 
man exhibits unbounded pluck and per- 
ili^xi? severance, and may well be held up as a 
model to those who are ready to give up when 
discouragements and privations beset their ))ath- 
way, or to those who think themselves ill-used in 
life. Many men have seasons of trial and hardship, 
but few have so prolonged an experience on the 
dark side of life as has been the lot of Mr. Ros- 
dahl. It is a pleasure to believe that the remainder 
of his life will be passed in comfort, and that he 
will ere long look back upon his earlier life as only 
a troubled dream. He is now in the possession of 
a comfortable home, and 160 acres of land in Whit- 
ing Township, .Jackson Count}', on which there is 
an indebtedness of about $800, but which is well 
stocked and in such a state of productiveness that 
it is safe to hope that the indebtedness will so(^n be 
paid. 

Mr. Rosdahl w\as born in Kershanti, in tbe south 
of Sweden, and is the son of very poor parents, 
who lived on a farm. He left his father's homo at 
the early age of seven years, and worked for 
farmers until sixteen, when he went to learn the 
trade of a mason. The first year he received 
thirty-two cents a da}', with which he boarded and 
clothed himself. The seci)nd year he received 



:j7-2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tbirty-six cents a day, and tlie third, forty cents. 
When about twent}' years old he got his papers, 
and tiien liired out to his former master at $2 per 
da}-, being made a foreman, and at times having as 
many as forty men under his control. In his boyhood 
he had ^-orked seven monllis for a pair of linen 
pants, a pair of wooden shoes, a flannel jacket and 
vest, a half-pound of wool for socks, and a iialf- 
bushel of potatoes planted to furnish his winter 
supplies. 

About two years after becoming a journeyman, 
and foreman for his employer, Mr. Rosdahl began 
business for himself, hiring from four to twenl}' 
hands for about five years. He labored under 
great disadvantage, being unable to write his own 
name, the only education he had ever received 
having been the knowledge of his A. B. C's, gained 
from his grandmother. During two years he served 
three months per annum in the Swedish Army, and 
owing to his aptitude in acquiring a knowledge of 
soldier's duties, he was the second year made ser- 
geant and drill-master of his company. 

Having by dint of hard work and economj', 
saved a little money, Mr. Rosdahl left his wife and 
two children and took passage for America, trust- 
ing to better his condition in the broader lands 
west of the Atlantic. Reaching Chicago. 111., he 
hired as a farm hand to a Mr. Ferris, of Paxton, 
where he worked several months at $25 per month. 
He made his home in Paxton for about a year and 
a half, working on the railroad at Danville for a 
while, and then, being disabled in his work, he 
went on foot to Edica, Ind., where he arrived with- 
out a cent. He stayed in the latter place eight 
months, and then went to Quincy, 111., where he 
was without work for a fortnight, and pawned his 
clothes for his board. He then met a Swedish 
friend, one who could not speak the English lan- 
guage, but who bad a little money, and who offered 
to pay his way with himself to Bucklin. Linn 
Co., Mo., where Mr. Rosdahl found work at his 
trade. He lived there several years, being flnall}- 
able to bu}' forty acres of land, and pay for the 
same in full; he became the owner of several 
horses, eighteen head of cattle, sixty sheep and a 
number of hogs. 

It seemed as if Mr. Rosdahl was now on the 



sure road to prosperity, but his misfortunes proved 
to be by no means over. Illness made great de- 
mands upon his resources, and the hardest d.ays of 
his life were now spent, debts Vieing contracted 
when ready money failed, and all his possessions 
being used to satisfy the demands of his creditors. 
He had the consolation of knowing that ever}' 
man had received his just dues, though he had but 
thirteen cents left. Sending to his brother, he re- 
ceived $."), with which he made his way to Chicago, 
being for three days without food while on the 
trip, having to use the cash to |)ay his traveling 
expenses. A speculation in hay gave him a little 
start, and before the winter was over he bought a 
lot in Irondale and built himself a comfortable 
house. His stock at first consisted of one cow, but 
he soon had a dair}' of fourteen cows, selling the 
milk by carrying it round in a can. 

In 1879, Mr. Rosdahl traded his little property 
in Chicago for eighty acres of land in Whiting 
Township, Jackson Co., Kan., and the same year 
came to this place. Lumber for a shanty, his 
household effects, a wagon, three mules, two cows, 
and ^18 in money was the capital which he brought 
with him to begin his new life in the West. His team 
had to stand out all winter and he went in debt for 
a living, but his dauntless spirit overcame all 
obstacles in his path. He placed the land which 
he owned under a fair state of cultivation, and in a 
few months bought eighty acres more, on which he 
erected a good house and stable. He now has ten 
head of good mules. 100 hogs, and thirty head of 
cattle, and makes a business of cattle raising. He 
is also engaged in bee culture, having ten stands 
of the honey-makers. 

At the age of twenty-five, Mr. Rosdahl was mar- 
ried to Miss Hannah Nelson, who bore two chil- 
dren. This family he left behind him when he 
came to America and never saw them again. His 
wife died the daj' he landed in New York, and one 
of the children soon followed her to the grave, 
dying of diphtheria. The eldest child, a daughter, 
went to live with her grandparents, and grew to 
the age of sixteen, when she too was cut down by 
the reaper. Death. Mr. Rosdahl had left about 
$800 for the use of his family, and Miss Ellen was 
given an excellent education, but this she was not 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



373 



spared to use. While living: in Butler, Mo., Mr. 
Rosfl.abI married again, the bride being Miss Char- 
lotte Johnson, a native of Sweden, who had come 
to this country about the same time as himself. 
The prudence and economy of this lady have been 
a great aid to her husband, and her hopeful spirit 
and encouraging words have been manifested in 
many times of trial. Eleven children have been 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Rosdahl, one dying in in- 
fancy. Harmon is now a young man; Anna Lou- 
isa is seventeen; August about sixteen; and P>lma, 
Emma, Ida, Matilda Charlotte, Nils Otto, Victoria, 
and a balij-, Colonel Victor, complete the group. 

Mr. R.jsilahl is a Republican, and never fails to 
cast 'his vote for the party of his choice. He and 
his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, but 
there being no organization of that denomination 
in the neighboi-hood, they all attend the Baptist 
Church and Sunday -school, and the elder children 
have united with the latter society. 

On another page of this volume may be found 
a lilhogra|iliic engraving of the residence of Mr. 
Rosdaiil and its surroundings. 



(|^^ORMAN HILL. This gentleman is the 
if ///' owner and occupant of a splendid farm in 
!l\ ,J^ Jefferson Township, Jackson County, which 
has been liis home for the last decade. It C(jm- 
prises 160 hroad and fertile acres l.ying on section 
4, and h.as lieen thoroughly' improved by its owner, 
who is a progressive and successful farmer. He is 
a son of Joseph M. and Fannie (Chatfield) Hill, 
both natives of the Emi)ire Ktate, who moved to 
Oliio in an early day and identified themselves 
witii the pioneer work in that Territory. The 
father was both a farmer and a stonemason. At 
the time of his decease he w.as forty-one years old, 
and his widow, who survived him many \ears, died 
at the age of seventy-Bve. The father was a prom- 
inent man in the United Brethren Church, of which 
both i)arents were devoted members. The father 
was also active in political work. Their family 
comprised six suns and daughters. The paternal 



grandfather of our subject was John Hill, a soldier 
during the Revolutionary War. Silas Chatfield, 
the maternal grandfather, was born in New York 
State, was of Welsii descent and served in the War 
of 1812. 

The subject of this brief sketch was born in 
Crawford County, Ohio, in 1835, and was reared on a 
farm and educated in tlic town schools. At the 
age of fifteen he commenced life for himself, find- 
ing work in a sawmill. After his marriage in 18C0 
he began farming on rented laud and continued so 
employed until after the breaking out of the 
Civil War. He then, Aug. 8, 1802, enlisted in the 
Union service, becoming a private in Company' K, 
100th Ohio Infantry, and giving v.aliant service to 
the cause during the three j-ears following. He 
had his full share of the hazardous and stirring 
scenes of campaign life, including bloody' conflicts, 
hard marches, lively skirmishes, and those more 
quiet duties of camp and field which are not less 
trying to the nerves and require no less courage. 
Among the prominent battles in which he partici- 
pated were: the siege of Knoxville, the various en- 
gagements of the Atlanta campaign. Columbia, 
Franklin and Nashville. 

"When the cruel war was over" Mr. Hill received 
an honorable discharge and returned to his native 
State to resume the peaceful occupation of a farmer, 
buying a farm of eighty acres, which was his home 
until 1879. He then came to this county and pur- 
chased 160 acres on section 4. which he has brought 
to its present state of productiveness and prosper- 
ous appearance. 

As before stated, the marriage of Mr. Hill took 
place in 1860. His chosen com|)ani(ni was Miss 
Jane Andrus. who was born in New York State. 
She is an intelligent lady, an excellent housekeeper, 
and endeavors in her daily life to follow the pre- 
cepts of the Gospel. Seven children have resulted 
from the union. Alice P. is the wife of Sam Wol- 
verton. of this county; Myrtle is the wife of Benton 
C. Brown, also of this county; Arthur A., Clarence 
J., O. Kling, Caroline and Clayton complete the 
circle. 

In politics Mr. Hill is a Rcpubliian. He and 
his wife are memheis of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in which he holds the position of Class- 



374 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Leader. He is one of the leading farmers of his 
township, and one of its most public-spirited citi- 
zens, bein.y; a liberal contributor to all enterprises 
for tlie public good. 

A fine view of the home of Mr. Hill will be 
found on another page of this work. 

ON. WILLIAM CHASE, a prominent, 
widelj'-known, and highly honored citizen 
of Holton, may well be accorded a leading 
■K^i place among the pioneers of Jackson Count}', 
with whose interests he has been closely connected 
since 1866. He has improved several tracts of 
wild land, and still owns a large and valuable 
farm, comprising a whole section of 640 acres of 
choice land, in what is now called Adrian Town- 
ship, he having developed it from the unbroken 
prairie. Mr. Cliase has held many responsible 
offices, and in public as well as in private life has 
proved a safe and sagacious counselor. 

Our subject comes of good New England stock, 
and is a native of that part of the country, born in 
the town of Robbinstou, Washington Co., Me., 
June 9, 1822. His father, Moses Chase, was born 
in Parsonstield, Me., and his father, bearing the 
same name, was also of New England birth, a de- 
scendaiU of English ancestry. He was a farmer, 
and removed from the Pine Tree State to New 
York, spending his last years there. The father of 
our subject passed his early life in the State of his 
nativity, and when a young man crossed the bor- 
der, and for a time lived in New Brunswick, but 
soon after marriage he returned to Maine, and 
located in Washington County, where he bought a 
trad of land covered with the primeval forests, 
and built there a log house, the same in which his 
son, of whom we write, was born. He developed 
a o-ood farm, and made his iiome there till his 
death, in 1835. The maiden name of the mother 
of our suliject was Sarah Greenlow, and she was 
born in New Brunswick. Her father, Alexander 
Greenlow, a Scotchman by birth, was a farmer in 
that province, and there spent his last years. The 
mother of our subject was left a widow with six 
children to support by tlie premature death of her 



husband. She was, however, equal to the task, be- 
ing an exceptionally smart woman, possessed of 
good judgment and business capacity. She took 
charge of the farm and managed it with excellent 
financial results for a few years, and then sold it, 
and removed to Milltown. New Brunswick, to give 
her children the advantage of schools. After liv- 
ing there some years she went to New York with 
her family, and spent her last years in Nunda, Liv- 
ingston Ct'unty. She was the mother of eight chil- 
dren, of whom the following six grew to manhood 
and womanhood: Almira, William, Levi, Sarah, 
Joel and Mary. 

William Chase, of this biographical sketch, was 
thirteen years of age when his father died. His 
earlj' education was conducted in the pioneer 
schools of his native town, and he afterward at- 
tended the public schools of Milltown, New Bruns- 
wick. Wlien he w.as sixteen years old he was 
apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter and joiner. 
After serving four years, and acquiring a thorough 
mastery of his calling, he vvent out into the world 
to begin life on his own account, and took jobs of 
carpentering and building in the country on both 
sides of the St. Croix Uivei'. in Maine and New 
Brunswick, continuing there till 1849. In the fall 
of that year he went to New York, and contracted 
to build bridges over tlie Genesee Valley Canal, 
and was thus employed three years. At tlie end of 
that time he and his brother Levi came West, and 
were engaged in building all the heavy bridges on 
the Chicago, Alton & St. Ijouis Railway, between 
Springfield and Bloomiiigton. It took about two 
years to complete the contract, and then our sub- 
ject took another to construct twentj^-two miles of 
the Missouri Pacific Railway. Having com|>leted 
that two and one-half' years later, lie entered into 
another in Iowa, to build forty miles of railway 
from New Boston, on the Mississippi, westward 
through Louisa and Washington counties. That 
was an unfortunate venture on the part of Mr. 
Chase, for when he had completed it a year and a 
half later, the money was not forthcoming to pay 
him, as tlie company suspended. He next took 
a contract in Illinois on a railway in Scott County, 
and two years afterward, when he had done his 
; work he found himself still further out of pocket, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



375 



as that road suspended paj'ment. His next work 
was to build a sawmill, nine miles south of St. Jo- 
sepii, in Missouri, which he completed and had in 
running order in the spring of 1860. The break- 
ing out of the war the following year brought 
business to a stand-still, and there was no demand 
for lumber. In 1 804 Mr. Chase sold his Missouri 
propert}', and investing in some teams, he and his 
son Cliarles crossed the plains for the purpose of 
mining in the Rockies, or engaging in other busi- 
ness. Their trip was made just ])rcvious to tiie 
outbreak of the Indians on the plains, and there 
were hostile savages all along the route, but Mr. 
Chase and his son fortunately escaped an attack, 
and arrived in Denver safely. From that city they 
went into the mountains prospecting, and took a 
contract to furnish wood to a quartz mill, and de- 
livered two cords a day at ^8 a cord. Provisions 
were very high in the mining camps, flour bringing 
$28 a hundred, and hay with which to feed the 
cattle cost five cents a pound. In February, 1865, 
they returned Eastward witli a train of 100 wagons 
and 300 men, with a milit.'iry escort accompanying 
them over the Platte route. Mr. C'iiase after that 
had charge of the bridges on the St. Joseph R.lil- 
road, between St. .Joseph and Brookfield, until 
186G. He then became a pioneer of Jacksdu 
County, buying a quarter-section of wild prairie 
land in Doiigl.as Township. Building a residence 
at once, he then broke and cultivated forty acres 
of land, which he sold five or six 3'ears later, and 
purchased eighty acres of wild land on Soldier 
Creek. He erected necessary buildings, and was 
engaged in improving the land about five years. 
Disposing of it at that time, ho invested in .'!20 
acres of land, of which a sod h.ad never been 
turned. It was located two miles east of Soldier 
Creek, and he at once entered upon its improve- 
ment, after erecting a dwelling, and when he sub- 
sequently sold it sixt3' acres were under till.age. 
His next purchase was of 640 acres of uncultivated 
land, in what is now Adrian Township. He put 
up comfortable buildings, fenced the entire tract, 
and improved about 100 acres of it before he took 
up his residence in Holldu, and he is still proprie- 
tor of the place. 

It has been well said that, "Next to a good mother, 



the greatest blessing of a roan's life is a good wife," 
and to such an one is our subject indebted for 
much of the prosperity and happiness that have 
accrued to him since his wedding with Miss Nancy 
Brackett, which occurred forty-six years ago, 
Jan. 1, 1843. She is a true woman in every 
way, possessing a fine character, and a lovely Chris- 
tian spirit, and she has been a con.scientious mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church since she 
was thirteen years old. She is a native of Maine, 
born in the town of Albion, Kennebec County, 
Feb. 5, 1826. Her father, James Brackett, was 
born in New Hampshire, and when a young man 
he became a resident of Maine, where he engaged 
in farming and stock dealiiig, buying cattle in the 
surrounding country and driving them to the mar- 
ket in Brighton, Mass. In 1833 he became a pio- 
neer of Aroostook County, Me., and cleared a farm 
from the forest primeval, and made his home on it 
the rem.Tiuder of his life. Mrs. Chase's mother 
was a native of the town of China, Kennebec Co., 
Me., her maiden name, Abigail Fairfield. She died 
on the home farm in Aroostook County, Mrs. 
Chase lived with her parents until her marriage, 
and was carefully taught to spin, weave and knit, 
which were considered the necessary accomplisii- 
ments in her early days, and she was also trained 
in all household duties and became a skillful house- 
wife. 

The following is recorded of the seven children 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Chase. Delia, Mrs. Loi.g, 
lives in Shawnee County, Kan.; Emma married 
Frank Lyman, and they live in Topeka; Charles 
lives in Avoca, Jackson County; Frank lives in 
Douglas Townshi[); Ida married William Renfrow, 
and they live in Washington Township; Laura 
married Russell Helm, and they live in Pottawato- 
mie County; Jennie inarriccl Charles Woodruf, and 
they live in Valley Falls. 

It will be seen by a |)erusal of this bingiapliy 
that our subject has made a success of life, using 
the term in its broadest sense, and his standing 
among his fellow-citizens is of the highest. lie is 
a man of strong character and enlightened views, 
and wisdom and foresight are prominent amung 
his traits. His business capacitj- and genuine trust- 
worthiness have madi' liini an invaluable civic ntH, 



376 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cial in the various publie positions that be has held 
with honor to himself and his constituents. He 
has served manj- years as School Treasurer, and 
has energetically pushed all plans for increasing the 
school facilities. He was elected County Com- 
missioner in 1870, and was an incumbent of that 
office four years, siiowing by his judicious course 
that he was the right man for the position. In 
1877 his fellow-citizens honored him b}' electing 
him to represent them in the .State Legislature. He 
was formerlj' a Democrat in politics, and he voted 
for Stephen A. Douglas in 1860, but from that time 
until the close of the war he worked with the 
Republican party. Since then he has been inde- 
pendent, using his influence to elect the man whom 
he considered best fitted for the ofiice, regardless 
of his political atliliations. 

^ ACOB F. JENXER, M. D. The main points 
I in the career of Dr. .Tenner, one of the lead- 
ing physicians of St. Mary's, are essentially 
as follows: He was born in the Kingdom of 
Wurtemburg, German}', Jan. 16, 1828, and in ac- 
cordance with the laws and customs of his native 
country, began attending school when a boy of 
six. Four years later, in 1838, his parents, Thomas 
and Sarah Jenner, emigrated with their family to 
the United States, and located in the heav}' timber 
of Yanderburg County, Ind. There the father 
entered a tract of land, put up a log cabin and 
opened up a farm, clearing about fifteen acres. 
Later, however, he removed to Evansville, Ind., 
and there spent his last days, dj'ing at the ad- 
vanced .age of seventy-six years. The mother pre- 
ceded her husband to the silent land, passing awa}- 
in 1842, when her son, Jacob, was a lad of four- 
teen years. Both in early life had hecome mem hers 
of the Lutheran Church, in Erdmau Hansen, in 
Wurtemburg. 

After coming to America, Young Jenner pur- 
sued his studies in the schools of Evansville, Ind., 
and in due time took a collegiate course, after 
which he began the study of medicine. He com- 
pleted these in the medical college, at St. Louis, 
Mo., and began the practice of his chosen profes- 



sion in Posey County, Ind. He remained there 
until March, 1855, then crossing the Mississippi, 
located near Topeka, this State, where be built up 
a large and lucrative practice and became well- 
to-do. He came to St. Mary's in 1869, and al- 
though not desiring to practice any more, he, by 
special request, attends upon a few of his old 
patients, who will not accept his resignation. 

When first coming to Kansas, Dr. Jenner found 
the country mostly settled h\ Indians, and his only 
guide across the open prairie was the Indian trail. 
Wild game was plentiful — prairie chickens, deer 
and buffaloes, the latter of which were to be seen 
in large numbers fifty miles from the new town. 
He remained in that vicinity eleven years, and re- 
moved thence to Granville, Jefferson County, this 
State, where he sojourned until 1869, during which 
year he came to St. Mary's. Here also his prac- 
tice for years extended miles in each direction. 

Dr. Jenner was married near Topeka, Jan. 29, 
1857, to Miss Mary J., daughter of Charles and 
Jennie (Adair) Bvadshaw. Mrs. Jenner was born 
in St. Joseph. Mo., Nov. 5, 1841. Her parents 
were natives respectivel}' of Yirginia and Ken- 
tucky, and removed to Platte County, Mo., about 
1833. They lived there on a farm alxiut live 
years, then removed to St. Jose[ih, sojinirning 
there also a number of years, then the father pur- 
chased a large tract of land near .Savannah. An- 
drew County, to which he removed with his 
famil^'.and there spent his last days, dying in 1847. 
The famil}- then returned to St. Joseph, where the 
mother died, in 1851. 

Mrs. Jenner was the fonrtli of the six children 
born to them. The Bradshaw family traces its an- 
cestry to England. Grandfather Adair was of 
English descent, and possibly an Englishman by 
birth, lie married a Welsh l.ad^-. and spent his 
last years in Kentucky. To the Doctor and his 
estimable wife there have been horn five children, 
viz: Lulu B., now the wife of N. W. Rediek; Eva. 
Mrs. George Wheat, of whom a sketch appears 
elsewhere in this volume; David E., Katie M.. Mis. 
W. I. Boyer, and Jessie, who remains at home with 
her parents. The hitter have been members of the 
Congregational Church for many years. Dr. Jen- 
ner is a charter member of Pottawatomie Lodge, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



377 



No. 52, A. F. & A. M., of St. Mary's. He joined 
the Older at Indianola. He occupies a good posi- 
tion among his professional Ijrethren, and is a mem- 
ber of the Kansas State Medical Society. 

Three brothers of Mrs. Jenner — Robert, James 
and Thomas — served in the Union Army during 
the late Civil War. and all veteranized at the ex- 
piration of their first term of enlistment. Robert 
w.as promoted to the rank of Brevet Brigadier 
General. He received eleven wounds in the battle 
of Franklin, Tenn., and laid upon the ground 
thirty-eight hours unattended. He was for eighteen 
months in the hospital unable to return to his 
home. The others came out without a scratch. The 
Jenner family occupy a large two-story frame 
residence, set in the midst of ample grounds orna- 
mented with trees and flowers. The eldest son, 
David E., is an energetic and enterprising young 
man. having an interest in the roller mills under 
the firm name of Thompson iVr Jenner. 



<'»'V\.-<'<2£C/©^@ 



■■^>gWi?niiv--w/~. 



J; OHN A. LACKKY. Among those of the 
I younger generation who have acquired 
I prominence in their ciiosen fields of labor, 
mention may very properl}' be made of tliis 
gentleman, who, during the period of his residence 
in this county, has become widely known and 
universally esteemed. He dates his sojourn in 
Kansas from the year 1872. and the succeeding 
interval has been busily emplo^'ed in improving 
his homestead and bringing the naturally rich soil to 
a high state of cultivation, he remaining on the farm 
from 1872 to 1876. 

The father of Mr. Lackey was Alexander H. 
Lackey, a native of the Buckeye state, and a son of 
John Lackey, also born in Ohio, whence he removed 
to Illinois, and there died when sixty-seven ^ears 
of age. By trade he was a car|ienter. Alexander 
Lacke}' also removed to Illinois, his removal being 
effected in IBoC, and afterward, in 1872. rt moved 
still farther West, and settled in Marion Count}-, 
Kan. In 1888 he located in Washington Terri- 
tory where he is now living. He is of Irish 
extraction, and has been for many years a minister 
in the Presbyterian Church. His life, pure and 



without reproach, is a priceless treasure which his 
children justly prize. Through his instrumentalit,y 
many have been led to Christ, and the Master's 
kingdom has been extended. 

Our subject was also fortunate in having a 
mother of noble character, self sacrificing love, and 
whose life was devoted to the welfare of her hus- 
band and children. She was in her youth Hannah 
H. Hawthorne, and was born in Harrison Count}-, 
Ohio, in about 1833. She was a daughter of John 
Hawthorne, likewise horn in Oliio, and of Irish 
ancestry. He passed his life in the quiet pursuits 
of a farmer. Mrs. Lackey passed to her final rest 
when she was fifty-seven years old. The record of 
her children is as follows: Callie E., John A., 
Frank 11. William M., Robert H., Mary R., Howard 
W. and Martha B., all of whom arc living. 

Of these eight children, our subject was the 
second in order of birtli, and was born in Beaver 
County, Pa., Aug. 15, 1852. He early left his 
native State, and was reared in Illinois, where he 
gained the rudiments of an education, which sub- 
sequent reading and self culture has greatly broad- 
ened. In 1872, having resolved upon removing fur- 
ther West, he came to Marion County. Kan. After 
following agricultural pursuits there until 1876 he 
commenced to work in a lumlter yard in the 
thriving town of Peabody. This occu|iied his 
time until 1879, when, coming to Wamego, he 
clerked three years for tin; Western Lumber Com- 
pany. In the fall of 1882 he entered the employ 
of the Iron Clad Lumber Company at Wamego. 
and remained with them for a period of almost six 
)'eais. 

The next move on the part of Mr. Lackey was 
to Laclede, one of Pottawattomie County's 
flourishing towns. Here he embarked in the mer- 
cantile business and is at present engaged in the 
same. Besides the duties incumbent upon him in 
connection with his store he is also Postmaster, 
and is thus a busy man. He is succeeding in his 
venture, and is accumu.ating sufflcient of this 
world's goods to ensure an old age of comfort. 
He is i)olitically a strong Republican, Init obtaineil 
his position of Postma^er under the Cleveland 
administration. Socially, he belongs to the 
I. 0. O. F. Lodge, No. 80. at Wamego, and is a 



378 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




member of the A. U. O W. Anchor Lodge. No. 128, 
at Wamego. 

A verj- important event in the life of Mr. Lickey 
was the celebration of his marriage with Eva N. 
Leslie, which occured Jul}- 6, 1882. Mrs. Lackej' 
was bf>rn in Monroe County, Ohio, March 14. 1856, 
and is a daughter of Johnson and Mary Leslie, 
the former of whom is a native of Ohio. About the 
year 1870 he came to Kansas and located in J3ouglas 
County, where Mrs. Leslie died at the age of fifty 
years. Her husband lived to a good old age, 
dying in Osage County when eighty-three years 
old. Our subject and his wife have one child, 
Mary H., born March 6, 1884. The family are 
happily situated, surrounded by the conveniences 
which render life in the nineteenth century so 
delightful. 



=^EORGE W. FORRESTER, one of the most 
intelligent and enterprising citizens of 
Union ToTvuship, Pottawatomie County, 
resides on section 10. where he has a fine estate of 
670 acres of good land. He was born in Mason 
County, Va., Oct. 3, 1848. His father, grand- 
father and great-grandfather were each named 
George AV. Forrester. The great-grandfather was 
a member of Gen. Washington's hody- guard dur- 
ing the Revolutionary War, and was presented by 
the General with a Surgeon's pocket-case contain- 
ing a thumb-lancet, and was also given an iron 
candlestick. These, articles were so highly prized 
by the recipient that he desired in his will that 
they sliould never be permitted to go out of the 
family, and designated tlie manner in which they 
should be passed on from father to son. They are 
treasured as a valuable souvenir, and are to be 
given to George W. Forrester as long as there is 
one in the direct line of descent, but if there 
should happen to not be one in that line, then they 
are to be given to one of the name that is the 
next nearest of kin, and the oldest of the name. 
As our subject has a son of the name, there seems 
no likelihood of the articles passing to a side line. 
In 1859, the father of Mr. Forrester went to 
California, and the last that was heard from him 
by his wife was in Jniy, 1868, when he was at 



Elko, Nev., on his way to the White Pine mines, in 
that State. It is supposed that he was murdered by 
Indians. The mother of our subject, Casandra 
(Pinick) Forrester, is a daughter of Thomas Pinick, 
now deceased, and a native of Ohio. The parental 
family consisted of eight children, of whom six 
have survived the storms of life to the present 
time. They are: Joann, now Mrs. Porter; George 
W., the subject of this sketch; Luciau L., Will- 
iam, Helen (St. Clair), and Edward. One son, 
named Jerome B., was killed on the retreat from 
Lynchburg while fighting for the Union. A 
daughter, Sarah (Davis), died in Montana, leav- 
ing a husband and two children. Mother For- 
rester lives in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara Co., 
Cal., and the brothers of our subject are residents 
of the same place. His two sisters reside in 
Nevada" at a' place called" in the forcible language 
of the mining regions. Death Station. 

Mr. Forrester was reared on a farm, and edu- 
cated in a school that assembled for instruction in 
an old log cabin, where the seals were of slabs, and 
tiie desks of boards fastened into Uic wall with 
wooden i)ins. The instruction imparted was about 
equal to the average of that daj', hut would iiardly 
be considered good if measured by the standard of 
the present time. Mr. Forrester is an engineer, 
and operated an engine in the oil regions of West 
Virginia for several years, his field of labor being 
in the White Oak oil district. In 1868 he re- 
moved to Kansas, arriving in Wamego on April 
18. He made his home with his uncle, Cassel 
Forrester, at the head of Indian Creek, for about 
one year, then took up a claim on Coal Creek for 
himself. Shortly afterward his mother, accompa- 
nied by her other sons and two daughters, came 
out to where our subject had taken up land, and 
they all kept house together. He homesteaded 
eighty acres, and after seeing his mother and her 
family corafortabl\- settled on the place he went to 
Adams Creek, where he attended school during the 
winter of 1870-71, boarding with a Mr. Clark. 

Dec. 17, 1871. Mr. Forrester and Miss Nancy 
E. Anderson were united in marriage. Mrs. For- 
rester is a daughter of James Anderson (deceased), 
and accompanied lier widowed mother to Adams 
Creek in 1869. They moved from Greencastle, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Ind., and settled on a farm in Pottawatomie 
County. After tlie marriage of Mr. Forrester he 
oper.ated the farm of his motlier in-law for one 
year, and tiien bought eighty acres of land adjoin- 
ing the plat'o which he owns at jM'esent. A por- 
tion of his original purchase is yet in his possession, 
lout the balance has been disposed of. 

In October, 1875, Mr. Forrester took his wife 
and child and started for Northwestern Texas. The 
journe}- was made in a wagon, ami the travelers 
met with the trials that were the usual accompani- 
ments of such a mode of travel in those da3S. 
They returned to the home of IMrs. Anderson in 
February. 1876, in the same manner as that in 
which thej' left, and at once began to farm on her 
place. After a residence of one year on the Ander- 
son farm, Mr. Forrester rented a place on Coal 
Creek, where he remained one year. In 1878 he 
bouglit twenty acres of land in I'uion Township, 
being part of the jilace which he now owns. He 
removed his family to that |)lace, and resided there 
until the fall of 1883, when he went to California 
with his family, but returned in the spring of 1884-. 
In Julj' of that year he engaged in the mercantile 
business in Westmoreland, but in the spring of the 
next year sold out his store and returned to his 
farm, where he has resided from that time to the 
present. 

Mr. F'orrester has traveled quite extensively, and 
is familiar with a large portion of our country. In 
1887 he revisited California, and the next year 
made a pleasant trip to his former home in Vir- 
ginia to see his old friends, of whom he has many. 
Our subject is a prosperous man. and his success 
has been achieved by his own efforts, aided by his 
prudent and amiable wife. Besides operating his 
large farm he owns a number of fine, high-grade 
horses, and follows stock-raising with profitable 
success. He also deals in cattle and hogs, and 
finds the business a good one, financially considered. 
His horses are of Norman and Clydesdale breeds. 
He owns a stallion of high grade of each breed, and 
has been eminently successful in his chosen voca- 
tion. 

Mr. and Mrs. Forrester are the parents of six 
children, named respectively: Edgar G., Sylvester 
W., Martha C, Cora E.. Laura B., and George \V. 



They are a bright and intelligent family, and give 
promise of groat future usefulness. Mr. Forrester 
enjoys the confidence of tjie communit}', and has 
been Township Trustee in Union Township, and 
also occupied the same position in Uock Creek 
Township while a resident of that district. 



J I OHN AVITTS, one of the most prominent 
j and intelligent German farmers of Potta- 
' watomie County, resides on section 27, 
' Union Townshi|). lie was horn in Khein- 
beim, Germany, April 7, 1810. His father. Henry 
Witts, was a native of the same place, and some 
years ago passed over the river to the silent land 
beyond. Our subject came to the United States 
in 1849, in the care of an uncle, who settled in 
New York Cit^'. Soon aflerwaid John was sent 
to a farmer in Delaware County, N. Y., where he 
remained some time, and then went to another 
farmer, living near La Crosse, Wis. He lived for a 
short time on Black River, in \Visconsin. and then 
began life for himself, a poor boy of oidy twelve 
years of age. He first employed himself making 
shingles, which he rafted d(nvn the Black River to 
the Mississippi, then down that stream to Mc- 
Gregor, Iowa, where he sold them. Subsequent to 
that exploit he journejcd on down the ever-en- 
larging Mississippi to Nebraska City, where he 
remained a short while. He soon secured work as 
a driver of an ox-team. The route of travel lay 
across the plains to Salt Lake City, whither they 
were conveying Government supplies to Maj. 
Russell. Waddell & Co. Our subject followed 
that occupation until 1858, in which year he went 
to Pike's Peak and engaged in mining gold. In 
June, 1861, he abandoned tliat business and started 
Eastward. In August of that year, while in Leaven- 
worth, be enlisted in the 1st Kansas Batter}', bet- 
ter known as the •■Tom Jloonlight Battery." It 
belonged to the Light Artillery arm of the service, 
and our subject remained in the array till the close 
of the war, a period of four years. He participated 
in the battles of Dr^-w^ood, Morristown. (Jsceola, 
Prairie Grove, Newtonia, Ft. Wa\-ne, Cane Hill, 
Johnsonville, Tenn,, Nashville, and a number of 



380 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHIGAL ALBUM. 



others. He was honorably disehargerl at Leaven- 
worth, in August, 1 865, and shortly afterward set 
out to secure a home for liimself. He visited Pot- 
tawatomie County, and remained till some lime in 
1866, when he decided to locate in the county, and 
made choice of the farm on which he now resides, 
and which has been his home from that lime to 
the present. 

On the 28lh of January, 1866, Mr. Wills was 
married to Miss Charlotte Wyckoff, daughter of 
Nicholas AVyckoff, who is now deceased. She is 
a lady in every way w^orthy to be the wife of a 
hero, and is higldy esteemed by hei neighbors. 
Mr. and Mrs. Witts have become the parents of 
ten children, namely: George, Barbara, Henry, 
Margaret, EUit. John E., Mary, Thomas, Jessie and 
Glenn. Margaret married Edward Edwards, of 
Belvue Township, Pottawatomie County, and is 
the mother of two children — Ethel Lee and an in- 
fant girl. 

Mr. Witts is a very popular man in his district, 
and has been elected to several offices of trust and 
responsibility. He is now filling the office of Jus- 
lice of the Peace, and has been Constable, School 
Director and Doorkeeper of the House of Repre- 
senUatives, at Topeka. He is a member of the 
G. A. R., and takes an active part in the political 
affairs of his county. He is an earnest Republican, 
and believes in American princiiples and American 
institutions. His popularity is attested by the 
fact that of the 125 votes cast for Doorkeeper in 
the State Legislature, in 1888, 110 were cast for 
Mr. AVilts. While in attendance at the reunion of 
the G. A. R., at Wamego, in 1884, our subject 
met with a sad accident, by which he lost his arm. 
Bv some means the cannon which was being ex- 
hibited as the first one whicli he used in the late 
war. was discharged prematurely, and the result 
was that he had his arm shot off. This untoward 
event was deeply deplored b}' his comrades, who 
strove in every waj' possible to mitigate his suffer- 
ings and assist him to successfully wage the battle 
of life in spite of his loss. 

;Mr. Witts owns and oi)erates 320 acres of land, 
and. as is usual in this State, combines with the 
business of general farming that of stock-raising, in 
all of which he has been successful. His cattle are 



Short-horus; swine, Poland-China; and horses, 
Norman. He has all his land fenced, and the fenc- 
ing, if placed in a line, would stretch away to the 
extent of eleven miles. He has, in addition, all the 
necessar}- outbuildings and a comfortable residence. 
Mrs. Witts was born April 4, 1850, in Wapello 
County, Iowa, and came with her parents to Kansas 
in 1856. They settled on the farm which is now 
in the possession of our subject, at a time when In- 
dians and wild animals were numerous, and some- 
times troublesome. Mr. Wyckoff", the father of 
Mrs. Witts, pre-empted 160 acres of land, and 
afterward added 160 acres more, which he im- 
proved, and which has been still further im- 
proved, according to the newer methods in vogue 
at the present time, by the present owner, Mr. 
AVitts. At the time of the first settlement of the 
farm of Mr. Witts, w'hen it was in the possession 
of Mr. Wyckoff, it adjoined the Pottawatomie In- 
dian Reservation, and they were the nearest neigh- 
bors and most frequent visitors. Mrs. Witts was, 
therefore, earl}' inured to the hardships and trials 
l)eculiar to the pioneer times, and has had many 
thrilling experiences of life in the '-Wild West." 
Nevertheless, she is a modest, Christian woman 
and an affectionate wife and mother. 



II NDREW McKOWEN is the owner and 
occupant of 280 acres of fertile farm land 
in Pottawatomie County, and is engaged 
^'11 in general farming and stock-raising, in- 

tending to make a specially of the culture of various 
kinds of fruit. His residence is on the southwest 
quarter of section 25, Center Township, and is a 
well-built and commodious structure, sui-rounded 
by adequate and substantial farm buildings. The 
whole estate bears an appearance of prosperity and 
good manngement, which is quite in keeping with 
the finan(-ial standitig and ability of the owner. 

The subject of this biography is of Irish an- 
cestry and parentage, though both his parents lived 
ill the I'nited Slates from their childhood. His 
father, Thomas McKowen, was born in Ireland in 
1787. and accompanied his parents, Mr. and Mrs. 
Andrew McKowen. to tlie United States, when 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



381 



about ten j-eavs of age. The familj- located in 
Pennsylvania, where the grandfather died when 
aliout eighty years of ago. He was a weaver \)y 
occupation and was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. Thomas McKowen subsequently went to 
Hancock County. Ind.. where he lived until sev- 
enty-two \'ears old. when he was gathered to his 
fathers. He was a United States soldier during the 
War of 1812. His occupation was that of a cooper, 
aud his political adherence was given to the 
Democracj-. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Margaret McClelland, crossed the Atlantic with iier 
parents when four years old. She was a member 
of the Presliyterian Church. She was tifty-eight 
years old when called from earth. Twelve chil- 
dren were given to them, their names being Jane, 
Elizabeth, Saiah, Mary, Andrew, William, Thomas, 
Joseph H., Cowden P., Margaret R., Martha J., 
and Sarah F. All but fcmr are deceased. 

The birth of Andrew McKowen took place in 
Alleghany County, Pa.. May 5, 1822, and he was 
reared and educated in that State, his home being 
on a farm. In 1811, he went to Hancock County, 
Ind., wliere he remained until 1857, when he came 
to this county, where for about five years he was 
an overseer, and participated in the pioneer life 
and work, and in the scenes which preceded the 
admission of Kansas to the Union, In 1862, he 
offered his services as a teamster in the Union 
Army, ami discharged the hazardous duties until 
sickness compelled his release. Receiving an hon- 
orable discharge, he went back to the Hoosier 
State, where he remained until 186(). He then re- 
turned to this State, and resided in St. George until 
1877, when he purchased 160 acres of land, which 
forms a part of his present estate, and took up his 
residence in Center Township, where he is looked 
upon as one of its best citizens. Through his 
good judgment and wise conduct of his affairs, 
together with his industrious habits, he h.as been 
prospered -in basket and iStore." He never con- 
tracts a debt, and in all his dealings is honorable 
and just. In politics, he is a Republican, and has 
held several minor offices. 

Mr. McKowen has been twice married. His first 
marriage took place in 1818, the bride being Jliss 
Louisa Priddy. who vvas born in Hancock County, 



Ind., in 18.30, and was torn from her family by the 
hand of Death, April 13. 1858. The union had 
resulted in the birth of four children: Mary K., 
Margaret J., Andrew S. and Amos L. Two of 
these are now dece.ased: Amos L. died at the age 
of two years, five months and twenty-one days; 
and Andrew S. at the age of seven months and ten 
days. 

The second marriage of Mr. McKowen was cele- 
brated on the 4th of July, 1859, and the lady who 
became his wife was Miss Sophronia Torrey. She 
was born in Indiana in 1837, and was a daughter 
of Erastus and Annie Torrey, who were natives of 
New York and Indiana respectively. They were 
early settlers in this State, to which they removed 
in 1856. Mr. Torrey was a farmer, and during the 
Black Hawk War was a Major in the army. His 
death took place when he was about seventy-three 
years old. The second union of Mr. McKowen 
was blessed by the birth of nine children, all still 
living. Their names are respectively: Annie L., 
George W., William II„ M.aria L., Julia F., Thomas 
D., Hulda J., James E. and Martha E. Th mother 
of this interesting group was taken from the sor- 
rowing family circle Feb. 6, 1880. 

dMOTHY D. MILLS. It has been said of 
this leading merchant of Wamego that, 
"there is more energy wrapped up in his 
physique than falls to the average man." His hon- 
esty and integrity have become proverbial. He 
conducts a store of general merchandise in which 
he has built up a large and lucrative trade, and 
holds the office of secretary of the Merchant's 
Mercantile Association, and occupies the same 
position in connection with the Wabaunsee and 
Pottawatomie Fair Associations. The friend of edu- 
cation and progress, he is alwa^'s to be found encour- 
aging the enterprises best calculated for the general 
good of the people. 

A native of Lewis County, N. Y., the subject of 
this sketch was born Aug. 13, 1837, and is the son 
of Hiram and Betsej- A. (Rogers) Mills who were 
likewise natives of that county. The mother has 
.arrived at the .age of seventy-one years. Hiram 




382 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mills is seventy-seven years old and is a very intel- 
ligent, active old gentleman, prosei'viug niucU of 
tiie vigor of his younger years. He is widely 
and favorably known to a large portion of iiis com- 
munity where lie is held in general respect. He 
resi'led in New Yorlv State from the lime of his 
birth until 1882. For many years during the win- 
ter season he was engaged as a canvasser for the 
leading periodicals, a business in which he was 
highly successful. Aside from this he was engaged 
in farming. The parental household consisted of 
five children, four of whom are living. Timothy D., 
being the eldest. 

Mr. Mills received an academic education in liis 
native State and began his mercantile life as clerk 
in a store at tlie age of fourteen years. He tiuis 
occupied himself for five years and in IBuG. leav- 
ing the Empire State, emigrated to Elgin, llL.wliere 
he sojourned about three 3'ears, occupying his 
time in clerking in a general store. Later he spent 
one year in Cliicago in tiie dvy goods store of Patter 
Palmer, then coming to Topeka, Kan., he took up 
a tract of Government land ( 160 acres) where he 
l)Ut out four miles of hedge, fencing it into twenty 
and forty-acre lots. Tliis hedge was planted mostly 
by his own hands. He also set out a large apple 
orcliard and numbers of peach trees, the latter 
especially yielding bounteously and of fruit wliose 
qualities commanded a fancy price in the market 
at Topeka. In due time Mr. Mills had one of tlie 
finest farms in Sjjawnee County. He had embarked 
in this enterprise on account of impaired health, 
llie result of too close application to indoor business. 
Fifteen j-ears of farm life built up his constitution to 
a wonderful degree, and preferring mercantile pur- 
suits he then, in 1875. moved to Waraego and 
opened up a general store. He handles groceries, 
grain and produce of all kinds and makes a spec- 
ialty of shipping sweet potatoes and apples, send- 
ing off in one year of the former as many as 3,000 
barrels. This business is constantly growing and 
yields handsome returns. 

One of the most interesting ami important events 
in the life of Mr. Mills, was his marriage which 
occured over thirty -two 3'ears ago, in 1857. the bride 
being Miss Lavina S. Smith and the wedding tak- 
ing place in Elgin, lU. Mrs. Mills was born in 



Elgin, 111., upon the same day, month and year, as 
her husband, and is the daughter of Jerome B. 
Smith who was formerly a hardware merchant of 
Elgin, but is now deceased. The parental family 
consisted of seven children. Mrs. Mills grew up 
under the home roof to an attractive womanhood 
and was more than usually intelligent. She was 
given a first-class education and was graduated 
from a female seminary in New York State after 
having attended the seminar}' at Rockford, 111. 
She subsequently was a teacher in the public school 
of Elgin. At an early age she evinced fine musical 
talents and became proficient as a vocalist and 
musician, having a strong alto voice which is 
much in demand in church choirs and upon social 
occasions. This talent has been transmitted in a 
marked degree to their only daughter, Geraldine, 
a child of eleven years, who is a fine performer on 
the organ and piano. 

Four children have been born to Mr. and I\Irs. 
Mills, as follows: J.ay B.. Oct. 1. 1860; George W., 
Dec. 29.. 1863: Frank, May 2.5. 1875, and Gerald- 
ine, M.I}' 9, 1878. The parents have exercised 
great care in the education of these children who 
form a most interesting group and of whom they 
ma}' be pardonably proud. Mr. and Mrs. Mills 
are members in good standing of the Baptist 
Church, in which Mr. Mills has officiated as Deacon, 
Sunday-school teacher and Superintendent for 
many years. He takes a warm interest in politics 
and votes the straight Rei)ul)lican ticket. In for- 
mer years he was a member of the School Board 
of his township. 



-^=^ ■^ 



^j, NDERSON BROTHERS, editors and pro- 
( (^A-J |! prietors of the Westmoreland J/idifatoj-, are 
/// It leading newspaper men of Kansas, where 
** they have made their home since 1870. 

These three brothers, whose interests are so closely 
identified, and who are contributing their talents 
and energies to mold the political history of Pot- 
tavvatomie County, are the sons of Peyton Wesley 
and Sarah A. (Sturgis) Anderson, natives r^pect- 
ively of Kontuck}' and Ohio. They were married 
in Southern Indiana, and there the wife and mother 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



383 



passed to ber final rest Jan. 20, 1863. The father 
was ))v occupation a fanner, and was a soldier in 
the Civil War. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, 
Olh IiKliana Infantry, servinsj- three years and throe 
months, and participatint; in manj' of the princi[)al 
engagements, being at Shiloh. Corinth. Lookonl 
Mountain. Stune River and numerous minor bat- 
tles. He was fortunate enough to pass through the 
campaign without l)eiug either wounded or im|)ris- 
oned, thougii in consequence of exposure iiis health 
was seriousl3' impaired. 

After peace had been established Pe^'ton W. 
Anderson pursued the even tenor of his wa}' in 
Indiana, where he continued, as before the war. to 
till the soil. Not feeling entirely satisfied with the 
prospect before l;im in the IIo(jsier State, in 1870 
he came to Kansas and settled in Louisville, Potta- 
watomie County. This is still his home, though now 
( 1889) at the age of sixty-nine years, he has retired 
from the more active duties of life. In politics he is a 
stanch Republican, ever interested in the success of 
his party, but prefers the quiet of domestic life to 
the excitement of a political campaign, and conse- 
quently has never sought oftice. Religiously, he 
is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and is also a member of the Masonic ]>odge, 
A. F. & A. M., and the O P. Morton Post, G. A. R. 
of Wamego. By his first marriage, which occurred 
about 1839, he then lieing united with Miss Tor- 
bett, two children were born — John W. and Eliza. 
John W. was a member of Company A, 6th Indi- 
ana Infantry, in which he served three years, and 
for one year was a member of the 145tli Illinois 
Infantry. He was wounded in the lungs at the 
battle of Chickamauga. At present he resides in 
Indiana. His sister Eliza remains at home with 
her father. Bj- his second marriage Peyton W. 
Anderson became the father of six children. Ga- 
brilla is at home; James P. is deceased ; Mary is the 
wife of Dr. J. A. Comstock, a leading ph3-sician of 
Central Indiana. The three remaining children 
born to Peyton W. Anderson and bis wife were. 
William S., Elmer D. and Charles E., of whom this 
biographical review is written. They were born in 
Indiana and were reared on their father's farm in 
Jefferson County, spending their youth after the 
usual manner of country lads, farming in summer 



and attending the common schools during the winter 
months. In 1870 they left their home in Indiana 
and accompanied their parents to Kansas. 

William S.. senior memlier of the firm of .Ander- 
son Bros., was born Sept. 27, 1852, and entered an 
office in Louisville, Kan., in 1871. and there learned 
the printer's trade. In 1874 he went to St. Mary's 
where he worked three years and then returned to 
his father's home in Louisville. In 1882 he estab- 
lished a paper called the Period, which was the first 
newspaper published at Westmoreland, and which, 
after being conducted by him for two years, was 
solil and an interest purchased in the Recorder. 
One j-ear later he sold this interest, though he was 
still .associated with the paper in the capacitj- of 
foreman until 1889, when he became associated 
with his brothers. 

In his domestic circle William S. Anderson is 
most happily situated, being surrounded by a group 
of interesting and intelligent children, and receiv- 
ing the devoted attention of an affectionate wife, 
with whom be was united in marriage Dec. 24, 
1878. She was before her marri.age ]Miss Mary A. 
Schelosky, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Sche- 
losky, and was born in Pennsylvania. To h-er and 
her husband there have born six children, namely: 
Bertie, Lillie, Mabel, Charles, Willie and i\Iamie. 

Elmer D., of the firm, was born in the Hoosier 
State, Sept. 17, 1857. After locating in Kansas he 
was engagc^d on a farm for several years, until 
about 1877, when he learned the printer's trade in 
an oftice in St. Mary's. He afterward worked in 
an oftice in Louisville, and later was a student in 
the Agricultural College at Manhattan, Kan., for 
the period of two 3ears. Upon leaving school ho 
purchased a one-half interest in the Louisville 
semi-weekly RepubUcan, of which he was editor 
about four years. He subsequently became sole 
proprietor of this paper, which was afterward 
changed to the Loiiisville Indkator. He conducted 
it about three years, and llien formed a [)artnerslii|) 
with his brothers as publishers of this paper, the 
oftice of which was removed to Westmoreland, 
October 1, 1889. 

The marriage ceremony of Elmer J). Anderson 
and May Z. Hayes was celebrated Dec. 24, 1884, in 
Louisville. .Mrs. Anderson is the daughter of 



384 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Thomas and Estella Hayes aud passed her child- 
hood in Ohio. Mr. Anderson is a Republican, and 
was appointed Postmaster of Louisville in 1889, 
but resigned to enter into partnership with his 
brothers. 

Charles E. Anderson is a native of the Hoosier 
State, where his birth occurred May 9, 1860, and 
where he lived until ten years of age. After ten 
years' residence in the Sunflower State, in 1880, he 
went to Texas and engaged in railroad work 
throughout the Southern States. In his extensive 
travels he gained a thorough knowledge of the po- 
litical history of the South. Upon his return to 
Louisville, Kan., he learned the printer's trade 
in the office of the Indicator, and in 1 889 entered 
into partnership with his brothers. Religiously, he 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and politically, is devoted ardently to the Repub 
lican part}'. 

The firm of Anderson Bros. enjoj'S a large pat- 
ronage in its job department, from which it issues 
some of the finest work of its kind in the county. 
The Indicator is the official paper of Pottawatomie 
Count}', as well as one of the leading newspapers 
of Northwestern Kansas; it is a social paper of 
some prominence, while its influence in political 
circles is widely felt both by the Repuljliean party 
and its opponent. 



-«rt/v •'vtaafl/©-^^-! 



' M^J^l/^Tniiv-'vw- 



j^^ YLVANUS W. ROSS, M.D., senior mem- 
^^^ ber of tlie firm of Ross & Spangler, Piiy- 
[ft/_j|j sicians and Surgeons, Westmoreland, Pot- 
tawatomie Co., Kan., is one of the most 
distinguished citizens of tlie town and a recognized 
leader in the county in all matters i)ertaining to 
the theory or praetice of his chosen profession. 
He is a native of Brown County, Ohio, where he 
was Ijorn Oct. (i. 1850, to David and Unity ( Evans) 
Ross. The grandfather of Dr. Ross, David Ross, 
Sr., was a native of the North of Ireland, and emi- 
grated to America in the early partof this century, 
settling in Highland Count}-, Ohio, in which place 
the father of our subject was born in the year 
1812. Samuel Evans, the maternal grandfather of 
the Doctor, was a native of Maryland. When a 



young man he emigrated to Preston County, Va., 
but shortly after removed to Brown County, Ohio, 
where he remained until the close of life. The 
date of his settlement in the latter county was 
about 1800. Unity Evans was born in Brown 
County, Ohio, and remained under the jaarental 
roof until her marriage to David Ross. 

Mr. and Mrs. David Ross were the parents of 
seven children, as follows: Samuel E., Jonathan A., 
Duncan F., David, Clarinda; Sylvanus, the subject 
of this notice; and Franklin P. In 1858 Mr. 
Ross removed his family to Ray County, Mo., and 
settled on a farm. Mrs. Ross exchanged her 
earthly residence for a heavenly one in 1873, her 
departure taking place from the farm in Missouri 
on September IGth. Mr. Ross joined her in a better 
land in 1888, the spirit vacating its tenement of 
clay on Dece'mber 29, in Manitou Springs, Colo. 

Sylvanus W. Ross was rea'-ed on the farm of his 
parents, and received his education in the common 
schools of his adopted State. In 1872 he began a 
course of reading in Materia Medica, in the office 
of A. G. Lewis, M.D., then a resident of Dawn, 
Mo., and remainecl there until 1874, when he 
attended one course of lectures at Missouri Medical 
College during the winter of 1874-75. Upon the 
conclusion of the term he returned to his first 
precei)tor and continued his reading until 1877. 
In the fall of that year he entered the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk. Iowa, and was 
gr.aduated from that institution with high honors 
in 1878, on the 14th of February. Immediately 
u()on leaving college he located in Proctorville, 
Caldwell Co., Mo., and entered upon the practice 
of his profession. In November, 1882, Dr. Ross 
removed to Pottawatomie County and located in 
his present place, where he has since resided, build- 
ing up a good practice and winning for himself the 
good will and esteem of all who come in contact 
with him. 

May 13, 1875, Dr. Ross was )narried to Miss 
Mary P. Steele, a daughter of Lieut. James Steele, 
who died from the effects of a wound received 
while fighting for the Union in the battle of Frank- 
lin, Tenn. He was First Lieutenant in Coin|)aiiy 
F, 44th iSIissouri Infantry. Mrs. Ross was a sweet, 
intelligent Christi.Tu lady, whose graceful manners 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



385 



and amiable disposition endeared her to her own 
family and friends, and made her an ornament of 
the social circle in which she moved. Her death, 
which occurred in 1887, on January 9, was an irre- 
parable loss to her devoted liusband and two lovely 
daughters, Clara D. and Cora B., but her faith in 
the Redeemer of mankind sustained her through 
the pain of parting with her loved ones, and assures 
them that if they follow in her footsteps they will 
finally be reunited in the land where partings are 
no more, and where the inhabitants never say, "I 
am sick." Mrs Ross was, during life, a consistent 
member of tiie Ciiristian Church. Dr. Ross is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, and has attained 
to the degree of Roj'al Arch Mason. He is a large- 
hearted and generous minded man, who takes a 
deep interest in the welfare of his town, and sets 
himself energetically to work to further its interests 
in every legitimate wav. 



^i ACOB W. PARROTT. The thrifty and en- 
terprising farming community of Whiting- 
Township, Jackson County, acknowledges 
Mr. Parrott as one of its most valued mem- 
bers. He makes his headquarters at a well-regu- 
lated farm, about a mile west of the town of Whit- 
ing, which was purchased by him in 1880, being 
then a quarter-section of raw land, over wiiieli a 
plowshare had never passed. By a course of un- 
flagging industry and pcrseveriince through man}' 
difficulties, it has been transformed into a valuable 
estate, all neatly enclosed with substantial fencing, 
and having upon it a fine frame dwelling, a story 
and a half in height, and in area 22x36 feet. The 
main bam and the other outbuildings indicate in a 
marked manner the progressive mind of the pro- 
prietor. Mr. Parrott made his iiermanent removal 
upon his farm on the 1st of May. 18.S0, he having 
purchased it prior to this. 

The son of John and Mary (Copeland) Parrott, 
of Ohio, the subject of this sketch was born March 
2, 1828, at his father's old homestead in Fayette 
Countj', Ohio. John Parrott, Jr., was the son of 
John and Klizalieth (Hall) I'arrott, who removed 
from the vicinitv of the P'rench Broad Kiver. in 



I Tennessee, to the Buckeye State, as early as 1812. 
Their family consisted of six sons, viz: Thomas, 
Henry. Wesley, John, Samuel, George, and three 

j daughters. To John, Jr., and his excellent wife, 
there were born three sons and five daughters, J,acob 

■ W. being the second son, and all are living. 'IMie 

j father died .at the old homestead in Fayette Couutv. 

I Ohio. This property is still in the family, owned 

I by the elder brother, John A. 

The subject of this sketch, when twenty-one 
years old, was first married in his native county, 
and became the father of three children. The 
mother of these died in the tall of 1857. Mr. Par- 
rott, in the spring of 1858, left Ohio, and going to 
Illinois, worked in Stark, Peoria and otiicr coun- 
ties, and was married May 2, 1 859, at Decatur, to 

I Miss M.argaret, daughter of John and Melissa (Lu- 
cas) Stapleton. The parents of Mrs. Parrott died 
in Iowa, when she was a small child. Mrs. Parrott 
was born in Logan County,Ill.,to which she returned 
after the death of her parents, and where she met 
her future husband. 

j\Ir. and Mrs. Parrott began their wedded life on 
the farm in Ohio, which Mr. Parrott had opened up 
from the wilderness in his younger days, livino- 
thereon until April, 1880. Of his first marriage 
there were born three children, the eldest of whom, 
Joseph G., is married, and the father of eight chil- 
dren; he lives on a farm north of Whiting; John 
A. is a resident of Ohio, lives on a farm in the 
neighborhood of the old homestead, and has one 
child; Mary J. is the wife of J. F. Carder, and they 
live in the vicinit}- of Nelawaka; thej' have three 
children. The nine children of the second marriage 
of our subject, are recorded as follows: Three died 
in infancy and early childhood; Theodore F., who 
is married and the father of four children, is a resi- 
dent of AVhiting; Ida May is the wife of I. W. 

I Spencer, a farmer of Nebraska, and they have two 
children; Rachel II. married I,. C, the son of 
David Bender, a prominent citizen of Whiting 
Township, and they live on a farm near Whiting; 
Thomas A., William E., and Albert J., are at home 
with their parents. Mr. Parrott, politicall}-, votes 
the straight Republican ticket, and in his school 
district officiates as Director and Road Supervisor. 
During the progress of the Civil War. Mr. Par- 



386 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



rott served with the 100 flays' men in Company 
F, 168th Ohio National Guards. The various 
regiments thus employed, received from the Presi- 
dent of the United States, a card of thanks for val- 
uable services at the battle of Cynthiana, Ky., 
June 11, 1864. Upon this occasion a company of 
100 men fought :5,000 of John Morgan's men, 
meeting them first in an open field. Being out- 
numbered, they had orders to fall back to some 
buildings in the town, and while on their retreat, 
Mr. Parrott received a minie-ball in the right hip 
from the effects of which he still suffers. He man- 
aged to extract the ball himself, after the doctors 
had unsuccessfully probed for it and could not lo- 
cate it. As may be supposed, the brave Ohio boys 
were all cai>tured, but the next morning the Union 
forces took the town again, and the wounded men 
fell into the hands of their friends, while the able- 
bodied men were run off and paroled. Mr. Parrott 
receives a monthly pension from the Government, 
but the sum ($4) isnotliy any means commensurate 
with the inconvenience and suffering which he has 
endured on account of his wound. 




TEPIIEN BREWER. For solid worth and 
reliability, no citizen of Whiting and vicin- 
ity, is deserving of more honorable men- 
tion, than the gentleman with whose name 
we introduce this sketch, and who has made a re- 
cord both as a good citizen and as a war-scarred 
veteran in the Union Army. The native place of 
our subject was Harrison County, Ind., and there 
he was born Jan. 27, 1840. He afterward removed 
with his parents to Bureau County, HI., where he 
was reared to manhood. At the age of twenty-two 
he enlisted in the defense of the Union, being mus- 
tered in with Company K. ,T7th Illinois Infantry. 
He took an active part in the battles of Fts. Henry 
and Donelson, the engagement at Shiloh. the siege 
of Corinth, and later in the battle of Corinth on 
the 3d and 4th of October, 1862, when Van Dorn 
and Price made a desperate effort to retake the 
city. While "the. regiment was l.ying at Corinth 
after the battle, our subject was sent with a detach- 
ment to escort a nunil)er of prisoners about 100 



miles south to Mattoon, Miss. These prisoners 
were to be exchanged, and the expedition was made 
under a flag of truce without arms. 

The regiment also accompanied Sherman in his 
advance on Atlanta, being engaged at Snake Creek 
Gap, Resaca and Kingston. Thence they marched 
to Rome, Ga., and after the fall of Atlanta, accom- 
panied Sherman on his march to the sea. On the 
way thither they were in an engagement in the 
rice swamps before Savannah. AVhen the latter 
city was taken, our subject was honorably dis- 
charged, his time of service having expired some 
time before this. He returned home via New York 
City, having served actively three years, three 
months and fourteen days. He had fought for his 
country, offered his life in her behalf, and no one 
rejoiced more than he when peace was finally de- 
clared, and the Union was preserved. 

Prior to the time of his enlistment, our subject was 
united in marriage, Jan. 19, 1860, with Miss Amanda 
M. Burke, daughter of William and Amanda 
(Fredenburg) Burke, of Bureau County, 111. The 
Burke family were of Irish ancestry, and formerly' 
resided in New York State. After his return from 
the war, Mr. Brewer followed farming in Illinois 
until 1871, when, accompanied by his family, he 
removed to Atchison. Kan. For three years lie 
operated as a teamster, and then commenced to 
labor on a rented farm comprising 200 acres. Con- 
tinuing in this manner for a period of five years he 
was enabled to save enough mone\- to bu^' his pre- 
sent homestead, which is situated on section 1, in 
Wliiting Township. His residence stands in the 
corner of Jackson County, within two miles of the 
depot at Horton, a beautiful little city with all the 
modern improvements. The first house in that 
town was built only about three years ago, and it 
is now a thriving, prosperous village of 4,000 peo- 
ple. The farm which Mr. Brewer jjurchased had 
been broken and partial!}- improved, but he has 
brought it to a good state "of cultivation, making it 
one of the finest estates in the county. 

On one of the most attractive spots of his farm, 
whirl) he purchased in 1880, Mr. Brewer erected a 
fine two story residence 26x38 feet.with an L,l 4x16. 
It is finished on the exterior in first-class style, hav- 
ing a mansard roof, while the interior reflects the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



389 



taste of the mistress of the house, being eozily and 
neatly furnished. On the farm is a windmill, which 
supplies two wells, one twenty rods awa}-. It also 
has 250 feet of pipe to tanks at a distance. There 
are sheds, stables cribs, and other important acces- 
sories of a well-regulated farm. The orchard con- 
tains about 100 apple trees, besides cherries, Rus- 
sian mulberries, apricots, pears, several varieties of 
grapes and smaller fruits. In 1880, Mr. Brewer 
bought a quarter-section of land in Brown Count}-, 
and this he has cultivated. He devotes twentj- 
acres to j'oung timber, and the remainder is mainly 
utilized as a stock farm, and in this respect has 
been financially remunerative. 

Of the six children born to Mr. Brewer and his 
excellent wife, all are living, and are named respec- 
tively: Steplien R., Mary A., Leonidas J., Mamie 
Elma, Guy William, and Herschel L. Stephen as- 
sists in the work on the ivomestead; Mar}' A. is the 
wife of George A. Smith, and they live on their 
farm in Brown County, Kan.; Leonidas is married 
and resides in Jackson County, near Whiting; the 
three youngest children are nnder the parental roof 
and attend tlie High School at Horton. As will be 
supposed, Mr. Brewer is a strong Republican, and 
is heartil}' in favor of wliat tends to tiie advance- 
ment of liis party. He takes a deep interest in the 
G. A. R., and has been Commander of the Whiting 
Post, for two years. He is universally respected, 
and witli his family, stands high in the estimation 
of tlie community. 



--l-+|'=^^€-'-l- 




EORGE WASHINGTON HARTWELL. 

.lustice of the Peace in Spring Creek Town- 
ship, and a gentleman otherwise prominent 
in Ills community, makes his headquarters at a fine 
liomestead embracing 320 acres of improved land 
on sections 14 and 15. He is an old and highly 
respected citizen of Pottawattomie County, a 
soldier of tlie Union army, a member of Grubb Post, 
G. A. R., at Reeseville, an active and prominent 
member of the Metliodist Episcopal Church, at 
Blaine, and, in fact, one of the most valued 
pioneers of the county. In the early da}'s his 
house was open for religious meetings and in his 



church he has officiated as Class-Leader, Stew- 
ard and Superintendent of the Sunda3'-school. 
Politically in the early dajs he was an old-line 
Wliig. and after the abandonment of his party cor- 
dially endorsed Republican principles whicii he has 
since sustained. Personally, he is of cheerful and 
buoyant disposition and one of those men who 
make friends where ever they go. 

The subject of this sketch is the offspring of an 
old and highly respected family, being the son of 
John Hartwell, a native of Geneseo Count3^ N. Y. 
His paternal grandfather resided on his own farm 
twelve miles from the city of Rochester, his 
property Ij'ing on the old National pike road, and 
he also kept a stage house. He spent his last years 
in the Empire State. The great-grandfather of 
Mr. Hartwell was born in Wales, whence he emi- 
grated at an early date, probably during the Col- 
onial days. John Hartwell served .as a mail 
carrier in the war of 1812 and afterward enipl03ed 
himself in agricultural pursuits. Upon leaving 
his native state he settled in Delaware Count}', 
Ohio, whence he afterward removed to LTrbana, 
Champaign County, and there spjut his last days. 
In his native state he served as sheriff of the county 
a number of years and was a prominent member 
of the A. F. & A. M. He married Miss Mary Cart- 
wright, a native of Geneseo Count}-, N. Y. Her 
father was killed in the Revolutionary War, and 
her mother was thus left with a family of eight 
children whom she supported by knitting, sewing 
and teaching. She spent the last years of 
her life with her son George W., our subject, in 
Crawford County, III. She was a lady of moie 
than ordinary worth and a member in good stand- 
ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The 
three eldest daughters, Matilda, Miranda and 
Mclinda are deceased. John is a resident of Mar- 
sliall County, this State; Lodima lives in Crawford 
County, III. ; Laura resides near Independence, Kan ; 
George W., our subject was next to the youngest; 
Mary died in Robinson. 111. 

George W. Hartwell was born near Zoar. Dela- 
ware Co., Ohio, Jan. 12, 1821, ami was but 
four years old at the time of his father's death. 
He soon began assisting his mother and remained 
with her until a youth of sixteen years. Being 



390 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



obliged to go to work atari early age his school 
advantages were exceedingly limited. At this time 
he began an apprenticeship at brick-making becom- 
ing a master of the trade, and when nineteen years 
old left home and going to Illinois, located near Pal- 
estine where he entered land and engaged in brick- 
making, manufacturing this material for the first 
buildings in Robinson. He also learned brick- 
laying and plastering and put up some of the first 
buildings in that town. About 1847 he turned 
his attention to farming, improving two farms of 
160 acres each. 

In February, 1862, the Civil War being in pro- 
gress, Mr. Hartwell entered the army as a recruiting 
officer, but at Joneshoro, 111., was attacked with 
palsy of the tliroat and stomach and was obliged to 
return home. Since that time he has been a con- 
stant suflferer from this trouble. In August of 
that year, however, having somewhat recovered, he 
enlisted as a regular soldier in Company' E, 98th 
Illinois Infantry, being mustered in at Centralia 
and went .South with his regiment. During the 
b.attle of Murfreesboro, he was taken ill and was 
sent to the camp hospital where he remained three 
months. There being then little prospect of his 
final recovery, he was obliged to accept his honor- 
ble discharge March 23, 1863, on account of phys- 
ical disability. 

Returning home Mr. Hartwell sojourned in 
Crawford County, 111., until 186G, then he removed 
to Olney, 111. .where he followed painting, then sell- 
ing out removed to Hancock County, that .State, 
purchasing a gristmill near Bowen, which he oper- 
ated until he was obliged to abandon it on account of 
loss. In the spring of 1869, Ijeing thus left without 
means, he set out for the farther West and coming 
to this Stale located on 120 acres of his pres- 
ent farm which he purchased for |1,200. He 
also homesteaded 160 acres adjoining and 
started his boys at farming, while he picked 
up his trowel and brush and made the money 
to pay for the farm by painting and plas- 
tering. The family occupied a small log house 
the first winter and otherwise practiced close econ- 
om}' in order to make both ends meet. They were 
prospered in their labors and we now find them 
finely situated amidst all the comforts of life and 



man}"^ of its luxuries. Mr. Hartwell has brought 
his land to a high state of cultivation, but it is now 
operated by other parties, he having practically 
retired from active labor. He bears the distinction 
of being the oldest remaining settler along Bluff 
Creek. 

On the 1st of April, 1847, Mr. Hartwell was 
married in Robinson, 111., to Miss Eliza, daughter 
of John Nieliols. John Nichols was born in 
Yitginia, where he was reared to man's estate and 
married and in the fall of 1830 removed with his 
family to Illinois and entered 3,000 acres adjoin- 
ing the present site of Robinson. In due 
time he became an extensive stock-dealer driv- 
ing his herds to Chicago and Cincinnati. He 
spent his last years near Palestine. The maiden 
name of the mother of Mrs. Hartwell was .Susanna 
Merritt; she, like her husband, was a native of the 
Old Dominion and both were members of the Bap- 
tist Church. She died in 181:2. 

Mrs. Hartwell was born July 6, 1828, in Green- 
brier County, Va., and was the j^oungest of a family 
of ten children, three of whom are living and mak- 
ing their homes in the vicinity of Robinson, 111. 
She was reared to womanhootl in Illinois, whither 
she removed with her parents when only two j'ears 
of age. Of her union with our subject there have 
been born three children, the eldest of whom, a son, 
Thamar C, is marrieil and resides in Hortou. Kan.; 
John G. is engaged in the livery business in Con- 
cordia, Kan;. Merritt W. is a prominent farmer in 
Spring Creek Township. 

A lithographic portrait of our subject may be 
found on another p.age of this volume. 



^AMES A. D. FRAZELL, late proprietor of 
the Garrison Hotel, at Garrison, Pottawato- 
mie County, was born in Madison Co., N. Y., 
I Oct. 17, 1826, and died Feb. 7, 1889. He was 
the first child reared and educated in the vicinity 
of Columbus, Ohio, and remained in that vicinity 
until a man of twenty-five 3ears. In 1851 he 
sought the farther West, sojourning for a time in 
Iowa, and then, in 1S60, came to Kansas Territor}', 
settling in Linn County. The following year, upon 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



391 



the call for three months' men to assist in putting 
down the Rebellion, he enlisted as a Union soldier, 
and served about six months. Later lie re-en- 
listed ill the regular army, and soon afterward was 
appointed Hospital Steward, wliieli position he held 
until the close of the war. 

After receiving his honorable discliarge from the 
army Mr. Frazell, returning to Kansas, located in 
Clay County, where he had left his family, and re- 
mained there until 1885, during which year he took 
up his abode in Garrison, where he spent the re- 
mainder of his life. In the meantime he had es- 
tablished a post-office at Fanc}' Creek, and was 
instrumental in having the route continued to 
AVaterville. There was first a semi-weekly, and 
then, through the efforts of Mr. Frazell, a tri- 
weekly mail. In 1872 he had the route extended 
to Minneapolis. Subsequently- he withdrew from 
the mail route, and removing to Clay Center, con- 
ducted an liotel until his removal to Garrison. In 
tlie latter place he aho followed the hotel business 
until his decease. 

Mr. Frazell was married in Boone County, Iowa, 
Marcli 27, 1851, to Miss Cynthia A. Spurrier. This 
lady was born in Vermilion County. HI., May 30, 
1834. and was the daughter of George and Frances 
(Williams) Spurrier, natives of Kentucky and the 
father a farmer by occupation. They left the 
Blue Grass regions in 1830, removing to Illinois, 
where they sojourned for a period of twenty years. 
In ) 850 they moved across the Mississippi into 
Iowa, and were residents of tiie Hawke3'e State for 
nineteen years. lu 1869 they came to Kansas, set- 
tling in Riley County, where Mr. Spurrier died at 
the advanced age of eightj-two years. The wife 
and mother afterward made her liome in Cla}- Cen- 
ter, where her death took place likewise at the age 
of eighty -two years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frazell began their wedded life 
together in Boone Count}', Iowa. The household 
circle was completed by the birth of ten children, 
only fourof whom are living, viz. : Bayard^T., Fran- 
cis P., Luella A. and MoUie L. The deceased are: 
George, Otterbine, Alvina, Cora E., William and 
Florence. Mrs. Frazell and her son Bayard are 
carrying on the hotel in an admiraljle manner, 
keeping a (irst-class house in every respect. Mrs. 



Frazell is a very intelligent and refined lady, and 
highly respected in lier community. Bayard was 
the third child of his parents, and was born in 
Boone County, Iowa, Dec. 12, 1855. He was edu- 
cated in the common schools of Claj' County, Kan., 
and is a very capable anfl enterprising business 
man, holding a good position in his community, 
and contributing his quota in building up the 
reputation of the place. 

Robert A. Frazell, the father of James A. D., 
was a native of Onondaga C'ountj% N. Y., and 
born in 1800. In 1828 he removed to Columbus, 
Ohio, and thence, in 1851. to Iowa. He came 
to Kansas in 1860, locating in Linn County, and 
nine or ten years later removed to Clay County, 
where he died at the age of seventy-five years. He 
was a blacksmith b}' trade, .ind a steady-going, 
honest citizen, generally resiiected in his con'mu- 
nity. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and during the latter years of his life was 
a sound Republican. The Friizell family traces its 
ancestry to France. 

Mrs. Rebecca P. (West) Frazell, likewise a na- 
tive of tlie Empire State, was born Sept. 12, 1799. 
and was the daughter of Stephen West, a farmer 
by occupation, who spent his entiie life in New 
York State, and died at an advanced age. Of her 
union with Robert A. Frazell, there was born a 
family of six children, viz.: James A. D., Stephen, 
Mary, Sarah, Angeline P. and Frances M. There 
are only three living — Mar}', Angeline and Fran- 
ces M. Marv and Sarah were twins. 



,,... BNER C. KN'APP. The subject of this 
!SSmJ\\ sketch is one of the earl}' settlers of Pot- 




tawatomie County, and is a prominent 
^' farmer living on section 12, Shannon 

Township, where he owns a fine farm of 200 acres 
of choice land. He is now (1889) Treasurer of 
the township, and h.is served acceptably to his 
constituents and creditably to himself, and was 
the choice of his party for re-election. He is a 
"enial, warm-hearted man and very popular with all 
classes. 

Our subject was born in Warren County, Pa., 



392 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



July 17, 1828, and wlien two years old was taken 
to Boston, Erie Co., N. Y., and grew to maturity 
on his father's farm. He secured a good (jractical 
education in tlie common school, and |)ursued the 
occupation of fnrming. working with his fatlier 
till 1844, when he served an apprenticesliip to the 
trade of a millwright and joiner. After com])leting 
the required term of service at tlie trade, he fol- 
lowed it until 18G1, working at it during most 
of the time. 

September 19, 1857, Mr. Knnpp and Miss Polly 
A. Darhy were united in the bouds of matrimony 
a id took up housekeeping near Oshkosh, Wis., 
Oi the Fox River. Wiiile a resident of that 
place he followed his trade for two years, and then 
moved to Chicago, where he was engaged in the 
business of contracting and building. He was em- 
ph\ved on the old Custom-house and also on the 
old Post-olHce. He remained in that locality till 
1860, then moved to Rock Island County, Illinois, 
where he made his liome till 1862. In that year 
he enlisted in Company A, 93 Illinois Infantry. 
The regiment was sent to the Army of the Tennessee 
and our suljject was in the engagements at Ray- 
mond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Vicksburg, and 
many smaller skirmishes. While gallantly fighting 
in the action before Vicksburg, he was wounded 
in the foot and sent to Missouri, then to Quincy, 
111., where he was discharged in order to be pro- 
moted for distinguished braverj-, and was made 
First Lieutenant of Coinpan}- A, 29th United 
States Troops. He was with them through the Pe- 
tersburg find Ft. Harrison engagements, where he 
was wounded on July 30, 1864, and, not recover- 
ing sutflcienlly to again join his command, he re- 
signed, but not before he had been [iromoted to 
a captain's position for licroism in the field. His 
commission as Captain dates from August, 1864. 

Immediately upon receiving the welcome news 
that his resignation was accepted, he started for 
home and was delighted to find his family, consist- 
ing of his wife and five children, all in good health 
and eagerly awaiting his coming. He continued 
to reside in Illinois till the fall of 1870, when he 
removed to Kansas and located on his present place, 
taking up a homestead of 160 acres of unfilled 
land. His first act was to build a house for shel- 



ter, making it 12x18 feet and one story in height. 
In this small dwelling he lived till he was able to 
build a lietter and larger one. His second care was 
to break up the stiff sod and make it fit to plant a 
crop, and after turning up the few acres which he 
could do by himself, the boys being too young to 
help much, he worked at his trade to secure money 
to live while the sun and air w'ere preparing the 
upturned soil for the seed which would b3'-and-by 
j'iehl aricli harvest. From such a small beginning 
he h.as gone on year by year and developed the 
capabilities of his place, and by his own energy, 
assisted only by his own family, he has produced 
the present fine results which are to be seen in the 
large, tastefully designed and well built house 
which is the home of his family — the hedge, rock 
and wire fencing, large orchards, grove of shade 
trees, windmill, and all other improvements made 
b}' the most enterprising farmers. He is one of 
the substantial and highl3'-esteeinfid citizens of 
Shannon Township. He is a man of strict busi- 
ness integrity and thoroughly honorable in all his 
dealings; he is a member of the Westmoreland 
Post, No. 151, G.A.R., and also a member of the 
Congregational Church. 

Mrs. Knapp was .born in Erie County, N. Y., 
Jan. 30, 1830, to Nathan and Harriet (Beardsley) 
Darby, and was reared on her father's farm, where 
she received, in addition to the usual branches 
taught in the common school, a good practical 
education in all departments of domestic economy. 
She remained at home under the parental care 
until her marriage to Mr. Knapp removed her to a 
home of her own. Mr. and Mrs. Knnpp have had 
seven children to cement their union, of whom six 
survive to the present, named respectively : Seth 
L.; Cornelia E. is now the wife of William Ralph, 
and lives in Nebraska; Olive A. is the wife of A. 
Hopkins, and resides in Grove County. Kansas; 
Everett D.; Carrie, now Mrs. John S. Cox, of 
Rock Creek, Kansas; and George I., who is in Kan- 
sas City. Nathan Darby, the father of Mrs. Kiiapii, 
was born in Vermont, where he was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Harriet Beardsle\', and shortly after 
removed to Erie County, New York, being one of 
the first families to settle in that locality. They 
both remained there during the rest of their lives. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



303 



passiiig contentedly Away on the old homestead. 
Comfort Knapp, tlie father of Aliner C. Knapp, 
was a native of New Lebanon, Conn., and was 
married to Miss Naomi Chase. Tliey removed to 
Pennsylvania, where thej^ reared a family of 
eleven children, and in the latter years of their life 
removed to Erie, N. Y., where they passed from 
earth when old and full of d;iys. 



'^- — 'fe -^^ ^ 



\1/0IIN C. McKELVY In noting- the enter- 
prising agriculturists of B'jlvue Township, 
the list would by no means be complete 
without mention of the subject of this sketch. 
He came to Kansas in 1878, locating in Pottawato- 
mie Count}', and purchased 190 acres of land on 
section G, Belvue Township. Later he sold this 
property, and purchased eighty acres on section i, 
where he has since made his home. He also has 
some Wamego property. He is a stanch Democrat, 
politically, and for a number of years held the 
office of Township Treasurer, besides being otherwise 
prominent in local affairs. He keeps himself posted 
upon current events, and will at once be recognized 
as a man of more than ordinary intelligence. 

Tlie native place of Mv. McKelvy, was in Jeffer- 
son County, Ohio, and the date of his birth April 
26, 1839. His father, Crawford McKelvy, was 
born in Pennsylvania, in 1812. When a mere lad 
he went to Ohio with his parents, and from there, 
in 1864, emigrated to hidiana, where he engaged in 
farming, and died at the age of seventy-two years. 
He was a man respected in his community, and a 
member in good standing of the Presbyterian 
Church. The McKelv^s trace their anceslr\' to 
Scotland. 

The mother of Mr. McKelvy bore the name of 
Charity Vangilder. She was born near the city of 
Harrisburg, Pa., and is now living at Plj'mouth, 
Ind., having arrived at the advanced age of sev- 
enty-five years. Her father, Michael Vangilder, a 
native of New Jersey, was a farmer by occupation, 
and spent his last days in Ohio. He had the honor 
of being a soldier in the Revolutionary War. To 
Crawford McKelvy and his estimable wife there 
was burn a family of nine children — John, Mary E., 



William, Malinda A., Samuel, Jane, Mich.ael, Levi 
and Eli; the last two were twins. Four of these 
are living— two in Indiana, one in Ohio, and one in 
Kansas. William died in Missouri \'alley. Iowa, 
when a ])roraising young man of twenty-two years. 
Sojourning in Ohio during his boyhood and 
youth, John McKelvy, about 1868, wont to Marsh- 
all County, Ind., where he lived ten years, and then 
cast his lot with the people of Northern Kansas. 
In the meantime he was married in Ohio, May 26, 
1864, to Miss Mary Henry. This lady was born 
Jan, .SI, 1844, in Hancock County, Ohio, and died 
at her home in Indiana, Feb. 9. If^i:]. Of this 
union there were born four children — Jasper L.. 
Hiram R.. Jenettie, and Henrietta. Mr. McKelvy, 
on the 1st of April, 1875, contracted a seconil mar- 
riage with Miss Catherine E. Carrell. She was born 
in Indiana, M.ay 15, 1850, and is the daughter of 
Charles and Nancy Carrell, who were natives re- 
spectively of Virginia and Ohio. They removed 
to Indiana at an early day, where Mr. Carrell fol- 
lowed the tailor's trade, and died at the early age of 
fortj' years. Mrs. Carrell is still living, making 
her home in Wamego, this State. To Mr. and Mrs. 
McKelvy there have been born t,To children, a son, 
Ross, Dec. 11, 1875, and Francis Murphy, March 
25, 1878. The latter died .Sept. 29, 1878. 

LISHA F. MARKS, Justice of the Peace, 
Notary Public, and Postmaster of Garrison, 

' is also engaged in the real-estate, loan and 

insurance business, and is looked upon as one of 
the representative business men of .lis community. 
He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, May 18, 
1 852, and was reared upon a farm, attending the dis- 
trict school during the winter, and making himself 
useful around the homestead in tlie summer. When 
reaching his majority, he started for the farther 
West, paid a brief visii to Jlichigan. and then com- 
ing to Kansas, locating in Beattie, .Marshall County, 
and for a time was occupied as a clerk in a store. 
In 1883 he changed his residence to Potlawatomii' 
Count}', and was clerk in a store at Garrison until 
1886. That 3'ear he was appointed Postmaster, 
which office he has since held. Without making 



394 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



any great stir in the world, he is looked upon as a 
solid ami reliable citizen, intelligent and well-in- 
formed, and one whose opinions are generally re- 
spected. 

Tlie subject of this sketch is the son of Eli Marks, 
wiio was born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1817. 
He left the Dominion when quite young, removing 
to Ohio, and thence, in the fall of 1860 crossed the 
Mississippi into Missonri. AVe next find him in 
GrHnd3- County, III. where he sojourned until 
1885. That year he came to Kansas, locating in 
Marshall County, of whicli lie is still a resident. He 
is now wealth}', owning three large farms in Marsh- 
all County, and makes a specialty of fruit-growing. 
Politically, he is a sound Republican, and in re- 
ligious matters, a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. The paternal grandfather of our sub- 
ject was John Marks, likewise a native of Virginia, 
and a farmer by occupation. He served as a pri- 
vate in the "War of 1812, and later settled in Illi- 
nois, where he spent his last d.ays. 

Mrs. Mary (Irvin) Marks, the mother of our sub- 
ject, was born in Ohio, in 1825, and is still living. 
Her parents were Richard and Elizabeth Irvin. na- 
tives of Ohio, and the father a farmer bj- occupa- 
tion. To her and her husband there was born a 
family of ten children, viz: Elisha F., Benjamin F.. 
Olvin, Elizabeth A., Eliza J.. Levina, James P., 
Almira M., Charles M. and Irvin: ()lvin is de- 
ceased. 



^1^^ IRAM BRONSON. Many of the pioneer 
Wjk settlers of Jefferson Township are still per- 
•S^' mitted to sojourn within its borders. To 
(^) this township came Mr. Bronson as earl}- as 
1858, during the territorial days of Kansas, when 
this section of country was peopled mosth' bj- In- 
dians and wild animals. He was then a j'oung man 
of twenty years, having been born in 1839 in Lake 
County. 111. His parents were E. Allen and Elvira 
(Dewellyi Bronson, who were natives of Syra- 
cuse, N. Y. The paternal grandfatlier distinguislied 
himself as a soldier in the Revolutionary- War. The 
elder Bronson was a farmer by occupation and emi- 
grated from the Empire State to Illinois in 1835. 
He entered land from the Government from which 



he improved a farm, making his home until 1839 in 
Lake Countj-. Thence he removed to McHenrj' 
Count}-, wliere he proceeded as before, improving 
another farm and lived there until 1846. We next 
Snd him in Dodge Connty, Wis., where he again 
took up land and established a home which he oc- 
cupied a numlier of years. His next removal was 
to Washara Connty, that .State, where the family 
sojourned several years. They then retained to 
Lalve County, 111., where thej- lived until 1858. Not 
yet satisfied with their surroundings they pulled up 
once more and coming to Kansas Territory, located 
in Jefferson Township. The father seleeted a tract 
of land on section 33, where he erected buildings 
and tilled the soil, then removed to Circleville and 
died on the 8th of September, 1887. The mother 
had passed away prior to the decease of her hus- 
band, her death occurring Nov. 26, 1881; both 
were devoted members of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
Bronson. politic^illy. was an old-time Whig, a man 
of decided ideas, well informed, and took an active 
interest in politics. 

The Bronson family included ten children, the 
eldest of whom, a son. Horace, is farming in Jack- 
son County, this State; Hiram, our subject, was the 
second born: Dewelly is in the vicinity of Pendle- 
ton. Ore : Elizabeth married Mitchell Roark of 
Alma, and is now deceased; Elmira is tlie wife of 
George Cave of Jackson County; Emij}' is the 
wife of G. R. Sharp, the Postmaster of Circleville; 
Charles Franklin is farming in Oregon; Eliza is the 
wife of Ilenrj' Heathman of Jackson County; Ella. 
Mrs. Samuel Seagrist, died in Republic County. 
Nov. 25, 1889; Mary A., died in childhood. 

The subject of this sketch accompanied his 
father's family in their different removals, remain- 
ing under the parental roof until a man of thirty- 
five j-ears. He was then married, Nov. 22, 1874, 
to Miss Mary Hinton. Tliis lad}' was born in Atch- 
ison County, Kan.. Nov. 8, 1857, and is tlie daugh- 
ter of Zachariah Hinton, who was born in Kentucky 
and who emigrated to Kansas during its early set- 
tlement. He served as a Union soldier in the 13th 
Kansas Infantry during the late war and died in 
the army. The mother of jMrs. Bronson is also 
dead. 

After his marriage Mr, Bronson purchased eighty 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



395 



acres of land on section 9. Jefferson Townsliip and 
improved one of tlie finest farms within its limits. 
Ho lias a blooming famih' of children, all of whom 
are living and named respectively. Frank, Olive, 
Barton, Lydaaiid Corra. The maternal grandf.Tther 
of 'SIv. Bronson, Godfre_v Dewelly liy name, served 
in the War of 1812. He was of German ancestry, 
while the Bronsons trace their ancestiy to Scot- 
land. 

■ -J^feJ 

ELIJAH B. CLOWK, a pioneer of 'HS, is now 
numbered among the well-to-do farmers of 
' JacKson County, where he has a snug home- 
stead on section 14, in Jefferson Township. He 
was born in Loudoun County, Va., March 10, 1825, 
and was the son of Craven and Sarah (Beveridge) 
Clowe, who were both likewise natives of the Old 
Dominion. The paternal grandfather was horn in 
Scotland and spent iiis last years in ^'irginia. 
Craven Clowe was reared to farming pursuits, 
which he followed all his life. After his marriage 
he removeil to ^Muskingum County, Ohio, and im- 
proving a farm from the wilderness there spent the 
remainder of his days, passing away in September, 
1830. 

The mother of our subject in her widowhood 
was left with five children. The eldest born, John 
Thomas, served as a Union soldier in an Ohio regi- 
ment during the late war and is now farming in 
Knox Count}-, that Slate. Charles William is dead; 
Elijah B., our subject, was next in order of birth; 
Mary is the wife of John Williams of Hocking 
County, Ohio; Craven Webster served three years 
during the late war as Captain of Company C, 62il 
Ohio Infantry, and is now a resident of Hocking 
County, Ohio. The mother lived to be eighty- 
seven years old, and died in Hocking County, Ohio. 
She was an rctive member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, conscientiously devoted to her relig- 
ious duties. When her eldest son was a lad of 
twelve years she purchased a small farm in Mus- 
kingum County, Ohio, and with the assistance of 
her children built up a comfortable home. 

Mr. Clowe w.is reared to habits of industry and 
economy and being required to assist his mother in 
the maintenance of the family, enjoyed only verj' 



limited educational advantages. His studies were 
prosecuted in the subscription schools, about three 
months in the year. He lived with his mother un- 
til twenty years of age and then spent the follow- 
ing four years as a farm laborer. In 1850 he took 
unto himself a wife and helpmate. Miss Elizabeth 
Whitcraft, a native of Ohio, whose father. George 
Whitcraft, was also born in that State and was of 
Irish parentage. Immediately after marriage the 
young couple established themselves on a rented 
farm in Fairfield County, Ohio, and Mr. Clowe car- 
ried on farming thus for three j-ears. He then pur- 
chased Land in Hocking County, Ohio, and lived 
there until 1868. That year he came to Kansas and 
has since been a resident of Jackson County. Here 
also he farmed on rented land several years, when 
he purchased the forty-three acres which he now 
owns .and occupies. 

Six children now living have been born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Clowe, the eldest of whom, a son, George 
C, sojourns in the farther West. Saraii E., is the 
wife of Edward Bateman of .Jackson Count}'; John 
Warren and Francis M. are farming in Pottawato- - 
raie County; Mary Matilda is the wife of George 
Kerr of Jefferson Township; Thomas E. remains 
at home with his parents. Moses Alva is deceased, 
having died at the age of four years; he was the 
third child. Mr. and Mrs. Clowe, are members in 
good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in which Mr. Clowe officiates as Class Leader and to 
whicli he conlrdiutes a liberal support. 

Mr. Clowe, politically, is a Republic-in, and is 
an earnest adherent of that jiarty. During the 
progress of the Civil War he enlisted for 100 d.ays, 
having the rank of Lieutenant and afterward served 
twelve months in the 151st Ohio National Guards. 
but with the exception of being in several skir- 
mishes, was assigned chieQv to guard duty. 

\Jl^ ERMANN F. HARTWICH. Though still 
a young man, this gentleman is one of the 
^-^ old residents of Pottawatomie Count}-, to 
(^) w-hicii he came with his parents in tiie sum- 
mer of 1857. He is a practical and successful far- 
mer and stock-raiser, and his line estate which is 



396 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



located on sections 7, 28, 32, 33, 31, Mill Creek 
Township, comprises 880 acres of well watered 
land, excellentl3- adapted for the purposes to which 
it is devoted. It is supplied with a fine stone resi- 
dence and other fine buildings and is well stocked, 
and being: under the management of an energetic 
and intelligent owner, is the source of a comfort- 
able income. 

Mr. Hartwich is a native of Prussia and was 
born about twent3--five miles from Berlin, April 
19,1854. He was about two j'ears old when his 
parents came to America, their voyage across the 
Atlantic being made on a sailing vessel. They at 
once settled near Monroe, Wis., where they re- 
mained until .Jul}', 1857, when they came to this ^ 
State, traveling over the unbroken country where ' 
Indian trails were the only by-ways, the father's 
earthly possessions consisting of §150 in Tnoney, 
two ox-teams, two cows and a small store of house- 
hold goods which their wagon contained. As a 
family the members of the little party have suc- 
ceeded in acquiring a good share of this world's 
(roods, and all now own good farms and fine homes. 
(A fuller history of the family will be found in 
the biography of Frederick Hartwich.) 

Our subject, though quite 3'Oung when he came 
to this county, can well remember the hard times of 
1860, as well as those fourteen years later, when 
the people had to appeal to their sister States and 
to the National Government for aid owing to the 
total failure of their own crops: and manj' scenes 
of frontier life can be related bj- him in a manner ' 
at once entertaining and instructive. Mr. Hart- 
wich remained under the parental roof until he 
had reached man's estate, and a short time previ- 
ous to his majority he purchased a part of the land j 
on which he now lives. He afterward added to 
the acreage and took possession of the farm where 
with wife and children he spends many happj' 
hours. 

The lady whose management and tact makes a 
home of what would otherwise be only a stopjiing 
place, bore the maiden name of Hanna Buchholz, 
and the rites of wedlock were celebrated between 
herself and Mr. Hartwich in this township IJce. 
4, 1876. She was born in Prussia in 1856, and 
was less than ten years old when she came with her 



parents to the United States and to this township, 
where they purchased land upon which they are 
still residing. The parents. Christian and Johannah 
Buchholz, are now quite well-to-do, although like 
many other residents of this county, thej- were 
[)oor when they arrived. Mr. and Mrs. Hartwich 
are the parents of seven children. Edgar and Emma 
were taken from them when quite young; the living 
are. Otto, Albert, Matilda, .John and Martha, who 
form an interesting group around the hearthstone. 
Mr. Hartwich is a supporter of the Repui)lican 
Ijarty. He has held the office of County Commis- 
sioner three j'ears, discharging his public duties 
with the same intelligence and good judgment that 
he exhibits in the conduct of his private affairs. 
He and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church, in 
which Mr. Hartwich is a Trustee. 

—5 #3-«# S— 



VEV. JOEL W. SIMIvINS. More th.an eight 
*r }-ears have elapsed since this gentleman 
'J^ \Vi reached the age wliich is considered the al- 

^^ lolled period of the life of man, and now 
although time has silvered his hair and bowed his 
once erect form, he is hale and hearty, in the en- 
jo3'raent of all the faculties of mind and body. 
By his side for many 3'ears, through trouble or re- 
joicing, has walked his faithful wife, a veritable 
"mother in Israel." Her life has been devoted to 
the interests of her famil}-, and she has just reason 
to be proud of her children, for they are now 
wortliy members of society, and occupy prominent 
positions wherever their lots are cast. 

The golden wedding of this excellent couple 
was appropriately- celebrated Oct. 28, 1880, in 
Pottawatomie Count3',when nearl3' the entire family 
gathered under the parental roof, and with gifts 
and kind words made the da3' a never-to-be for- 
gotten one in the memories of the happ3' bride 
and groom. Mr. Simkins has been a member of 
the Christian Church since the 3'ear 1829, while 
his wife dates her membership from 1832. During 
this long period their lives have been an exemplifi- 
cation of their religious belief, and have been 
characterized b3' purity of speech and conduct. He 
is not only a man of positive convictions, but also 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



.■51); 



has the courage to stand by these opinions, and 
battle foi- what he considers the riglit, even though 
he gains it through hardships incredible. He has 
been a minister of the Gospel since 1854, .and in 
his younger da3S was very eloquent and forcible 
in his arguments. He is eminently fitted for the 
duties of a preacher both by life and native abilitj-, 
but of later years, his strength has been unequal to 
the task of continued efforts, so he ofliciates only 
occasionally. He has served as Clerk, Deacon and 
Elder in the church. 

Politicall}-, ]Mr. Simkins was originally a Whig, 
afterward a Republican, and finall}' a Prohibitionist. 
He is a strong advocate of temperance and has 
been a total abstainer for over sixty years. He has 
also the proud satisfaction of knowing that his 
sous anil sons-in-law are men of temperate habits 
and are, like himself, abstainers. As a natural 
consequence, they hold positions of responsibility 
and honor. Our subject was connected with the 
Jlasonic order in Ohio, also belonged to the Order 
of Sons of Temperance under three rituals. • He 
has held the office of Count3- Assessor in Potta- 
watomie County for two years, also was County 
Commissioner for two years, and Justice of the 
Peace for seven years. 

The father of ^Ir. Simkins was Daniel Simkins, 
a native of New Jersey, and b3- trade a miller and 
cooper, though in later life, he became a farmer. 
He married Jane West, a native of Pennsylvania, 
and the daughter of Thomas West, who left his 
native country, England, and came to the United 
States during the Revolutionary War. In this con- 
flict he participated, taking part with the Colonists, 
and receiving injuries from the effect of which he 
died years afterward, about 1823, The union of 
Daniel Simkins and Jane West in the bonds of wed- 
lock was celebrated in the Ke3-stone State in 1806. 
Ten years later they left Penns^dvania, and located 
in Ohio, where for five years thej* sojourned in 
Columbiana Count}'. Thence they removed to a 
farm three miles ^yest, and there made a permanent 
home. She died in March, 1840, while he survived 
her about eight years. 

At the time of his marriage with .lane West, Mr, 
Simkins was a widower with five children, and by 
this second marriage he became the father of thir- 



teen children, of whom our subject was the third 
in order of birth. Of the thirteen members of this 
family, only three survive, namely: Joel W., our 
subject; Allan G. who lives in Iowa; West, a resi- 
dent of tlie Buckeye State. He of whom we write 
was born Nov. 29, 1811, in Fayette County, Pa,, 
and accompanied his parents in their removal to 
Ohio, when he was five years old. He received a 
common-school education, but at the age of sixteen 
years, began to work on his own account. There- 
after he was independent. He learned the trade of 
saddlery and harness-making, and worked at it for 
six j^ears. 

Mention has already been made of the wife of 
Mr, Simkins, with whom he was united in marriage 
when nineteen years ohl. Her maiden name was 
Prudence Blackburn, and she was born in Ohio 
on the 7th of M.ay, 1812, Her parents were 
Samuel and Margaret (Kountz) Blackburn, natives 
respectively of ^Maryland and Pennsylvania. Mr. 
Blackburn followed the trade of a blacksmith, and 
served in the war of 1812. He moved in 1824 to 
Columbiana County, Ohio, having lived in other 
counties of that State since 1811. He and his wife 
had a family of eight children, of whom Mrs, 
Simkins was the third. Both Mr. Blackburn and 
his wife lived to a good old age, he dying in 1855, 
at the age of threescore and ten ^-ears. she in 1 873 
when eighty -seven j-ears old. 

After his marriage in 1830, in Columbiana 
County, Ohio, our subject learned the trade of 
brick-laying, and also prepared himself for the pro- 
fession of a teacher. In the former occupation he 
wa.s engaged for twentj' years, and in the latter, 
fifteen years. In 1854 he removed to Cincinnati, 
Ohio, but eight 3'ears later, in 18()2, came to Kansas, 
locating on a farm just east of St. George. He 
was actively eng.aged in farming from that time un- 
til 1880. He taught school in Pottawatomie 
Count}- for seven successive winters. In the fall of 
1880, October 29, he moved to St. George and has 
since resided in this village. Of all the citizens 
of Pottawatomie Count3^ none are more highl}- re- 
spected than this worthy couple, and few are better 
known. 

Of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Simkins. five are now living, and of them their 



398 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



parents are justly proud. The eldest, Fisher A., 
was born July 23. 1832, and married Elizabeth 
Taylor, by wiiom he h.as four cliildren. He held a 
clerkship in the Treasury Department at Washing- 
ton from 1861 to 1880, but is now a resident of 
New York Citj-, and is connected witli the " Mail 
and Exprpss," a paper published in that city. 
Margaret Jane married Nathan Armstrong, and be- 
came the mother of two children. She died June 
26, 1881. Fanuie is the wife of Scott H. Carson 
and resides in Cincinnati, Oliio. The3' have three 
children. Mr. Carson is in business witli the Cin- 
cinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Railroad. Eliza- 
beth Ann, the wife of Cliarles A. Tinker,' lives in 
New York City, and lias a famil}' of three children. 
Her iiusband is General Superintendent of the West- 
ern Union Telegraph Company. ISLaria Louisa mar- 
ried A. V. Johnson, who is a farmer near Olsburg. 
They have four children. Emma Luella became 
the wife of R. F. Hartwell and lives in Meriden, 
Jefferson Co., K;tn. Tliey have one child. Mr. 
Hartwell is in the saddle and harness business. 

It has been said that •• a man in real earnest is a 
power to be respected." Tlie life of tliis veteran 
soldier in the warfare of life is characterized by 
sclf-sacriScing devotion to his family, his countr}-, 
and al)ove all, to liis Maker. Self-praise or self- 
laudation is entirely foreign to his nature. Of con- 
vincing logic, clear-headed, and kind-liearted. lie 
has been a tireless worlier, and now, in tiie evening 
of his days, when he is nearing that other home, 
whose beauty cannot be told, he looks back upon a 
life, which, althougli not free from mistakes, has 
been guided, nevertheless, by love toward mankind 
and humanity at large. 



*" * Ye * ^' B ' ' S * »)" ' "" 



yfelLLIAM E BROWN is junior member of 
/ the firm of Hedge i Brown, hardware 
dealers in Whiting, Jackson County, and 
is one of the best business men among the younger 
citizens of the communitj'. The firm is now carry- 
ing as large a stock as any similar institution in the 
county, having three floors entirely devoted to 
tiieir use, and conducting the establishment in a 
manner which indicates their keen observation and 



intelligent perception of business details and the 
needs of the community. In addition to their 
store and stock they own a quarter section of land 
on which they feed about 100 head of cattle, and 
they also ship grain in considerable quantities. 
They also have $600 worth of stock in the Maple 
Grove Creamerj- Company located at Whiting. 

Mr. Brown was born in Susquehanna County, Pa., 
Jul)' 11, 1856. In his earl}^ boyhood his parents 
removed to the vicinity of Bingliampton, N. Y., 
where he received a good common-school educa- 
tion and whence at the age of fifteen he accom- 
panied his psrents to Kansas. His father settled 
six miles north of Whiting, in Brown Count3\ 
where our subject lived for eight years, in tlie 
meantime attending the Nortiieastern Normal 
School. In 1879, in partnership with Mr. Hedge, 
the store was opened witli a stock of hardware and 
and agricultural implements, buggies, etc., and 
their present prosperity lias resulted from their 
fine business qualities and honorable dealing. 

He of whom we write is the oldest son of M. 
Brown, who now resides in tliis vill.age and iiolds 
the office of Township Trustee. Tlie fatlier was 
born in County Tipperary, Iieland. and came to 
America when nine jears old with his parents, 
Michael and Elizabeth Brown. Tlie grandparents 
spent the remainder of their lives in Montrose, 
Susquehanna Co., Pa. Mr. Brown afterward lived 
in Bingliampton, N. Y.. where he married Miss 
Catherine Planning, and with his family, which 
then consisted of a wife and nine children, he came 
to Whiting, March 5, 1.S71. He located in Brown 
County, with his trading point in this place, where 
a few years since he took up his abode. Mrs. 
Brown died at the age of fifty-four and her body, 
reposes in the Wheatland Cemeteiy near their old 
home in Brown County. She was a member of 
the Presbyterian Cliurch. She was a kind mother 
and consistent Christian, and is held in fond re- 
membrance by her loving children and bereaved 
Iiusband. She was always greati)- interested in ed- 
ucational matters and succeeded in giving each of 
her surviving children an excellent education. 

W. E. Brown was united in marriage Oct. 17. 
1885, with Miss M.attie, daughter of R. M. Gilmore 
of Lewistown. Pa. The bride was born in Mifflin 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



390 



County, and is an educated and refined woman, 
having nian^' friends in the community. She is a 
member of ttie Rebecca Lodge and of the Presby- 
terian Church. To herself and husband two chil- 
dren have been born, Walter and Bernice E. jMr. 
Brown is a member of the I. O. O. F. in all its bran- 
ches — the Subordinate, the Camp and the Rebecca, 
and was a charter member of each. He has passed 
through the chairs in each branch and is a member 
of the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment, hav- 
ing been elected a representative to the latter and 
having attended a session at Topeka, Kan., this 
year (188;)). In politics he is a Democrat and has, 
run on the ticket of his i)arty for Count)- Clerk, 
the nomination being a decided honor for so j'oung 
a man. He has been Township Clerk and in 
everj' department of life is exhibiting the manly 
character which deserves and wins respect and 
friendship. 

_._ .^3^ ^ 



^ IKILLIAJI O'SHEA, of Clear Creek Town- 
\\\A// ship, Pottawatomie Count}-, came to Kan- 
's^ sas in September, 1878, as a member of the 
St. Louis Colony, and became a settler of tiiat 
countj'. He purchased the southwest quarter of 
section ;j, Clear Creek Township, and settled upon 
it, where he has since remained. He commenced 
at the foot of the ladder, and has slowly butsiirely 
climbed up to a good position, socially and finan- 
cially. He invested a part of his surplus capital in 
additional land, purchasing the northeast quarter 
of the same section, eighty acres of which he has 
brought to a good state of cultivation, and the re- 
mainder is devoted to hay and p.asture. He is 
largely interested in live"stock, having numbers of 
cattle, horses and swine, making a specialty of the 
latter. He has always put his own shoulder to the 
wheel, and to this day, works "like a Turk" — is in 
fact a genuine '-hustler." 

A native of County Tipperary, Ireland, famous 
in song and story, Mr. O'Shea first saw the light 
many years ago, but in 18.^4, while still a lad, 
crossed the Atlantic and took up his abode in the 
State of Connecticut. Three years later he sailed 
for Australia, visiting Melbourne and New Zea- 



land, and remained in that part of the world for a 
period of twelve years, principally engaged in 
mining. There, it is hardly necessary to say, he 
met a cosmopolitan population, and was always 
ready for every emergency, lie led the variegated 
life of the miner, digging and starving, finding and 
feasting, and joining in theoccasion.al frays against 
the natives. 

Finally, in 1869, Mr. O'Shea returned to his na- 
tive Ireland, and was married on the 28th of Oc- 
tober to Miss Mary Ann Lonergan, of County 
Tipperary. This maiden was one of his playmates 
when he was a boy, and he returned to her after 
wandering over the world fifteen years. Thev 
soon sailed for the United States, Mr. O'Shea set- 
tling again in Connecticut, but subsequently going 
to St. Louis, Mo., and from there, in 1878, besought 
the State of Kansas. 

To Mr. and Mrs. O'Shea there have been born nine 
children: Mary R., Katie, Agnes, William. Richard, 
Lucy, James. Cora and Dw3-er. 3Irs. O'Shea is an 
intelligent and well-educated lady, and is ofheiat- 
ing as Clerk of the School Board of her district. 
She has been a most etlieient helpmate to her hus- 
band and has assisted him in the accnnuilation of his 
property. Mr. O'Shea w.as born and reared in the 
doctrines of the Catholic Church, to which he still 
loyally adheres, and in politics, is a Democrat. 

Patrick O'Shea, the father of our subject, mar- 
ried Catherine Roach, a maiden of his own county 
of Tipperary, and set out for America in advance 
of his faraih-. but did not live to reach his destina- 
tion, dying and being buried in mid-ocean. The 
mother spent her entire life in her native county, 
dying in 1882. at a ripe old age. 



JOHN C. LATTA. Among the sons of the 
Keystone .State, who at an earlj- date cast 
their lot with the ])eople of Northern Kan- 
sas, came Mr. Latta, who is looked upon as 
one of the most worthy citizens of Franklin Town- 
ship. He first opened his eyes to the light in 
Westmoreland County, Pa., .June 10. 1840, and 
grew to manhood on his father's farm, attending 



400 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the district school, and making himself generally- 
useful about the homestead. He lived in Penn- 
sylvariia until November, 1879, in the meantime 
having been married, and then started v ith his 
wife and family to the far West. Coming to Kan- 
sas, he established liimself in .lackson County, and 
the following spring settled on section 12 of Frank- 
lin Township, of which he has since been a resi- 
dent. He learned the art of farming during his 
e.irlv manhood, and has followed this vocation 
thus far in life. He owns and oper.ates 121 acres 
of good land on section 12. On the 3d of Dec- 
ember, 1882. his house and nearly all its contents 
were destroj-ed by fire, but he soon rebuilt. 

Mr. Latta, at Die age of twenty-four years, was 
married in his native count}', Oct. 13, 1864, to 
Miss Susan C. Bair, \vho is likewise a native of 
Westmoreland County, and born July 11, 1843. 
The houseliold circle was completed by the birth 
of nine children, viz.: Herbert C, Thomas C, 
John C Morris C, Alexander C, Raymond C, 
Edgar C, Luella C. and Anna C. Mr. Latta upon 
becoming a voting citizen identified himself with 
the Democratic party, of whose principles he is a 
stanch supporter. Mrs. Latta is prominently con- 
nected with the Presbyterian Church, and Jlr. 
Latta being now a member contributes bis full 
quota to its support. His religion is to follow the 
precepts of the Golden Rule, and judging from the 
manner in which he is spoken of by his neighbors, 
it is safe to say that he is one of those endeavoring 
to do unto his neighbor as he would be done by. 
Mrs. Latta is a lady higldy esteerced in her com- 
munity, being a devoted wife and mother, and a 
kind and hospitable neighbor. 

The parents of our subject were Thomas and 
Sarah (Kilgore) Latla, likewise natives of West- 
moreland County. Pa., where they were reared, 
married and died. The mother departed this life 
when a comparatively young woman, in 1853. 
Mr. Latta survived his wife a period of twelve 
years, dying in 186'). Mrs. Latta is the daughter 
of Jonathan and Harriet (Brinker) Bair, who were 
also natives of AVestmoreland County, Pa., where 
they spent the greater |iart of their lives, and 
where the fatlier died in February, 1859; the 
mother is still living, making her home in West- 



moreland County, Pa. There were born to them 
ten children, of whom Mrs. Latta was the fourth. 
!:he spent her girlhood da3's under the home roof, 
remaining with her parents until her marriage. 



•i- 



#-# 



-5- 



l ACKSON & GRAHAM, editors of the St. 
Mar3's .Stor, representing the principles of 
Democratic party in and around St Mary's, 
'^^J are young men of enterprise and energj' 
who are starting prosperously in life's career, and 
have ever}' prospect of attaining success in worldly 
affairs, while at the same time they are prominent 
in social and religious circles of Pottawatomie 
County. 

The senior member of the firm is Perry L. Jack- 
son, a native of Louisville, Pottawatomie Count}', 
and burn .Sept. 18, 1867. His parents were Paris 
M.andSabina (Lebow) Jackson,natives respectively 
of Missouri and Kansas and at this writing re- 
siding in Laclede, this county. Attending the 
common schools of his district, our subject was 
early initiated into the pursuit of knowledge as 
well as into the practical work of a farm. He fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits until March, 1889, 
when he became associated with Mr. Graham and 
purcliased the .St. Mary's Star, which they now 
publish. The paper is a five-column quarto, and is 
devoted to the interests of the Democratic party. 

Clinton W. Graham is tlie junior partner in the 
firm of .Tackson & Graham, and is the able assist- 
ant of his partner in all the labor connected with 
the office. His parents were James and Azzie 
(Jackson) (Traliani. natives of Ireland and Missouri. 
Our subject was born in Louisville, Pottawatomie 
County, Jan. 11, 1868, and received his education 
at the schools of Louisville and at St. Mary's Col- 
lege in -St. Mary's. His father was the editor and 
publisher of a paper at St. Mary's, and thus at a 
very early age 'Sir. Graham became initiated into 
the duties incum1)ent upon a practical printer, as 
well as the responsibilities connected with editorial 
duties. When less than twenty years of age he 
commenced to devote his entire time to the trade 
in which he became proficient. Later he worked 
in an office at Leavenworth, also at Atchison and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



401 



St. Joseph, and tluis learned the business in all of 
its details. After thus thoroughly preparing him- 
self for active work in a printing office, Mr. Graham 
became associated with Mr. Jackson, and they suc- 
ceeded the former editor of the Star, James Gra- 
ham. They are regarded as men of 'influence, 
especially among the young men of the community, 
and are possessed of such energy and perseverance 
as will surely bring in the end their own reward. 




-^iNDHEW SCHWARTZ. This gentleman 
((^&J| is the owner and occupant of a valuable 
It estate in Mill Creek Township, Pottawa- 
»;-jj, toniie Count}', the same comprising the 

east half of section IG, which has been iiis home 
since the spring of 18GU. The place was new and 
unbroken when he came to the county, and by the 
unbounded energy of its owner has lieen brought 
to a tine condition of productiveness and improve- 
ment, and is now a iiome of which any man may 
justly be proud. It is well watered bj' French 
Creek, and is su|iplied with all needed conveniences 
for the carrying on of the work in which its owner 
is engaged. 

Mr. Schvvartz is a native of Wiii-temburg. Ger- 
many, and his natal day was July 14, 1831. He 
was brought up to the trade of a baker, which his 
father and grandfather followed before him. When 
eighteen years old he set out alone for the United 
Slates, taking pass.age at Antwerj) on the sailing 
vessel " The Lady Isabella,'* and after a somewhat 
stormy voyage of twenty-eight days, landed in 
New York City. Nov. 4, 1848. He soon afterward 
went to Cass County, III., and there followed his 
trade for several j-ears. He next spent some time 
in Otoe Count}-, Neb., being quite poor when he 
went there and making his start in life in that 
county and State. He claims that his success is 
due in a great measure to the confidence of men 
who assisted him in times of need, while he in re- 
turn would do them a favor. After a few years in 
Nebraska. Mi'. Schwartz moved to Holt County, 
Mo., where he lived on a farm for five years. He 
owned eighty acres in that count}', whence he came 
to his present place of residence, and the hard 



work and persevering energy of those earlier years 
were repeated in this State until success crowned 
his efforts and his home became the comfortable 
and valuable estate which it is to-day. 

The father of our subject was .Melchor Schwartz, 
who followed his trade in Wurtemburg, his native 
Kingdom, until 18,57, when he came to tiie United 
States and afterward sojourned with his son, our 
subject, in Missouri and Kansas, for fourteen years. 
He then lived with his oldest daughter, Mrs. Cath- 
erine Hann, in Mason County, III., where he died 
Oct. 13, 1887. He was born Nov. 29, 1803, 
and from boyhood was a hardworking and in- 
dustrious man. Before he left Germany he had 
lost bis property and he was assisted to this country 
by his son. The mother of our subject w.as born 
in Wurtemburg in 1798, and her death occurred 
there Jan. 7, 1853. Her maiden name was Chris- 
tina Bauer, and she was a lifelong member of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church. Of the family, 
which was quite a large one, two sisters and our 
subject are all who now survive, and they with 
their father came to the United States. The pater- 
nal grandfather of our subject also bore the name 
of Andrew, and his whole life was spent in Wurt- 
emburg, where he died when past middle age. All 
of the old stock belonged to the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church. 

In Cass County, 111., in 1856, Mr. Schwartz cele- 
brated his marriage with Miss Dora Seyfer, who 
was born in Wurtemliurg, Feb. 15, 1836. She 
came to the United .States with her parents — 
Frederick and Fredcrica (Dephu) Seyfer — landing 
in New York City in August, 1848, and going at 
once to Beardstown, 111. Three months later the 
mother died in the prime of life, and the father 
lived with his cliildren until his death which took 
place in Holt County, Mo., in 1880. when he wa.s 
eighty-nine years old. He and his wife belonged to 
the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Schwartz remained 
with her father until her marriage, acquiring many 
housewifely qualities and gracrs. To herself and 
husband eleven children have been- born. Dora is 
the wifeof Wesley Gurtler; (see biograjih}.) Henry 
has been twice married, his second wife being Miss 
Mattie Day, and their home in Onago, where he is 
engaged vvilh (Jurtler Bros.; Philip married Miss 



402 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




Mary Moll and tlieir home is on a farm in this 
township; George W., Edward, John, Frank, Anna. 
Emma, and Lydia are yet at home. The parents 
have been called upon to part with one daughter. 
Caroline, formerly the wife of Daniel Honstead, 
who is now living in Clay County. 

Mr. Schwartz was formerly a Douglas Democrat 
and had the pleasure of hearing that statesman and 
Abraham Lincoln debate. lie is now a sound Re- 
publican. He and his wife belong to the Evangeli- 
cal Association and are highly esteemed citizens in 
the section in which thev have made their home. 



JV;ILL1AM A. MARSHALL. This name is 
familiar to most of the residents of 
Straigiit Creek Township as belonging to 
one of its representative citizens. He makes a 
science of farming, his operations l)eing carried on 
in that systematic manner tliat seldom fails of suc- 
cess. He owns 405 broad acres of fertile land, 
which, under his careful management, has become 
the source of a handsome income. His surround- 
ings are those of a man enterprising and industrious, 
more than ordinarily intelligent, and one who is in 
all respects a leading member of his communitj-. 

The offspring of an excellent old family, the 
subject of this sketch was born in Fayette Count}'. 
Pa., March 27. 1832, but when fourteen months 
old was taken by his parents to Wood County, 
W. Va., where they sojourned five years. Next they 
sought the prairies of Illinois, locating in Newton 
Township, Whiteside County, of which they were 
residents three years. From there they removed 
to Rock Island County, locating on a farm in Canoe 
Creek Township, where they spent their last days. 
William A. lived in Rock Island County. HI., until 
coming to Kansas, in November, 1873, settling in 
Straight Creek Township, Jackson County, where 
he has since lived. Mr. Marshall was accompanied 
to the Sunflower State by his wife and two children, 
having been married, in Morrison, 111., April .5, 
1860, to Miss Rachel E. Miller. This region of 
country, sixteen years ago, was thinly settled, and 
Mr. Marshall fommenced at first principles in the 
building up of a homestead. He endured the 



usu.al difficulties of life in a comparatively new 
settlement, but being largely possessed of the qual- 
ities of industry and perseverance, labored on from 
year to 3'ear until he found himself upon solid 
footing. In addition to bringing his land to a good 
state of cultivation, he has erected good buildings 
and availed himself of improved machinery in the 
cultivation of the soil. Stock-raising enters largely 
into his operations. 

There have been born to Mr. Marshall and iiis es- 
timable wife three children, only one of whom is liv- 
ing, a daughter, Edith J., who is the wife of Alonzo 
A. Stokes, of Spring Creek Township, and the mother 
of one child, a son, Fred. W. Their eldest born, 
Samuel M., died in infancy ; Frederick L.. a prom- 
ising .young man of twenty-one years, went to 
California for his health, and died in San Bernardino 
County, Jan 26, 1884. 

Mr. ^Marshall, while a resident of Rock Island 
County, 111., held about all tiie offices witliin the 
gift of his township, from Supervisor down. In 
Jackson County, Kan., he came wiliiin five votes of 
being elected Commissioner. He has for the last 
three terms been a Trustee of Straight Creek 
Township. Mrs. Marshall, a very estimable lady 
is a member in good standing of the Presliyteriau' 
Church. 

The parents of our subject were Josiah H. and 
Jane (ll(iuston) Marshall, both natives of Pennsyl. 
vania, the father born in Huntingdon Count)-, and 
the mother in F,ayette County. Thej- had a family 
of twelve children, William A, being among the 
younger members. Isaiah II. Marshall served as a 
soldier in the War of 1812, being a member of 
Capt. Canon's company, which was raised in Fay- 
ette Count}', Pa. He enlisted when a youth of 
nineteen years, and was promoted to the rank of 
First Lieutenant. At the battle of Blue Rock, the 
Captain being shot, he was promoted to tlie 
Colonelcy of the regiment on account of eflicient 
service in the field. Prior to entering the army lie 
had commenced the study of law, and after the war 
closed he pursued his studies until being admitted 
to the bar. He practiced afterward in Virginiai 
Penns3ivania. Indiana and Illinois. Soon after 
coming to the Prairie State, however, he abandoned 
his profession and turned his attention to farming. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



403 



He was a prominent man in bis community, and 
was chosen tlie first Supervisor of Canoe Creek 
Township, Rock Island County. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was John 
Marshall, a native of Count3' Tyrone, Ireland, and 
quite an extensive land owner, even before coming 
to America. He immigrated hither when a youth 
of nineteen years, in time to enlist on the side of 
the Colonists in the Revolutionar}' War. serving to 
its close in a Pennsylvania regiment, and being pro- 
moted to be Captain. When the conflict had ended 
he purchased real estate in Huntingdon and vicin- 
ity, where he spent the remainder of his life. In 
bis youtii he was bound out to a physician by the 
name of Stewart, and became interested in the 
study of medicine. Dr. Stewart came to America, 
and young Marshall followed him soon afterward_ 
He was a man of more than ordinary qualifications 
and occupied a high position, belonging, in com- 
pany with other revolutionary oflicers, to the fa- 
mous "Cincinnatus Society." He died in his prime 
at tiie age of forty-thiee 3'ears, at the residence of 
his son Isaiah, in Huntingdon, Pa. 

Jlrs. Marshall is the daughter of Samuel and 
Rachel (Thompson) Miller, who vverc both natives 
of Pennsylvania, and wiio sijent tiieir last years in 
Newton Township, Whiteside Co.. 111., to which 
they removed about 18.S1). She was boin in Cum- 
berland County, Pa., March I'J, 1837, and was 
about two years old when her parents left the 
Keystone State. She was reared to womanhood in 
Illinois, and there made the acquaintance of her 
future husband. The}' have traveled together for 
over twenty-nine years, and been of mutual assist- 
ance on the journey of life. Now. sitting under 
their own vine and fig tree, they have reason to be 
fairly well satisfied in the position where they have 
placed themselves in their efforts to live worthily 
and do good as they have had oi)portunity. 



UILLIAM F.DIXON, of Netawaka Township 
Jackson County, has been engaged in farm- 
W^S ing and fruit-growing all his life, and finds 
both pleasure and profit therein, his especial delight 
being in horticulture. He is a great advocate of 



fruit as a diet and adduces his own freedom from 
illness for a period of forty four years, during which 
he has eaten much fruit, as a proof of his right 
judgment. His large orchard and nursery are an 
attractive feature in the landscape, and the guests 
under the hospitable roof of the home find the deli- 
cate flavor of the fruits -pleasant to the taste," six 
months in the year as they are brought fresh from 
the parent stem. 

This count}' became the home of Mr. Dixon in 
1880, and for six years prior to that date he had 
been a dweller in Sedgwick County, whence he had 
moved from Brown County, where he had maile 
his abiding iilace for four years and to which lie 
had come from his place of nativity. This was 
Brown County. Ohio, where he had lived till 1871, 
obtaining a good education in the common and 
High schools and beginning his work .as a horticul- 
turist. On coming to this township Mr. Dixon 
bought 120 acres of land, of which he subsequently 
sold forty acres, placing the residue under good 
cultivation and setting out a vast number of trees. 
There are over 400 apple trees, 300 apricots, 500 
plums, 400 pe.aches, and about twenty acres of 
small fruits, including three acres each of straw- 
berries and blackberries, and eight acres of rasp- 
berries. The peaches raised by Mr. Dixon are of a 
fine variety and sell for as high as §2 per bushel. 
He raises them every year, cutting the roots on one 
side of the trees in the fall and bending them to 
the ground, where the}' are covered with straw, 
stalks and manure. About the 1st of May the cov- 
ering is removed and the trees restored to the per- 
pendicular, and thej' never fail to requite this care 
by a bountiful yield. The nursery of our sul)ject 
contains about 4,000 apple, 1,500 Mariana plums, 
and 1,000 cherry trees, together with ..000 stands of 
grapes. 

Mr. Dixon and his wife are the parents of seven 
children, one having been removed from them by 
death in its infancy. Frank, a }'<)ung man at home, 
took a business course at the ilolton University, 
but devotes his attention to fruit-growing, being 
quite successful and taking great pride in his work. 
Cora A. was educated first in the common schools 
an<l completed her stmlies at the Normal School in 
Holton. and adopted the professicm of teaching. 



404 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



\'ii'oil is at liome and has adopted farming as his 
occupation iu life. Eva L., a young miss at home, 
Bessie, and Florence May, complete the family 
circle. 

Mr. Dixon is a believer in and a supporter of 
the principles of the Republican party. Mrs. Dixon 
and the two eldest children belong to the Congre- 
gational Church. The entire family stand well in 
the opinion of their neighbors and fellow-citizens 
on account of their worth as individuals and as 
residents of the county. 



■'o*o-(^y^<^^-o*o.- 



-^r*^" 



y WILLIAM C. McKEEVER. In noting the 
'/ career of the solid citizens of Liberty 
W^J Township, Jackson County, the name of 
Mr. McKeever can by no means be properly left 
out of the category. He is a tlioroughaud skillful 
farmer, enterprising and industrious, and has been 
successful in his calling, having now a tine body of 
land under excellent cultivation, with convenient 
modern buildings. He is a native of the Keystone 
State, having been born in Ciiester County, Sept. 
6, 1832. His parents were Clark and Jane (Wal- 
lace) McKeever, natives of Ireland, who came to 
Kansas in 1859, and settled in Jackson County, 
which remained their home for many years. The 
mother died in Cedar Township about 1860. Clark 
McKeever departed this life at the residence of his 
son Archibald, in Valley Falls, Kan., July 4, 1881, 
at the advanced age of ninety-one years. He had 
been engaged in agricultural pursuits nearl3' all his 
life. About 1837 he removed with iiis family to 
Morgan County, Ohio, where he sojourned a num- 
ber of years, then changed his residence to Hock- 
ino- County, and from there came to the Sunflower 
State. 

The subject of this sketch was reared to man- 
hood in Hocking County, Ohio. During the sec- 
ond year of the Civil War he enlisted as a Union 
soldier in Company H, 1 14th Ohio Infantry, serving 
until the close and taking part in nine general en- 
gagements including eliarges upon seven forts. 
Altliough experiencing many hairbreadth escapes, 
and all the hardships of army life, he maintained 
his health in a remarkable manner, and was neither 



wounded nor captured. I'pon leaving the service 
he returned to Ohio, and for eighteen months 
thereafter lived in Delaware County. In the 
spring of 18G7 lie came to Kansas with his wife 
and four children, and secured land on section 32, 
Liberty 'lownship, of which he has since been a 
resident. His farm comprises 200 acres of very 
fertile land, which under his careful management 
has become the source of a handsome income. In 
addition to general agriculture, he is quite exten- 
sively engaged in stock-raising. 

The marriage of William C. McKeever to Miss 
Sophia Reynolds was celebrated at the bride's home 
in Hocking County, Ohio, Nov. 8, 1855. Mrs. Mc- 
Keever was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 
1, 1837, and spent her childhood and youth in a 
comparatively uneventful manner under the par- 
ental roof. Of her union with our subject there 
have been born twelve children, the eldest of whom 
a daughter, Mary J., is the wife of J. E. Elliott, and 
and resides in Oklohoma; AVilliam C; Martha A. 
died when three years old; Frederick A., Charles 
A., John A., Lew W., Clarence E., Anna B., Ben- 
jamin F., George W. and Thomas A. are at home 
with their parents. Mr. McKeever, politicall3', is 
a sound Re()ublican, and as an ex-soldier, belongs 
to Will Mendell Post, No. 46, G. A. R., at Holton, 
and is also identified with the Farmers' Alliance. 
Mrs. McKeever is a member in good standing of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her parents 
were William and Mar}' (Hedge) Reynolds, the 
former of whom died in Hocking County, Ohio, on 
his fiftieth birthday. Mrs. Reynolds is still living 
and makes her home in Delaware County, Ohio, 
with her son William. 

A view of the residence of Mr. McKeever may 
be found in connection with this sketch. 



\|( ACOB WELEN. This gentleman holds high 
rank among the independent farmers of 
Pottawatomie Count}', being the owner of 
920 acres of land therein, bearing as good 
improvements as can be found in the State of Kan- 
sas. The home estate comprises 760 acres of land, 
located on sections 2, 3, and 35, Blue Valley Town- 



«^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



407 



ship, and the remainder lies in Shannon Townsinp. 
The residence is a large stone house of good de- 
sign, and nnder its hospitable roof, good cheer and 
notable housewifery abound. The barn on the 
home estate Is a stone structure 33x90 feet, and is 
the largest stone barn iii the township. The estate 
is well-watered by Shannon Creek, and is adapted 
to both farming and stock-raising, in which Mr. 
Welen is engaged. 

John A. AVelen, the father of our subject, was 
born in Elsborgslan, Sweden, and owned a farm in 
that country, which he operated until his death in 
1848. He married Miss Aneka Pearson, also a na- 
tive of Sweden, who came to America with her 
children, in 1863, and three years later removed to 
Kansas, dying in Blue Valley Township, this 
county, in 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. John A. Welen 
six children were born, the third of whom, Charles, 
is now deceased. The survivors are: Swan, who 
lives in Riley Coiintj^; Mrs. Catherine Flrickson, 
also of Riley County; Jacob, of whom we write; 
Anna S., now Mrs. Peterson, of Blue 'S'alley Town- 
ship; and Magnus, whose home is in Rilej' County. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Elsborgs- 
lan, Sweden, April 20, 1837, and was reared in the 
rural districts, receiving the earh' educational ad- 
vantages, which his native land furnislies to her 
children. AVhen thirteen years old, he began to 
work at iierding, and continued t!ius employed for 
about two years, when he commenced to lalior as a 
regular farm band. In 1856, he found employ- 
ment on the State railroad at construction of the 
same. 

In the spring of 1863, Mr. Welen came to Amer- 
ica, landing in New York, whence he went to Rock- 
foi'd. 111., and engaged in a foundry. This occupied 
the principal portion of his time, until the begin- 
ning of the year 1866, when he came to Kansas and 
took up fort^' acres of his present estate as a home- 
stead. Commencing his farm work with oxen, he 
has hy energy, good management, and thrift, 
brought his land to a high state of cultivation, and 
added largely to the original acreage, being one of 
the wealthiest agriculturists in Blue Valley Town- 
ship. 

Having paid considerable attention to stock- 
raisins. Mr. Welen is row the owner of 130 high- 



grade Short-horn cattle, and ships yearly about two 
car-loads; besides these, he also ships about the 
same number of hogs, the stock being Poland- 
China. The horses are of Cl3'desdale and Norman 
high-grade, and he is very successful in this grow- 
ing department of labor, having a herd of twent}'- 
eight head. 

The lady, who, in her own department, has been 
a valuable assistant to Mr. Welen, bore the maiden 
name of Miss Kajsa Johnson, and the ceren)on3' 
which united their lives and fortunes, took place in 
Sweden, May 1, 1863. Mrs. Welen was the young- 
est of six children born to John Larson and Aneka 
(Hansdatter), the father being a farmer of Sweden, 
and her natal day was Oet. 22, 1835. She has 
borne her husband five children: Emma A., John 
F., Albert W., Ida M., and Alma J. 

Mr. Welen has served as School Director and 
Treasurer of his district, has been Supervisor of 
Roads three terms, and Township Treasurer one 
year. In politics, he is a Republican, and a strong 
temperance man. He belongs to the Swedish Mis- 
sion Church, at Balla Guard, and his wife is a 
member of the Lutheran Church at Mariadahl. 
Both are held in high esteem by their neighbors 
and fellow-citizens, for their man3^ excellent quali- 
ties and worth J' lives. 

A view of the homestead of Mr. Welen, with its 
principal buildings, is ))resented on another page. 

Jl ICHARD B. SARBER. There is probably 
(? not within the precincts of Pottawatomie 
\\\ Countv, a more stirring, wide-awake, go- 
\^ ahead man than Mr. Sarber, proprietor of 
the Sarber Grove Stock Farm. He has been suc- 
cessful in his undertakings as a rule and esi)ecially so 
as a stock-breeder, and he operates a well regulated 
farm on section 17 in l'>lue Townshi)). He is in 
the prime of life, having been born Sept. 2, 1842, 
and is a native of the city of Pittsburg, Pa. 

The parents of Mr. Sarber were Stephen H. and 
Lucy (Cable) Sarber, the former born Jan. 20, 
1812, near Pittsburg, Pa., and the latter a native of 
New England. Grandfather John Sarber was of 
German descent and born in 1781. He departed 



408 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



this life Oct. 18, 1850, at his home near Pittsburg. 
Stephen H. Sarber, during liis early manhood was 
engaged in mercantile pursuits and at one time was 
a Paymaster in the Alleghany Arsenal. Subse- 
qu('ntl3' in 1849 he went to California overland 
with a company organized in Pittsburg. He staid 
tliere two years, returning in 1851 and shortly 
afterward was appointed Postmaster of Alleghanj- 
Arsenal by Presi<lent Pierce. He resigned the 
office in 1855 for the purpose of emigrating to 
Kansas, his destination being Pawnee City, a town 
located on the Ft. Rile3- reservation but which was 
afterward wiped out by order of the War Depart- 
ment at Washington. 

Upon leaving Pawnee City, the father of our 
subject settled on a claim of Government land at 
the mouth of Clark's Creek, two miles south of 
Ft. Riley, at a time when but few white men had 
located in that region. He lived there until 1857, 
then moving to Manhattan, eommenced dealing in 
land and cattle. The j'ear prior to this a town 
site was laid out on land now comprising the farm 
of Richard B. Sarber, occupying the northwest 
quarter of section 1 7. The land lies just across the 
Blue River from Manhattan and is connected with 
Poyntz Avenue by a bri<lge. The latter place was 
intended as a rival of Manhattan and was first named 
Pittsburg. In 1859 Stephen Sarber "juniped" this 
town site claim, having made the discovery 
that the claimants had not complied with the law. 
A legal contest resulted in Mr. Sarber coming out 
as winner, his lights being recognized as upheld by 
the authorities at Washington. 

Th.at was the end of the pi'oposed town as Mr. 
Sarber moved his famil}- onto the land and improved 
it for farm purposes. He, however, commenced 
dealing in land anrl stock, making this his chief bus- 
iness and remaining there until his death, which oc- 
curred .June 12, 1862. He had been a useful man in 
his community' and during his younger years offi- 
ciated as minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in the Smoky City. After settling upon his farm 
in Kansas he served for a number of years as Jus- 
tice of the Peace, and was otherwise identified with 
the interests of his township. He was a man of 
fine education and excellent business talents which 
he was enabled to put to good account financially. 



and at his death left to his heirs a fine property. 
The wife and mother passed away in 1849. prior to 
decease of her husband. 

To the parents of our subject there was born a 
familj- of nine children, the eldest of whom, John 
N., was a Government scout during the Civil War 
and then settled in ClarksviUe, Ark., where he still 
lives. He has been prominent in public affairs, 
serving as a member of the State Legislature in 
both houses and was at one time United States 
Marshal. He is now a practicing attorney and 
a prominent member of the Arkansas Bar. He 
married Miss .Susan, daughter of Judge Rose of 
ClarksviUe, and they have five children. Miss Emma 
L. Sarber was the wife of W. K. McConnell. a real- 
estate dealer of Greenleaf, Kan., who died in Ma3-, 
1889. Mi-s. McConnell is a resident of Manhattan, 
and has six children. Miss Harriet .Sarber married 
George B. Reicheneker, who was the Postmaster 
of Wyandotte, Kan., during the administration of 
President Arthur, and who died in April. 1884, leav- 
ing two children. His widow lives in Wyandotte. 
Wilbur died at his home in Blue Township. March 
16, 1863 at the age of fourteen years. 

The subject of this sketch pursued his first 
studies in the common school, and in 1859 entered 
the office of the Western Kansas Expypss at Manhat- 
tan and began learning the printer's trade. Tie made 
such good headw.ay that in due time he became 
foreman of the office and was thus employed until af- 
ter the outbreak of the Civil War. In the fall of 1 86 1 
he signalized his patriotism by enlisting as a l'ni(jn 
soldier in Company F, 6th Kansas Cavalry, going 
in as a private and shortly afterward was promoted 
to be Chief Bugler. He served the term of his en- 
listment and was mustered out of service Nov. 28, 
1864. In the meantime he met the enemy in 
man}' important battles, being at Coon Creek, Mo., 
Prairie Grove. Ark.. Cane Hill, where .Tewell, the 
Colonel of his Regiment, was killed and large num- 
bers of his comrades fell, Xewtonia. Honey Springs, 
Poison Springs. .Jenkin's Ferrj' and other engage- 
ments. 

Upon leaving the army Mr. Sarber returned to 
Manhattan and subsequently was keeper of the 
toll liridge at that place for three years. After- 
ward he engaged in freighting from Leavenworth to 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



409 



Manhattan. In due time after his father's death he 
purchased the interest of the other heirs in the prop- 
erty and proceeded to open up and improve the land 
upon which little or nothing had been done. On 
the 2d of September, 1864, being read}' to establish 
a fireside of his own, he was married to Miss Mary 
MeCaulou, the wedding taking place at the bride's 
home in Manhattan. This lady was the daughter 
of Miletus and Lydia A. MeCaulou, and of her 
marriage with our subject tliere was born one 
child, a son, Wilbur, who as a member of tbe firm 
of Balderston & Sarber. is engaged in the confect- 
ionery business in Manhattan. He married Miss 
Daisy Gayhart. 

As a breeder of live stock, Mr. Sarber is a de- 
cided success. He makes a specialty of high grade 
Messenger, Hambletonian and Almont horses, 
Jersey Cattle and Poland-China swine. Mr. Sar- 
ber is also a dealer in and an extensive shipper of 
Blue River sand. In addition to his extensive 
business interests he still finds time to keep himself 
posted upon current events and gives his entire 
allegiance to the Republican party. He fre- 
quontlj' serves as a delegate to the county and 
congressional conventions and has officiated as 
Township Clerk and Trustee a number of j'ears. 
Asa Union soldier, he belongs to Lew Gove Post, 
No. 100, G. A. R. , at Ma/ihattan. 



UILLIAM H. CKI 
young men of Pc 
^^^ are making a j 



ILLIAM H. CRUMBAKER. Among the 
ottawatomie County, none 
greater success of their 
chosen occupation than he whose name initiates 
this sketch. He is one of ihe large live-stock 
dealers and farmers of Vienna Township, the land 
ui)i)n which his business is conducted consisting of 
469 acres on section 29, which has been im- 
provedby him since its purchase in 1884. It is 
furnished with all the necessary buildings, well- 
built and conveniently disposed for the purpose for 
which they were erected, and everthing about the 
place is indicative of good management and thrift. 
Our subject is the eldest of the three members of 
the parental familj' now living, and was born in 
Coshocton County, Ohio, April 20. 1852. He was 



reared to manhf)od near Winterset, Madison Co., 
Iowa, whence he came to this township in Novem- 
ber, 1880. His life in this State has been an emi- 
nently successful one as is indicated by his ability to 
buy and improve the fine acreage above mentioned 
within four j'ears of his arrival in this state. His 
youngest brother, A. J. Crumbaker is now a partner 
with him in farming and stock-raising. The brother 
married Miss H. J. Taylor, and they have one 
child, Charles A. The other brother, Oliver P.. is 
keeping a restaurant in Onaga. He married Miss 
Anna Miles, and they have one daughter, Bessie A. 
Our subject and liis brothers are stanch Republi- 
cans, and are young men of excellent principles, 
active lives, and more than ordinary intelligence, 
deserving and receiving respect and good will from 
their fellow citizens. 

The parents of our subject were born in 
Ohid, both families being Virginians and the Crum- 
bakers, it is supposed, of German descent. The 
grandparents of our subject, .John and Catherine 
Crumbaker, were married in the (Jld Dominion 
and lived in that State until after the birth of 
most of their children. They then moved to 
Ohio and spent the remainder of their lives in the 
eastern part of that State. They were members of 
the Lutheran Church and instilled good principles 
into the minds of their offspring. They reared a 
family of ten children, the youngest but one being 
Andrew J., father of our subject. He was born in 
Ohio about the year 1825, and having attained to 
years of manhood became a farmer and continued 
in that occupation for a number of years. In 
Muskingum County, Aug. 11, 1850, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Valentine, whose 
birth took place in Coshocton County, Feb. 5, 
1825. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Crumbaker remained 
in Ohio until the early part of 1854, when the hus- 
band started for the Pacific coast via the ocean and 
Isthmus route and his wife accompanied her par- 
ents to Iowa. Mr. Crumbaker experienced many 
hardships, being once nearly lost at sea with all on 
board the ship, which came near being wrecked in 
a storm. He spent six years in California in the 
mining regions, returning as he had gone and join- 
ing his wife in Iowa. 

Andrew Crumbaker having returned from the 



410 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



coast just prior to the breaking out of the Civil 
War. could not long be content to remain at 
home while his country was in danger. He there- 
fore in 1862, enlisted in Company II. 23d Iowa 
Infantry, and went at once to the front. He par- 
ticipated in m.inj- engagements, and was promoted 
to the rank of Captain. The change of climate and 
hardships of army life affected his health, but 
though ill he remained with his command some 
lime longer, and finally started home on a leave of 
absence. While on the way he became worse and 
died on a boat on the Mississippi River, July 3, 
1863, and was buried at Memphis, Tenn. He was 
a sturdy Republican in politics, and was a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His widow 
has since his death lived with her father and her 
children, in whose welfare she has ever taken a 
warm and loving interest. She is also a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and isa wora.an 
whose worth of character has endeared her to many 
friends. 

The mother of our subject is a daughter of Alex, 
and Mary (Taylor) Valentine, the former a native 
of Viroinia and the latter of Ohio. Alex. Valen- 
tine was but four 3 ears old when with his father, 
Hugh Valentine, he went to the Buckeye St.ate, 
the family making their home in the wild wooded 
regions of Coshocton County. There Hugh Val- 
entine lived until quite ripe in years, going thence 
to ;Madison County, Iowa, where he died at the 
ao-e of eightv-six years, after having lived in that 
State some time. His wife, whose maiden name 
was Marv Laden, had deiiarted this life in Ohio, 
when somewhat past middle age. Both were hon- 
ored members of the Methodist Church. 

Alexander Valentine and wife, after their mar- 
riao-c, lived in Muskingum and Coshocton Counties 
until 1856. his occupation up to that time having 
been that of cattle drover over the Alleghany 
Mountains and his active business life in Ohio in- 
cluding a period of twenty-one years. At the date 
mentioned he moved to Iowa, and settled on a farm 
in :Madison County, wl?ere his wife died M.ay 2. 
1880, being then seventy-nine years old. The be- 
reaved husband came with his children to tliis 
State in the fall of the same year and died in this 
township, March 18, 1888. Me w.as of advanced 



age having been horn Feb. 2, 1803. Like other 
ancestors of our subject he was a strong Republi- 
can. He was a Cbiss-Leader in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, of which he and his wife were 
active members for many years. 



^ WILLIAM C. POPE. The steady going ele- 
\^ll ™^"'^ "^ Liberty Township.Jackson County, 
W^J recognizes .Mr. Pope as one of its represent- 
ative men. Without making any great stir in the 
world he has pursued the even tenor of his way, 
living economically and following the habits of in- 
dustry in which he was trained from boyhood. He 
is one of the old settlers of Jackson County and 
one of its most reliable men. He is content to live 
simply, being satisfied with the comforts of life, 
while at the same time fortifying himself against 
want in his old age. 

Mr. Pope was born in Hendricks County. Ind., 
Oct. 4, 1835, and when about nine years old ac- 
companied his parents to Platte County, Mo., where 
he developed into manhood. He was reared to 
farm pursuits and remained a resident of Missouri 
until the spring of 1860. In the meantime he was 
married in Platte County, Nov. 10, 1858, to Miss 
Eleanore Edean. This lady was born in Lincoln 
County, Ky., Nov. 27, 1835. In March 1860, Mr. 
and Mrs. Pope came to Kansas and settled on a farm 
on section 19, Liberty Township, where they lived 
until 1865. Then selling out Mr. Pope returned 
with his famil}- to Platte County, Mo., and so- 
journed there about three years. He, however, 
found that he preferred Kansas to Missouri and re- 
turning to the former State purchased a farm in 
Jefferson Township which he operated until 1882. 
Then selling out he purchased back his old place in 
Libert}' Township and is now the owner of 150 
acres which have been brought to a good state of 
cultivation. He follows general farming and raises 
considerable live stock. 

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs Pope live 
children, the eldest of whom, Auuie E., is the wife 
of David Stirton and they live in Jefferson Town- 
ship; Edward A., in Circleville; .James K., Thomas 
G.: and Allie F.. are at home with their parents. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



411 



Mr. Pope, politically, votes the straight Democratic 
ticket and was Trustee of Jefferson Township for 
three years. Me and iiis estimable wife are mem- 
bers in good standing of the Christian Ciiurch. 

The parents of our sul)ject were George W. and 
.Jane (Cooper) Pope who were natives respectively 
of North Carolina and Virginia. They were reared 
in the South and after their marriage emigrated to 
Indiana and located on a farm in Hendricks C'ount\-. 
Thence, a few years later, they migrated across the 
Mississi|(pi into Platte County, Mo., where they 
lived until 1863. That year the^- ci»me to .Jackson 
County, Kan., and lived one j'ear in Libert3- Town- 
ship. They then removed to Jefferson Township, 
wliere the father died in 1»7.5. Tiie mother is still 
living and makes her home in Jefferson Township. 
Of the twelve children Ijorn to them, four are living. 

The parents of Mrs. Pope were John and Mahala 
(Roberts) Edean. who were natives respecti vel3- of 
Kentucky and Virginia. They came to Kansas in 
1858 while it was still a Territory-, settling in Jef- 
ferson Township among its earliest pioneers. The\' 
built up a home in the wilderness and there the 
mother died in 1886. Mr. Edean spent his last 
days in Grant Township, dying in 1877. They had 
a farail}' of seven children, six of whom are living 
and of whom Mrs. I^ope was the second born. 

FREDERICK C. NUZMAX, President of the 
Town Boanl of Circleville. is also a leader 
among its meixantile interests, and has been 
a resident of Kansas since 1860, coming to Jackson 
Countv during its Territorial days. He was born 
in the Grand Duch}' of Mecklenburg, German}'. 
March 6. 1834, and is the son of Frederick and 
Mar}- (Fla.scone) Nuzman. who were likewise na- 
tives of Mecklenburg, and who emigrated to Amer- 
ica in 1857. Taking up a tract of land, the father 
prosecuted farming pursuits, to which he had been 
bred from boyhood, and continued his residence in 
Soldier Township until his decease, which occurred 
in 1880. when he was seventy-five years old. The 
mother survive<l her husband seven years, dying 
in 1887, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. 
Both were members of the Ev?.ngelical Lutheran 



Church, in which the elder Nuzman was one of the 
chief pillars, officiating as Class-I^eader. and being 
otherwise identified with its prosperity-. 

To the parents of our subject there was born a 
family of six children, all of whom are living, be- 
ing devoted Christian men and women, and highly 
esteemed in the community: Mary became the 
wife of John Schrader, and they reside on a farm 
in Soldier Township; Fiederick Charles was the 
next in order of birth; Charles is farming in Idaho; 
John is farming in Soldier Township; Reka is the 
wife of Charles Beckman; Louis is farming in .Sol- 
dier Township. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm 
in his native German}', and received the advantages 
of a good education in the mother tongue. Upon 
becoming his own man. he resolved to seek his 
fortune in America, and accordingly embarked on 
the German vessel •■Elizabeth." which landed him 
safely in New York City, in December, 1855. 
Thence he proceeded to Laporte County, Ind., 
where he engaged as a farm laborer two years. In 
the meantime he formed the acquaintance of a 
most estimable young woman. Miss Catherine Hen- 
dricks, a native of Indiana, to whom he was mar- 
ried. Dec. 11. 1858. The newly wedded pair com- 
menced the journey of life together on a rented 
farm, and remained in the Hoosier .State until 1860. 
Coming then to Kansas. Mr. Nuzman purchased 
175 acres of raw land in Soldier Township, from 
which he proceeded to build up a homestead, [le 
brought the soil to a good state of cultivation, and 
effected various improvements, continuing his resi- 
dence there until 1865. Then selling out, he pur- 
chased a farm in Jefferson Township, upon which 
he lived until 18811. He then invested a portion of 
his capital in a stock of hardware, from which he 
built up a good trade, and in which business he 
still continues, while at the sninc time he carries on 
his farm. 

Mrs. Catherine (Hendricksj Nuzman departed 
this life at her home in Jefferson Township in 1867. 
leaving no children. In 1869, Mr. Nuzman con- 
tracted a second marriage with Miss Mary, daugh- 
ter of Robert Anderson, one of the pioneer settlers 
of Soldier Township. Mrs. Mary Nuzman was born 
May 12. 1850, in Illinois, and spent the first years 



412 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of her life in Canaria, her parents removing to 
Canada when she was an infant. There was born 
of tliis union seven children, viz: Elsie, Nora; Ira, 
deceased, Frederick, Scott, Ina, and Gladys. Mr. 
and Mrs. Nuzman are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Churcli, and warmly interested in its wel- 
fare and prosperity. Mr. Nuzman takes an active 
part in church work, officiating as Steward and 
Trustee, and otherwise endeavoring to promote its 
best interests. 

During the progress of the Civil War, Mr. Nuz- 
man, in the fall of 18G2, enlisted as a Union soldier 
in the 1 1 th Kansas Infantry, and served three j-ears. 
lie participated in some of liie most imi)ortant bat- 
tles which followed, being at Cane Hill, Prairie 
Grove and "\'an Buren, and assisted in driving the 
raiders, Shelby and Price, from tiie frontier. He 
takes an active part in politics, and unitornil3' votes 
the Republican ticket. He has always been inter- 
ested in the temperance reform. He served as 
Township Trustee three j'ears, and was a member 
of the Town Board a number of years. He was 
elected President of the Board in the spring of 
1889. For five jears he was the Town Treasurer. 

The farm propertj' of Mr. Nuzman embraces .375 
acres of good land, whi(;h under his wise manage- 
ment has become the source of a handsome income. 
He carries a full line of hardware, and deals quite 
extensively in lumber. He owns and occupies a 
fine residence in tlie city of Cireleville. and enjoys 
the friendship and acquaintance of its leading peo- 
ple. He has been for many years a member in good 
standing of the A. F. & A. M. 



-?*- 



~ -^V.^L-^. 



JOHN LUTZ. A residence of over thirty, 
one years in Liberty Township, has served 
to make Mr. Lutz and his estimable wife 
widely and favorably known to the most 
of its older residents. They form a portion of its 
solid and reliable element, people whose life career 
bas been without reproach, and who possess, in a 
marked degree, those solid and reliable qualities 
which long ago established them in the esteem and 
confidence of all who know them. Mr. Lutz is one 
of the most extensive land-owners of Jackson 



Count}', having a half section in the home farm, 
and 344 acres elsewhere in the township. He com- 
menced in life dependent upon his own resources, 
and from the start has been uniformly successful. 
No small amount of his prosperitj' is due to the 
sensible and excellent lady who has managed his 
household affairs in a wise and prudent manner, 
and who has been his most efticient helpmate now 
for a period of over thirty-five jears. 

Air. Lutz was born on the other side of the At- 
lantic, in German}-, July 25, 1826. He received a 
practical education in the common schools of tiie 
Fatherland, and was reared to farming pursuits, 
which he has followed all his life. As a youth he 
was more than ordinarily ambitious, and deter- 
mined to be somebody in the world and accum- 
ulate a fair share of that which is the usual reward 
of industr}' and perseverance. Not lieing satisfied 
with his prospects in his native country, lie, about 
the time of reaching his majority, set out for 
America, landing in New York City, July 18, 1847, 
a few days before his twenty-first birthday. 

From the metropolis young Lutz proceeded to 
the farming regions of Lancaster County, Pa., 
where he worked as a laborer four years. In the 
meantime, with genuine German thrift, he saved 
what he could of his earnings, anil casting his eyes 
to the Western countrj'. determined to invest his 
mone}' in Wisconsin land. Accordingl}-, in July, 
1851, he repaired to Washington County, that 
State, and purchased a farm upon which he lived 
six and one-half 3-ears. This, in the meantime, he 
transformed from a wild and uncultivated tract 
into a comfortable homestead. 

Mr. Lutz, not yet satisfied with his achievements, 
finally determined upon a removal to Kansas. In 
March, 1858. we find him in Jackson County, taking 
up a claim in what is now Liberty Township, upon 
which he settled, and where he has since made his 
home. He and his family encountered the usual 
privations and hardships of life in a new settle- 
ment, but by great energy and perseverance they 
in due time found themselves on the high road ^o 
prosi)erity. Where was once an apparently barren 
tract of land is now a series of cultivated fields, 
and substantial modern buildings. Mr. Lutz is 
progressive in Ins ideas, and has all the necessaiy 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



413 



machinery to carry on farming in a profitable man- 
ner. He keeps a goorlly assortment of live stocks 
and is in the enjoyment of a handsome income. 

Mrs. Lutz, like her husband, is of German par- 
entage and ancestry, and was born in the Fatiier- 
land. Aug. IT), 1833, being tlius a little over seven 
years younger than her husband. She came to 
America with her parents wlien a j'oung girl of 
fourteen years, they settling in Wisconsin, where 
she developed into a brigiit and interesting woman- 
hood, and where she met with her future husband. 
Tliere have been born to them thirteen children, 
viz.: Mar^'. Eiizabetii, Christine, John, Martha. 
Maggie, Catherine, Sarah, (ieorge, Peter, William, 
Barbara and Emma. 

Jlr. Lutz, upon becoming a voting citizen, iden- 
tified himself witli the Democratic party, but he 
mixes very little with public affairs, preferring to 
give his time and attention to his party interests. 
Ho makes a specialty of stock-raising, keeping a 
large herd of cattle and a goodly assortment of 
horses and swine. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz belong to 
the German Evangelical Cliurch, and number their 
friends and acquaintances among the leading peo- 
ple of Jackson County. 




AMES M. HADLEY is a prominent con- 
tractor and liuilder of Jackson County, his 
residence and ottice being in Whiting. He 

has made a life study of his employment, 
and f(ir tlie greater pari of his life has been engaged 
in some branch of the work, and he is very success- 
ful in tlie line which he has adopted. He works in 
coimection with the firm of C. D. Logan & Co.> 
Dealers in Lumber and Builders' Supplies. The 
residence of Mr. Hadjey is a tasteful frame cottage, 
which he built in 1879. and is situated on the main 
street of Whiting. In 1888 he bought an 80-acre 
tract of land, ailjoining the town section, on which 
is an excellent dwelling, an orchard of about eight 
acres, and other improvements. 

The eyes of Mr. Hadley first opened to the light 
in Ogdensburg. N. Y., June 2. 1838, and he re- 
mained under the parental roof until he was twenty 



years of age, acquiring such education as the com 
mon schools at that time afforded. Upon leaving 
the parental home he went to Michigan and 
engaged in the lumber business, remaining about 
four years, when he returned eastward to Uricks- 
ville, Ohio, where he stayed three years, following 
his trade of a carpenter, and building machine 
shops for the railroad company. From the Buckeye 
State he went to Wisconsin and engaged in the 
lumber business at Oconto, but after a sojourn of a 
few months only he changed his location to (iod- 
erich. in the western part of the Province of Onta- 
rio, where for a short time he worked at his trade. 

Xot being satisfied with his location, Mr. Hadley 
crossed the lake to Marquette, JMich., having in 
various trips completed the circuit of travel on the 
Great Lakes from (Quebec to Duluth. Settling in 
Marquette he resided in that city for twelve years, 
during that period being emplo3ed at car building 
for the M. H. & O. R.R. His next move was to 
the West, and he spent one summer in Kansas City, 
Mo., employed at the carpenter's trade, and then, in 
1 877. came to this city. He built what is now known 
as the Whiting House, and opened and managed 
that hotel for a \'ear, at the expiration of which 
time he sold out and took up his old business of 
contracting. Since then he has erected the fine 
residences of Mr. Lentz. Mr. Olden and many oth- 
ers of the same kind. 

In 1867 Mr. Hadley- was united in marriage with 
Miss Amanda Capes, of Michiiran, who bore him 
four children, only one of whom survives. Mrs. 
Hadley departed this life in 1877. Her daughter 
— Jennie — is the wife of A. Conklin, a conductor 
on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and their home is 
in St. Louis. They have one child. 

Mr. Hadley contracted a second matrimotiial 
alliance on July 3, 1879, the bride being Mrs. Mary 
(Brown) Armstrong, widow of Cyrus Armstrong, 
of Schuyler County, N. Y., where he died in 
1877. Mr. Armstrong left a daughter, Mabel Es- 
tella, who died in childhood. The second wi.'e of 
Mr. Hadley is a daughter of Isaac Brown, formerl}' 
of the Empire State, and now of Troy, Kan. He 
married Miss Mar3', daughter of Benjamin John- 
son, of New Jersey, and his own father was Joseph 
Brown. Tiie present Mrs. Hadley has borne her 



414 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




husband four children: Alice May, a young miss 
attending snhool; Arthur J., William Ray, and 
Grace Estella. 

He of whom we write is a son of David and 
Margaret Had ley, who were married in their native 
countr}', England, and directly afterward emigrated 
to America. The subject of this sketch is a Re- 
publican, and takes an active share in the work 
of the party. He belongs to Jackson Lodge, 
No. 214, I. 0. O. F. Both he and his wife be- 
long to the Metiiodist Church. Mr. Hadley is 
well and favorably known throughout the county, 
and -has high standing among its citizens. 



F. RICHARDSON, M. D., one of the younger 
ilrsy members of the medical fraternity of Potta- 
IM^^ -watomie County and located at Oiiaga, es- 
tablished himself as a resident phj^sician at this 
point, Sept. 2, 1886. He is one of the go ahead 
kind, and is evidently bound to n;ake his way in 
the world. He has already built \\\) a lucrative 
business and is rapidly growing in the esteem and 
confidence of his fellow citizens. He was for three 
years prior to settling here, located at Havensville. 
where he commenced the practice of his profession 
after having been graduated from the Kansas City 
Medical College, March 4, 1883. He also took a 
course of study in the VirginiaState Medical College 
at Richmond, entering that institution whenaj'outh 
of nineteen years. He commenced the study of med- 
icine in the office of Dr. Hufford, of Wythe County, 
Va., when little more than a mere boy. He is a 
native of the Old Dominion, having been born in 
the city of Richmond, July 20, 18G1. 

The father of our subject was Evan Richardson, 
originating from one of the F. F .V's, and who 
dealt extensivel3' in live stock. The mother in her 
girlhood was Catherine jMcDonald, of Scotch-Irish 
ancestry. She was born in Smith County, ^■a.. 
and died there in 187G, when fift3-six years old. 
She belonged to the Smith Methodist Church from 
the time she was a maiden of eighteen years. Evan 
Richardson is still living, making his homo with 
his son James, in Smith County, Ya. Prior to the 
war he was a Wliiu, and afterward a Democrat, 



and represented his county in the State Legislature. 
His S3'mpathies were with the South, and after the 
outbreak of the rebellion be raised a companj' of 
Confederate troops of which he became Captain, 
only surrendering his command when Gen. Lee also 
laid down his arras at Appomattox. He belonged 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Dr. Richardson was tiie youngest of eight child- 
ren, six sons and two daughters comprising the 
parental household, of whom one daughter aud. 
four sons are yet living. Two of the sons besides 
himself are in Kansas — W. F. and T. J., both resi- 
dents of Havensville, the former a prominent phy- 
sician, and the latter a banker. £. F. pursued his 
lessons under a private tutor until ready to enter 
college. After coming to Kansas he was married, 
in Jackson County, to Miss Agnes Bell. This lady 
was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, Dec. 
14,1869,and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas 
Bell, natives of England. The latter crossed the 
Atlantic to Canada prior to their marriage, it is 
supposed, and remained there until after the birth 
of most of their children. Then, corning to Kan- 
sas, they settled on a farm in Jackson County, 
where they now reside, being prosperous and 
highly respected citizens. 

To the Doctor and his estimable wife there has 
been born one child, a son, Lester L. Mrs. Rich- 
ardson is prominently connected with the Baptist 
Church. The Doctor, socially, belongs to Onaga 
Lodge, No. 188, A. F. & A. M., and is a charter 
member of Excelsior Lodge, No. 102, K. of P., in 
which he has passed all the chairs. His political 
sympathies are with the Democratic party. 



LFRED MORGAN. No truer or more 
^/i-JJ| worthy specimen of the self-made man 
could well be found than this gentleman, 
whose home is in Jefferson Township, 
J.ackson County, where he has for several years 
been engaged in farming. Beginning life for 
himself at the age of fifteen years, empty handed 
and almost uneducated, he has not onl}-, by hard 
work and good management secured an ample com- 
petency, but has educated himself and attained a 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



415 



high moral and Christian character. The greatest 
desire of his life has been to educate his children, 
and give tliem a better chance in life than lie has 
had, and well has he succeeded in carrying out his 
wishes. JNIr. Morgan is numbered among the best 
farmers of his township, and is one who is inter- 
ested in everj' matter which promises to advance 
the interests of the people, being especiallj' liberal 
in his donations to church and benevolent institu- 
tions. 

Mr. Morgan is a native of Old England, and a 
son of John and Margaret (Brown) Morgan, who 
were also English. Tlie occupation of the fatlier 
was that of a saw3-er. Tlie mother was a devoted 
member of llie Methodist Episcojiai Church, and 
although our subject left home when but fifteen 
years old, no doubt the moral lessons impressed 
upon his childisli mind by his mother, had an 
influence over his conduct in later years. He was 
born March 27. 1834, and after leaving home en- 
gaged as a farm hand, following this by labor 
upon various public works. In 1858 he was united 
in marriage witli j\Iiss Mary A., daughter of George 
Simmouds, like himself a native of England, her 
natal day having been March 16, 1834. 

In 1871 Mr. Morgan came to the conclusion that 
he could better his condition in life by finding a 
home in the New World, and he therefore emi- 
grated to the United States, landing in a strange 
country without money or friends, and %;34 in debt 
for his passage. The indomitable will and |)er- 
sistent energy of the man were well exhibited un- 
der the discouraging circumstances, and his condi- 
tion graduall}- improved. He first obtained work 
at Phillipsburg, Pa., as a miner, and after about 
eight mouths labor he went to Perry Count3', Ohio, 
continuing the same occupation in that State for a 
few years, and also renting and operating a farm. 
Ten j'ears after landing in America, Mr. Morgan 
came to this State, and puichased the land on 
which he still lives, wliich comiirises 160 acres on 
section 13, in the township above named, and at 
the time of his purchase was but partially im- 
proved. It is now well improved, well stocked, 
and one of the valuable quarter sections in the 
county. 

Mr. Morgan and his estiinal:)le wife arc the par- 



ents cf three children, of whom they may justly be 
proud on account of their mental attainments, and 
their excellent characters. William A. is now liv- 
ing at Shawnee, Ohio, and is employed as Assistant 
Postmaster; Eliza A. is the wife of William Mc- 
Allister, of this county; Olive Genevra completes 
the family. 

Mr. Morgan belongs to the I. O. O. F. He is a 
Republican, and dee|)ly interested in the political 
issues of the day. His wife belongs to the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, and he to the Christian, and 
both have excellent standing in their respective 
congregations, as well as in the opinion of the com- 
munity in general. 

ACOB RIEDERER. Tliis well-known resi- 
dent of Liberty Township, Jackson County, 
is numbered among its most thrifty and 

'JJj prosperous men. He is a farmer iu good 
circumstances, and cultivates 375 acres of land, 
making a specialty also of stock-raising. Upon 
coming to Kansas in 1857, he secured a part of his 
present homestead on section 26, and here he has 
since resided, becoming fully identified with tlie 
best interests of the communit}'. 

A native of Switzerland, Mr. Reiderer was born 
Feb. 26, 1841, but remembers little of his native 
country, as iie was only four years old when he 
came to America with his parents. They landed 
in New York City, and thence proceeded directly 
to Washington County, Wis., where j-oung Rei- 
derer remained until a youth of eighteen years. 
He then accompanied tlie family to Jackson County, 
tliis State, but soon afterward removed to Leaven- 
worth. Later, however, he returned to Jackson 
County, and settled in Franklin Township, where liis 
parents spent their last days. The father, Andrew 
Reiderer, departed this life about 1867. Tlie 
maiden name of his mother was Dora Sante. She 
died iu 1879. The parental liouseiiold consisted 
of ten children, five of whom are living. 

The subject of this sketch remained at the home- 
stead, and was married April 8, 1867, to Miss 
Mary Myer. Mrs. Reiderer is likewise a native of 
Swit/;er]and, and was boru Jan, 4, 1851, Her par- 



416 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ents were John and Euplieniia (Suler) Jlyer, like- 
wise of Swiss birth and parentage, and who came to 
America in 1856. Landing in New Orleans, they 
proceeded thence up the rivers toiMcbison County, 
Kan., where the.y have since made their home. 
The childhood and youth of Mrs. Reiderer passed 
uneventfully under the home roof until lier mar- 
riage. She is now the mother of twelve children, 
two of whom, who were both named Charlotte. 
died, one in infancy and one when four years old. 
The survivors are: Dora, .John J., Rusetta A., 
Bertha M., Anna C, Clara J., Sophia E., Mary E., 
Lizzie and Andrew M. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Riederer set- 
tled upon a farm in Franklin Township, where 
they lived two years, tlien removed to their present 
homestead. They have a fine residence and the 
farm is very fertile, producing in abundance the 
rich crops of the Sunftower Slate. Mr. Riederer. 
politically, gives his support to the Republican 
party, while he and his estimable wife are members 
in good standing of the Evangelical Church. Mrs. 
Riederer deserves special mention as a lady who 
has been in all respects the suitable partner of her 
husband, and who has greatly assisted in tlie accumu- 
lation of his property, and maintaining the rei)uta- 
tion of the family. Thev occupy a position second 
to none in their community. 



-^•^^^^^^^^^^^^ 



\rJ// cupant of a pleasantlj^ 
Wi Creek Township, Po 



• ILLIAM W. ALLEN is the owner and oc- 
y located farm in Mill 
Pottawatomie County, 
and the owner of another tract of land in Lone 
Tree Township. The home estate comprises a 
fractional eighty acres on section 6, and is well im- 
proved, being furnished with all necessary and suf- 
ficient!}' commodious outbuildings, and a dwelling 
attractive, comfortable, and substantial. 

Mr. Allen was born in the Province of New 
Brunswick, May 7,1835.and is a son of George Allen, 
Jr., who was a native of the same Province and 
was the son of another George Allen, who was 
probabl}' born in Ireland. George Allen, Sr., 
spent many years in New Bruswick, dying there 
when quite old. His occupation was that of a far- 



mer and to that employment his son, George Jr., 
was reared. His wife was of Pennsylvania Dutch 
parentage and she also died in New Brunswick 
when quite old. 

George Allen, Jr., the father of our subject, 
married jMiss Letta Thompson, who was born in 
the same Province as himself, of English parents, 
who spent their last daj-s in the Province. After 
tlieir marriage Mr. and Mrs. Allen began life on a 
new and heavily timbered farm on the sea coast, 
where the former spent the rest of his life, dying 
when in middle age in the 3ear 1837. His widow 
survived many years, her death taking place in her 
native place in 1875, when she was nearly ninety- 
four years old. Both parents of our subject were 
members of the ^Methodist Cluirch, and lived use- 
ful and honored lives. Their family consisted of 
fourteen children, five daughters and nine sons. One 
daughter died when ten j'ears old. The others 
lived to years of maturity and all married and had 
offspring. Most of the familj' came to the United 
States, and five are now living in this country and 
one in New Brunswick. 

Our subject is the seventh son in this large fam- 
ily- and was reared to the pursuit which his father 
and grandfather had followed. He was married 
near his own home to Miss Charlotte Davis, who 
was born Aug. 7, 1837, and belonged to a neigh- 
boring family. Her parents, Thomas and Sarah 
(Jones) Davis, were also natives of New Brunswick 
and were of Welsh and Irish descent. They were 
reared and married in their native Province, where 
the father died when seventy-five 3ears old, and 
the mother when she had reached tiie advanced age 
of ninety-four. The father had spent six years of 
his life after marriage in the States, but returned to 
his native Province some years before his death. 
He lielonged to the Baptist Church, while his wife 
had no particular faith. Mrs. Allen is the young- 
est of a family which comprised two sons and two 
daughters, and is the onh' one in this countr}-. All 
but one of the famil}- lived to years of mattirit\-. 

A few months after their marriage, Mr. and 
Mrs. W. W. Allen came to the United States 
settling in Winnebago Count}-, 111., where our sub- 
ject obtained a pre-emption claim which was their 
home for over twenty 3-ears. During the Rebellion, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



417 



Mr. Allen enlisted in C'ompanj' D;. lltli Illi- 
nois InfantiT, his enrollment taking place in Sep- 
tember, 18G1, and a brother. Abraham, joining at 
the same time. The\' went together to the South 
and for some time fought side by side, doing all 
that was in their power to prevent the disruption 
OT the Union. Abraham Allen was wounded while 
on picket duty and was subsequentlj- discharged 
for disability-. Our subject remained in the ser- 
vice about fifteen months, when he was discharged 
on account of sickness, having been seriously 
disabled from exposure on a forced march to Ft. 
Donelson. He has ever since been seriously crip- 
pled by rheumatisir,. His army life terminated in 
December, 1802, and he returned to Ids iioine 
and has since devoted his attention to farming. 

]\Ir. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of seven chil- 
dren. They have been bereaved of three of them ; 
Napoleon B., who died at the ago of one year ; 
Oswald, at the age of eight years; and Sarah A., 
at the age of twenty-oue years. The latter w.as 
the wife of David Khoades, and left a daugh- 
ter — Sarah C. — who is being reared by her grand- 
parent«. The living children are: Josephine the 
wife of George Bennett, a farmer in Lone Tree 
Township; Martin L. a mechanic who is now liv- 
ing in Ellsworth County; W. E., who runs a hay 
press at Fostoria, this county; and Lotta, wife of 
Thomas Bennett, a farmer in Lone Tree Township. 

i\[r. Alien is a member of Custer Post, IS'o. 39, 
G. A. R.. at Onaga. In politics he is a sound Re- 
publican, never failing to cast his vote in the in- 
terest of his party. Mrs. Allen is a member of the 
Baptist Church, of which her husband is also an 
attendant. Both are held in high repute for their 
man}- good qualities and their upright and useful 
lives. 

<| I^ILLIA:M R. weeks. Tlie well-regulated 
\\\z\y<; farm of this gentleman comprises 320 acres 
W^ of prime land on section 22, Liberty 
Township, Jackson County, and where he has 
effected good improvements, including neat and 
substantial modern buildings, with forest and fruit 
trees and all the other appurtenances of the modern 
country estate. Mr. AVeeks is a thorough and 



skillfid farmer, progressive in his ideas, enterpris- 
ing and industrious, and in all respects a represent- 
ative man in a ver}' intelligent community. 

A native of Madison County, 111., Mr. Weeks 
was born Nov. 25, 1840, and is thus in the prime 
of life. He grew to manhood in his native county, 
and remained a resident of Omphgent Township 
until a man of thirty-five years. He then removed 
to another township in the same county, where he 
resided two years, and in February, 1880, decided 
to seek the land west of the Mississippi. Coming 
to Jackson County, Kan., he settled on section 22, 
Liberty Township, where he has since resided. In 
addition to general farming he raises considerable 
live stock, and also deals quite extensively in the 
same. 

Mr. Weeks, on the 8th of January, 18G2, when 
approaching the twenty-second year of his age, 
was married in his native county to Miss Eliza A. 
Butler. Mrs. Weeks was born not far from the 
early home of her husband, Dec. 13, 1842. Of 
their union there are sis living children, the eldest 
of whom, a daughter, Mary E., became the wife 
of James Lyon, and died at her home in Jefferson 
Township, Feb. 14, 1887; Carrie M. married Sam- 
uel Whitcraft, and they live in this county; Emma 
F., Cora G., Stella M., Lulu J. and Bessie are at 
home with their parents. Mr. Weeks is a stanch 
supporter of Democratic principles, while he and 
his excellent wife are members in good standing of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their home- 
stead is noticeable on account of the air of plentj- 
and content which surrounds it, and forms a fitting 
monument to the lifelong industry of the proprie- 
tor, who has also been nobly assisted by his life 
partner. 

The parents of our subject were Lancaster and 
Mary A. (Smith) AVeeks, who were natives of 
Tennessee and North Carolina. They removed to 
Illinois .at an early date, and the father died in 
Madison County about 1871 ; the mother is still 
living and makes her home in Missouri. Their 
family consisted of seven sons and four daughters, 
of whom our subject was the second born. Of 
this large family six are living. The parents of 
Mrs. AVeeks were Edward and Permelia (f^nsley) 
Butler. Mr. Butler died in Bladison County, 111,, 



418 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



about 1854. The mother is still living there. 
Their family consisted of seven children, fonr sons 
and three daughters, and Mrs. "Weeks was the 
fourth child. She spent the years of her childhood 
and youth quietly and uneventfully under the 
home roof, attending the common school and ac- 
quiring those habits of industry and economy 
which have made of her a prime honsekeeper, a 
devoted wife and a faithful mother. 



#"# 



I DWARD P. JONES, a Southern gentleman 
of the old school, chivalrous and refined, is 
a man of high standing in the community of 
Cedar Townsliip, to wliich he came Nov. 17, 1863. 
He was born in Grayson County, Ya., Oct. 28, 
1826, and when thirteen years old accompanied his 
parents to Missouri, they settling first in Clin- 
ton County, and removing afterward to Vernon 
Count}'. There our subject was living at the time 
of the late war. Although a Union man in his 
sympathies, and entirely surrounded by Confeder- 
ates, he suffered no loss of property or life, as his 
quiet manner and irreproachable character won for 
him the respect alike of the blue and the gray. 
While known as an ardent Republican he yet had 
many strong friends in the rebel ranks. He w.as 
twice drafted into the Federal service, but did 
not enter on .account of ill health. The Confeder- 
ate army camped near his home, and his friends 
advised him to leave while he could; so in the 
spring of 1861 he and his family removed from 
Southern Missouri to .Jefferson Countj', Kan., near 
Ft. Leavenworth. Later he traded his improved 
farm in Southern Missouri for raw land in .lackson 
County. Kan., whither he removed Nov. 17, 1863, 
as above stated. 

The county was then thinly settled, and the 
places of worship few and far between, services 
being held in tlie log school-houses or at the homes 
of the farmers. Nevertheless, the hearts of those 
early settlers were loyal to their countr}' and their 
God. The minister in charge of the circuit preached 
every four weeks in the log school-house near our 
subject's home,and usually visited under his hospita- 
ble roof. .Soon after moving to Jackson County 



Mr. Jones was appointed Sundaj'-sehool Superin- 
tendent and Class-Leader of the South Cedar Class. 
About one year afterward he received license from 
the Conference as local preacher, and from that 
time has been one of the most faithful in the Con- 
ference. He was at all times, and is now, as far as 
able, the minister's co-worker in all revival efforts, 
and his true assistant in the labors of the church, 
and in ever3thing tending to advance the cause of 
Christianity. 

Those in sorrow or distress found in Mr. Jones a 
counselor and comforter. When tlie Reaper, Death, 
entered the family of any of his acquaintances and 
carried away some precious blossom, or when a 
father or mother was called from earthly labor, there 
he could be found speaking words of comfort to 
the mourning ones from the Hbl}' Bible. With 
God's aid he would try to point them to the silver 
lining of the cloud of sorrow, which then so darkly 
enveloped them, showing tliera that God, the all- 
wise Father, was ever near them, and vvould give 
them grace for ever}' trial. During the week he 
would labor on the farm as diligently as any of his 
neighbors, and on Sundaj- would mount his horse, 
ride fifteen miles, preach both morning and after- 
noon, then ride home, perform his evening work 
there, and often preach again at night. Every four 
weeks for ten j'ears he made the round trip of thirty 
miles in one d.ay, and delivered from two to three 
discourses. On other Sundays he had appointments 
near home. 

Mr. Jones lias now a well-regulated farm of 220 
acres, upon which he has erected good buildings, 
and is gathering around him all the comforts of 
life. He has been particularl}- fortunate, never 
having suffered a total failure of crops an}' year. 
He further improved his land by planting a largo 
orchard and a beautiful grove. In August, 1873, 
wliile driving through Holton, his team became 
frightened and ran away, throwing him from the 
wagon and severely injuring him. For several 
months after this painful accident he was in poor 
health. In the spring of 1874 he removed to Canon 
City, Fremont Co.. Colo., where ho soon regained 
his wonted strength. While there he filled several 
appointments and aided in every movement for 
good that his physical ability would permit. In the 



!"P0RTRA1T AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



419 



fall of 1876 he returned to his farm in Jackson 
County, and again resumed his labors as a farmer 
and local preacher. 

In 1851 our subject was married, in Missouri, to 
Miss IMary A., daughter of Minor and Sarah Dan- 
iels, natives of Oliio. The motlier of Mrs. Jones 
was a distant relative of Aaron Burr. To Jlr. and 
Mrs. Jones were born three children: Edward M. 
who died in 1863 at the age of eight years; Sarah 
ilargaret.who on the 12th of January, 1876, became 
the wife of S. R. IMacklin, and Nancy Luella, who 
was united in marriage with J. V. Reed, July 31, 
1889. Mr. Jones has been a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church for fort3f-four years, and a 
local preacher thereof for twentj-five 3'ears. His 
estimable wife and their children are likewise de- 
voted members of tliat church. Politically, Mr. 
Jones is a Republican with prohibition tendencies. 
His father, Edward Jones, Sr., was likewise a native 
of the Old Dominion and a local preacher of the 
Methodist Episcopal Ciiurch. He died in Missouri 
Dec. 9, 1848. He accepted very little compensa- 
tion for his labors in the ministry, making a living 
by farming. The motlier, Mrs. .Sally '( Wheeler) 
Jones, was a daughter of A'incent and Rebecca 
Wheeler, of North Carolina. 

The paternal grandfatlier of our suljject was 
John Jones, likewise a native of Virginia, and tlie 
son of a native of Wales, who emigrated to Amer- 
ica at an early date. To Edward and Sally Jones 
there were l)orn nine children, fdur of whom are 
living and residents of Missouri and Kansas. Ed- 
ward, Jr., was the sixth child, and was reared on a 
farm in Missouri. In 18.")0 he was seized with the 
California gold fever and went with a company 
across the plains to the Pacific Slope, where he fol- 
lowed mining for probably eighteen months. Then 
greatly disliking the wild life of those regions and 
the companions with wh(jm he was necessarily 
thrown, he returned in 18.jl by the water route 
and has since been content to sojourn within the 
bounds of civilization. This trip was made a short 
time before his marriage. 

Mr. Jones has lived to sec the fruits of some of 
his labors. Places where he used to preach in log 
school-houses, and where there were not more than 
one or two religious families, now iiave neatchurcli 



edifices and a growing membership of prosperous 
people. The seed sown in his weakness has been 
aided by God's hand, and the results of his toil 
may be seen many days hence. He is not only 
kind and affectionate to his own children, but has 
given a father's care to many orphan children, all 
of whom have become honorable men and women. 
His work at home and abroad has been a labor of 
love — love for God, love for his friends, and love 
for his familj-. The advancement of years and the 
improvement of the country have narrowed iiis field 
of labor, yet at the age of sixty-four years he 
preaches two or three times a month and attends 
several funeral services during the jear. It can be 
truly said of him that his influence has always been 
for good, and no man in the county has been more 
self-sacrificing or energetic in his endeavors to ele- 
vate the moral and religious standard of society. 



-~-i/V-'vC2£j2'®~S@*' i 



•^^.Q/Z^TT*.* -w^ 




AMUEL EARLY. Among the citizens of 
Jackson County, none show greater inter- 
est in the advancement of every good work 
therein, or are more highly respected by 
tiieir neighbors and fellow-citizens than Col. Early, 
of Circleville. His birth took place in Columbiana 
County, Ohio, in 1822, and he is a descendant of 
honored families. His father, James Pearly, was 
born in Eranklin County, Pa., and was among the 
early settlers of the section in which our subject 
was born. His trade was that of an edge-tool 
maker. He was a Colonel in the War of 1812, and 
quite a politician, belonging to the Whig partj-.and 
was several times elected to the Ohio Legislature. 
His death occurred in the Buckeye State at the age 
of seventy-two years. His wife, formerly Miss 
Elizabeth Blackburn, was born in the same count}' 
and State as himself, and was a devoted Christian, 
being a member of the Presbyterian Churcli. She 
lived to the age of sevent^'-three years. 

The paternal family comprised seven brothers 
and sisters. The eldest. John, is deceased; Eliza, 
who is also deceased, was the wife of William Mar- 
shall, of Lawrence County, Pa.; Maria J. is the 
wife of Sanuul Hooper, of Pittsburg, Pa.; Louisa, 
who is now deceased, was the wife of .lacob Heck. 



420 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Ohio; Sarah was Ihc wife of Jacob Maxwell, of 
Stark Count}-, Ohio, and she is also deceased: 
Margaret M. is the wife of Joseph Sprott, of Sum- 
mit County, Ohio. The subject of this biography 
is the youngest member of the family. His ma- 
ternal grandfather, Moses Blackburn, a native of 
Pennsylvania, vcon an honorable record as a Major 
during the Revolutionary War. John Early, the 
paternal grandfather of the Colonel, was born in 
Virginia, and was a member of a well-known fam- 
il\' in that State. 

Col. Early was reared on a farm, and was the 
recipient of such educational advantages as were to 
be obtained in the common schools of the place 
and time. He left his home and his native State 
in 1857, and went to Harrison Count}-, Mo., where 
he bought 440 acres of land, upon which he began 
improvements, and also owned one half of a saw- 
mill. When the war troubles began the unsettled 
and unsafe condition of the section compelled his 
removal, and in the fall of 1860 he took up his 
abode in Clark County, Iowa. The first call for 
volunteers found him ready to respond, and he en- 
listed in Company F, 6th Iowa Infantry, as a musi- 
cian, serving until the following December, when 
he was discharged for disability. Going back to 
Ohio, he remained there a few mouths, when, his 
strength being renewed, he again volunteered, on 
this occasion being enrolled in Com[iany C, 104th 
Ohio Infantry, in which he served until 1863, 
when he was transferred to the 23d United Slates 
Heavy Artillery, in which he remained until the 
close of the war. He participated in numerous 
skirmishes and some heavy engagements, together 
with the more monotonous duties of campaign 
life, among the battles in which he took part being 
that at Ft. Mitchell, Ky. 

Having borne his part as a soldier should in 
defense of the Union, and having received an hon- 
orable discharge at the cessation of hostilities. Col. 
Early settled in Whiteside County, III, where he 
purcha.'red a farm, upon which he lived until 1870. 
He then came to this State and county, and for 
about three years was a resident of Netawaka, after 
which he changed his location to his present place 
of abode. The title by which our subject is com- 
monl}' known, was obtained through his enlistment 



at the time of the Mexican War, and his election 
as Colonel of the 2d Ohio Cavahy. During that 
conflict he saw no active campaign life, as the war 
was ended before his regiment had reached the 
front. 

At the age of twent}--two. Col. Early was united 
in marriage with Miss Alniira A. Ilarrah, a native 
of Ohio, who bore him five children, all of whom 
are still living: Rosseltha T. is the wife of George 
F. Goodell, an editor in Lyons, Neb.; Austa M. i^ 
the wife of W. B. Roberts, of Tekaraah, Neb.; 
Elma E. is the wife of Thomas A. Thorley, a drug- 
gist in Harrisburg. Pa.; James G. is a merchant in 
Ft. Dodge, Iowa; Willie II. is foreman of a canning 
factory in Waverly, Iowa. The mother of this 
family was removed from them by the band of 
death Oct. 26, 1872, and her loss was deeply re- 
gretted by a large circle of friends. After having 
remained a widower for a number of years. Col. 
Early was again married, the date of this event 
being Feb. 12, 1888, and the bride being Mrs. 
Mary P. Smith, a widow. 

Col. Early is not only deeply interested in the 
political issues of the day, but takes an active part 
in the work of the Republican part}', and is now a 
member of the County Central Committee. He is 
a working member of the Methodist E|)iscopal 
Church, and is liberal in every good cause, anxious 
for the mental and moral advancement of the citi- 
zens of the State, as well as for the development of 
her vast physical resources. 



\t^DSON WOLVERTON. After thirty-five 
^ years spent in industrious toil, which has 
L^ met with its legitimate reward, the subject 
of this l)iographical outline is now retired from the 
active labors of life, and in a pleasant home at 
Holton is surrounded by the comforts with which 
a man's declining years should always be blessed. 
Mr. Wolverton was one of the pioneer settlers of 
Liberty Township, and is one of its largest land- 
owners, having 185 acres in the homestead which 
he has recently left, and 440 elsewhere in the county. 
His farm buildings are first class in every respect, 
and he has all the machinery necessary for the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



421 



successful prosecution of ngriculture. There has 
been spared to him his devoted wife, a lady in 
ever}' waj* the equal of her husband, and one who 
has been his efHeient helpmate in the accumulation 
of their property, and in establishing the reputa- 
tion of the family, which is second to none in the 
township. 

The descendant of substantial ancestry, Mr. 
Wolverton was born in Northumberland County, 
Pa., March 28, 1836, and when a boj' of eight 
years removed with his parents to Erie County, 
Ohio. He grew to manhood on a farm in the 
vicinity of Cincinnati, and lived there until March, 
186;j. He then made his way to the new State of 
Kansas, of wliich lie has since been a resident. 

In tlie meantime Mr. Wolverton was married, 
in his native county, Aug. 29, 1858. to Miss Mary 
A. Hoover. Mrs. Wolverton is a native of the 
same count}' in Pennsylvania as her husband, and 
was born Jan. 10, 1840, being thus nearly four 
years his junior. After their marriage the newly- 
wedded pair settled in a snug home in Erie County, 
Ohio, where they lived until their removal to the 
West. There had been born to them eiglit chil- 
dren, the eldest of whom, a son. Edwin, married 
Miss Lorena Adams; Burton married Miss Lillie 
Brown; Samuel H. married Miss Alice Hill; Cora 
E., William W., Alice. Euima and Hatlie are at 
home with their parents. 

Mr. Wolverton upon becoming a voting citizen 
identified himself with the Republican party, and 
keeps himself posted upon events of general inter- 
est. He. however, has avoided the responsibilities 
of official life as far as possilile, simply serving as 
Trustee of I^iberty Township. He and his wife 
are prominent members of the United Brctliren 
Church, and attend services at Pleasant Grove. 
His father was .lonathan Wolverton, a native of 
New .Jersey, who married Miss Marj' Ann Boone, 
and is supposed to have been liorn in Pennsylvania. 
They settled in Northumberland County, the latter 
State, where they lived for many }'ears. Thence 
they removed to Erie County, Ohio, where Jona- 
than Wolverton departed this life, Jan. 9, 1851. 
The mother subsequently went to Berrien Count}-. 
Mich., on a visit to one of iier children, ami died 
there about 1874. The parental household con- 



sisted of twelve children, of whom Edson was the 
sixth in order of birth. 

The parents of Mrs. Wolverton were Samuel and 
Sarah (Leese) Hoover, who were likewise natives 
of Pennsylvania, and who spent nearly their entire 
lives in Northumberland County, dying there. 
Both passed away in the spring of 1872, within a 
month of each other. IMr. Hoover was a tanner by 
trade, and also engaged in farming. The parental 
household included ten children, of whom Mrs. 
Wolverton was the fifth in order of birth. She 
spent her girliiood years under the home roof, ob- 
taining a common-school education, and becoming 
familiar with all household duties. The Wolver- 
ton family occupy a high position, socially, in Lib- 
erty Township, being numbered among its liest 
elements. 



■!T^»w-»*iej2/©-|© 



v^^J/OTTrw^-wv* 



s,, ,*;1LL1AM J. IH'RD. Although Jackson 
\/:s/ll Couutv has been the home of this gentle- 



W 



man but a decade, and his practical expe- 
rience in a farm life covers only the same number 
of years, he is regarded as one of the most success- 
ful and enterprising agriculturists in the county. 
His estate comprises 640 acres on section 23. Gar- 
field Township, and excellent buildings and other 
marked improvements make the place noticeable 
among the many fine estates which Jackson County 
contains. The fortunate owner of this fine property 
devotes his attention to farming and stock-raising, 
and makes a specialty of Galloway cattle, having 
some fine specimens of that breed in his herd. 

The parents of our subject were Abijah and Caro- 
line E. (Stowell) Hurd, both natives of the Green 
Mountain State. In Wolthara, Addison County, 
our subject was born Dec. 28, 1840. His parents 
lived in his native place, in Bridgeport, and in 
Middlebury until 1855, when they loft the State 
and took their abode in Whiteside County, 111. 
There they remained about six years, and then re- 
moved to Colorado, first locating in Clear Creek 
County, and afterward moving to Lake, where 
Leadville is now located. There the mother died 
in 1861. The father still survives and now lives in 
Denver. Tliev were among the very earliest set- 



422 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tiers in the Centennial Slate and the hardships the^r 
endured during their first years there can hardly 
be described, and can only be full}- realized l)y 
those who have been amid similar surroundings. 
Their family comprised three sons and one daugh- 
ter, the sulijecl of this sketch being the third in 
order of birth. 

William J. Hurd, after having accompanied his 
parents in their various removals, continued to live 
in Cohjrado until 1863, when he returned to White- 
side County- 111-, and there enlisted in Company 
B., 140th Illinois Infantry-, and served somewhat 
more than six months in the I'nion Army. Upon 
leaving the service he learned telegraphy in the 
county from which he had enlisted, and tiien acted 
in the capacity of a clerk in a hotel in Morrison 
for two years. Following this came a sojourn- in 
St. Lawrence County, N. Y.. where his marriage 
took place Jan. 17, 1868. 

The bride of Mr. Ilurd was Miss Amanda M. 
Bacon, whose eyes had opened to the light in Jef- 
ferson County, N. Y., Aug. 15, 1843. Her parents, 
M. W. and Relief (Parks) Bacon, are residents of 
Gouverneur, N. Y. They had four children, of 
whom Mrs. Ilurd was the second. She is a refined 
and intelligent lady, is an excellent housewife and 
possesses many of the virtues which belong to the 
true women, ller children are two in number, and 
bear the names respectively of Abijah and Robert 
Ingersoli. 

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hurd they 
resided for a time in Whiteside County, 111., the 
husband being employed as a clerk in a dry-goods 
store for a few weeks when he accepted the ap- 
pointment of Steward in the State Penitentiary at 
Joliet and served in that cM|iacity for four years. 
Upon leaving the institution, Mr. Hurd engaged in 
the furnishing-goods trade in the same city, and 
after carrying on this business for three years, sold 
and took his family to Colorado, carr3'iilg on a real- 
estate, insurance, and mining brokerage business in 
Georget(iwn for five years and in Leadville for one 
year. On account of ill health he came to this 
county in July. 187ii, and after spending a few 
months in Holton. in the winter of 1880 settled on 
the farm which he still occupies. 

Mr. Hurd has lieen Clerk of Garfield Township, 




and has held some of the school offlces. He has 
taken quite an active part in political affairs and is 
identiiied with the Republican party. He is enter- 
prising and public spirited, genial and intelligent, 
and of a high moral character. 



,..^ RMER P. SHAW, editor and proprietor of 
S^OI the Soldier Tribunp, is conducting a live 
newspaper devoted to the interests of Jack- 
son County. Ho came to Kansas in 1860 
with his father who settled on a tract of land in 
Pottawatomie Count}-, where he operated success- 
full}- for a period of eight j-ears. The latter died 
at the early age of thirty -six years. The mother is 
still living, making her home in Louisville. Kan. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Fuiton 
County, Pa., Oct. 31, 1858, and is the son of An- 
drew and Henrietta (Dunbar) Shaw, who were like- 
wise natives of the Ke3'stone State and the father a 
carpenter by trade. Armer P. Shaw was reared in 
the town of Louisville, pursuing his early studies 
in the common school. Afterward he entered a 
printing office, learning the '-art preservative." and 
later, after the family came to Kansas, was employed 
in oflices at Lea\-enworth, Topeka, Atchison and 
St. Joseph, Mo. He established the Tribune in 
the early part of 1888, the first issue being dated 
January, "26. It is a weekl}-, published every 
Thursday. 

Mr. Shaw was married May 12, 1882, to Miss 
Anna A. Woodruff, a native of New York State. 
There has been born to them one child, a daughter, 
Frankie M. Aside from holding the office of 
School Clerk, Mr. Shaw has given his attention 
mostly to his business interests. 



— — ■ « ii i II' .) " Ji l jt '* ? * s' * *"* 

a |><1LLIAM BREXEMAX. one of the younger 
of the farming community of 
Township and numbered among 
its most praiseworthy citizens, came to Kansas 
with his parents in the spring of 1879 and occupies 
the old homestead which the family built up from 
the primitive soil. Tiiis comprises eighty acres of 



WILLIAM lU 
members c 
„ ,. Franklin T 



4 '' 

I 



-^ 



iiiiili'-'r ■ ■■ r 







^ aT. >Wty OO-^U-c-iytZ^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



425 



land with good improvements wliere the proprietor, 
with his little family, lives in a modest and com- 
fortable style, at peace with his neighbors and en- 
J03'ing the confidence and esteem of all who know 
him. 

The subject of this sketcli was born in Lancaster 
County, Pa., April 5, 1802, and is the son of Henry 
B. and Anna (Nissle^') Breneman, who were natives 
of the same county as tlieir son. They lived there 
until the spring of 1879, then set out for the Far 
West and located first in Douglas County, this State. 
Six months later thej' removed to Hoi ton, and the 
following spring secured the present homestead on 
section 36, Franklin Township. It bore little re- 
semblance to its present condition and was built 
up slowly bv the exercise of honest toil and good 
management. The father died there July 4, 1883. 
The mother also departed this life, under the home 
roof, Sept. 19, 1889. There has been born to 
them a family of nine children, of whom William 
N. was the 3'oungcst. 

Mr. Breneman was married Nov. 5, 1885, at the 
bride's home in Cedar Township, Jackson County, 
to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Samuel and Barbara 
(Nisslej-) Garber. Mis. Breneman was likewise 
born in Lancaster County, Pa., June 17, 1866, and 
came to Kansas with her parents in 1879. Of her 
union with our subject there have been born two 
cliildroti, daughters, Blanche and Theda. 



—Ja- 



W EONORA L. VAN 

I (©; oldest settlers of Ka: 
/[' —^yi of a large dry-goods 



EONORA L. VAN BRUNT, one of the 
ansas, and the proprietor 
-goods and general mercantile 
store in AVestmoreland, is an illustration of what 
can be accomplished by a woman who has the req- 
uisite nerve and pluck to enable her to succeed 
in a business enterprise. She has gone through 
many hardships since beginning her career in this 
State, but through tliem all she has kept a good 
heart, and has won the respect and good will of 
all the community. Not onlj- is she a stockholder 
in the First National Bank of this city, but she 
also owns pro|)(a'ty both on Main and State Streets. 
With the exception of the farm, wiiich was thi^ 
joint property ot herself and liusban<], lier entire 



estate represents her unaided exertions in the Sun- 
flower State, or what w.as brought with her from 
the East. 

Leonora L. Bigelow was born Dec. 7, 1812, at 
Brandon, Vt., and was the daughter of Henry and 
Lucy (Barnes) Bigelow. With them she removed 
to Western New York, when seven years of age, 
and located on a farm near Amherst, Erie Count3-. 
There the parents passed the remainder of their 
lives. Leonor.i grew to womanhood on her father's 
farm, and in 1855 was married to Jacob Van Brunt. 
Two years after their marriage, they decided to 
locate in the farther West, and accordingly gave 
up the comfortable surroundings of their own home 
to encounter the hardships of a frontier land. 
They first settled in Pottawatomie County twenty 
miles north of Manhattan, and taking up a claim, 
began to break and cultivate the soil. 

In their new home, our subject worked unremit- 
tingly and untiringly, and not onl3' did slie .<iid in 
the usual work of a farm, but assisted financially 
with the money she brought with her to the tiieu 
Territory of Kansas. Her land comprised 177 
,acres of raw prairie soil, and during the first sum- 
mer of their residence in this count}', while they 
were breaking the soil and preparing to plant a 
crop, they lived in a tent. At length they were 
able to put up a log cabin, whicLi was their iiome 
during the period of their residence on that farm, 
some seven jears. The floor of this primitive resi- 
dence was of puncheon, and the roof of shakes. 
Their provisions had to be conveyed from Leaven- 
worth in wagons, the journey being made twice a 
year with an ox-tcam. Two weeks were consumed 
in making the tri|). and at these times Mrs. Van 
Brunt was left alone in a district where liiere was 
not a white person for miles around. About the 
most cheerful event that ever happened, and the 
only break in the unvarying monotonv of pioneer 
life, was tlie weekly visit of the mail carrier, whose 
route took him in the near vicinity of the liumble 
home of the Van Brunts. If, perchance, he stopped 
at their place and delivered a letter and |)aper with 
news of the outside world, it was an incident long 
to be remembered and talked of. 

When Mr. and Mrs. Van Brunt left Leavenworth 
to proceed to what was to be their home, they h.ad 



426 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



about a ton of liouseliolrl goods and provisions. 
which they were unable to get hauled that distance 
for less than 180. Our subject, liowever, was 
equal to the emergency, and disposed of her gold 
watch, tlius getting enough money to buy an ox- 
teaui. With this they proceeded forward with 
their household furniture and provisions, and at 
the end of the journey had a team with which to 
eomraence operations on the land. The j-ears spent 
upon the far.n in Pottawatomie County were full 
of labor, but were crowned with success. In 1864 
they sold it and removed to another farm in the 
same county. Our subject bouglit a farm of 1 60 acres 
on sections 7 and 9 in Rock Creek Township, and 
set to work with her accustomed energy to improve 
and make it a pleasant liome. A more convenient 
house was erected, an orchard was set out, plough- 
ing, planting and reaping followed one another in 
quick succession, barns were built in wliich to store 
the grain, fences were made, and the value of tiie 
estate greatly increased. 

Since 1872 Mrs. Van Brunt lias managed the 
farm alone, and when she found herself in a suffi- 
ciently prosperous condition, financially, she erected 
a good frame house, also a stone fence about a 
large part of the homestead. .She has a fine orch- 
ard of superior fruit, good granaries, and abundant 
water for stock. 100 acres of the farm are under 
cultivation, the rest being in timber and pasturage. 

In 1873 Mrs. Van Brunt received her commis- 
sion as Postmistress at Westmoreland, and removed 
there the same year. One year later she opened a 
store for the sale of merchandise, and although start- 
ing with a capital of only §75, b}' good management 
and wise economy, she has built uji a flourishing 
trade. In fact, her business increased to such an 
extent, that in 1879 she gave up the post-office and 
devoted her entire attention to her business affairs. 
At present she is actively engaged in the store, and 
carries the largest stock in the central part of the 
county. .She is a good financier, and her thriving 
trade has enabled her to discount all her bills and 
keep her stock in first-class condition. In her es- 
tablishment she keeps dry -goods, boots and shoes, 
hats and caps, clothing, notions, tinware and 
crocker3'. 

Finding that her business grew so rapidly as to 



render more assistance necessary, our subject asso- 
ciated with herself Mrs. Louisa B. Schuyler, a lady 
who removed to Kansas in 1884, and who assists 
Mrs. Van Brunt to handle her increasing trade 
pleasantly and profitably. We present on another 
page of this volume a fine portrait of Mrs. Van 
Brunt wlio certainly occupies the front rank among 
the pioneers and foremost residents of Pottawatomie 
County. 



IW ^^- ORRIN J. GROVER, President of the 
-, .. Onaga City Bank, established tiiis institution 
hJ^' in June, 1886, with a capital of $35,000, and 
(^) assisted by his son, George, as cashier, is 
operating it on a firm basis. lie is likewise en- 
gaged in the real-estate and loan business, and is 
senior member of the lumber firm of Grover & 
Gillett. This latter enterprise was established in 
1877, and purchased by the present firm in 1883, 
and is also the source of a handsome income. Mr. 
Grover, in addition to his other interests, holds the 
office of Cit3' Treasurer, in which position he is 
serving his third term. He is thus intimately iden- 
tified with the most impoitant interests of his 
adopted town, and is looked upon as one of its lead- 
ing men. 

Coming to Pottawatomie County in .June, 1859, 
Mr. Grover thus looked upon Kansas during its 
Terriorial days, and has witnessed its remarkable 
growth and development under the adverse cir- 
cumstances whicii at that time were assailing the 
infant commonwealth. He has since that time been 
a resident of the county, and mostly of Mill Creek 
Township. He first purchased land on either side 
of French Creek, occupying a part of section 15, 
where he began making improvements and gradu- 
ally drifted into stock-raising. He prosecuted this 
industry successfully and extensively for some 
3'ears. He took up his residence in Onaga in 1883. 
although still retaining possession of considerable 
land, owning 480 broarl acres on French Creek. 

The subject of this sketch was born in EUerj' 
Township, CiiautauquaCo., N.Y.,on the 14th of Au- 
gust, 1827, and is the son of George Grover, whose 
father, Walter Grover, was a native of New York 
State and of I>nglish descent. The paternal great- 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



427 



grandfather served as a captain in the Revolu- 
tionary War. Walter Grover followed the occu- 
pation of a farmer and married a Miss Howard, 
who was a native of New York State. He died in 
Chautauqua Count}' when quite aged. Albert 
Grover later went to Pennsylvania, and spent his 
last days in Crawford County, that State, dying at 
the advanced age of ninety years. 

George Grover, the father of our subject, when 
reaching man's estate was married to Miss Martha 
Baker, of Genesee County. N. Y., and they located 
in Ciiautauqua County, where they lived for some 
years. Thence they removed with their family 
to Ohio, and later to Branch County, Micii. From 
there, in 1859, the}- came to Kansas, settling in 
Mill Creek Township, Pottawatomie County, where 
they spent their last days. George Grover died 
in 1878, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. 
The wife and inuther survived her husband ten 
j'ears, dying in July, 18S8, when eighty-four years 
old. She wtis a woman of many estimable quali- 
ties, and a conscientious member of the Presby- 
terian Church. George Grover, politically, affili- 
ated with the Democratic party. 

The subject of this notice attained to manliood 
in Branch County, Rlich., and was there married 
to Miss Eliza Booth. This lady was born in New 
York City, M.ay 10, 1830, and was the daugh- 
ter of William Booth, who, with his estimable wife, 
was born and reared in England. After living for 
some years in New York City, the}' likewise re- 
moved to Michigan, settling first in the northern 
part of the State. Later, they changed their resi- 
dence to Br.ancli County, and finally returned 
Eastward as far as Northern Indiana, settling at 
Holmesville, where they spent tlieir last days. Both 
lived to be about sixty years old. 

In the spring of 18.52, Mr. Grover, in company 
with others, set out across the plains to California, 
leaving Michigan on the 2d of March and landing 
at their destination. Nelson's "Mines, on the Feather 
River, August 22. They had made the journey 
with ox-teams, and wjien at their journey's end 
only three of tlu^ original party had kept together. 
Tiiese began mining, and Mr. Grover remained in 
that region until November, 1855. Later, for two 
years he was engaged in the manufac',ure of build- 



ing materials, sash, doors, blinds, etc., at Wilton, 
Iowa. There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Grover six children, two of whom died in infancy. 
The survivors are recorded as follows: Orrin W. 
married Miss Ellen Davis, aud is engaged in farm- 
ing and stock-raising in Mill Creek Township; 
Mary is the wife of D. S. Baker, a furniture dealer 
of On.aga; Ella married J. W. Dunn, a teacher in 
the schools of Louisville, this State; George mar- 
ried Miss Maude Ingoldsby; he has been already 
mentioned as the cashier of his fatlier's bank. 

After filling many other positions of ti-ust and 
responsibility, Mr. Grover, in 18G1, was selected 
by the Republicans of Pottavv.atomie County to 
re[)resent them in the Kansas Legislature. He was 
re-elected in tlie year 1863, and two years later was 
chosen as Senator from Pottawatomie and Jackson 
Counties. In 1867-68 he filled the same position. 
He served most of the time as Chairman of the 
Agricultural Committee. In 1874 he was sent 
back to the Lower House. In 1883 he was again 
returned, and served on the Ways and Means Com- 
mittee with great credit to himself and satisfaction 
to ills constituents. He has been a Republican of 
the first water since the organization of the party, 
in 1856. In 1868 he was a member of the Board 
of Regents of the State Agricultural College, at 
Manhattan, which position he held for two years. 
In 1874 he was made a member of the Board of 
Directors of the State Penitentiary, serving six 
years, and was Chairman of the Board for three 
years. It will thus be seen that he has iiad very little 
time to be idle. He is well-lialanced mentally — a 
man whose judgment can be relied upon, and 
whose opinions are held in general respect. 



^^twi 






^ OHN C. MOLL. The development of Pot. 
tawatomie County has been decidedly fur- 
thered by natives of the German Empire, 
many of whom settled in this State in the 
'50's, and liore a noble share in the hardships, pri- 
vations and dangers of those early years; and to 
their efforts is due much of tlie prosjjcrity and 
civilization which bless the present residents. He 



428 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



whose name initiates this sketch is one of those who 
made his home in tlie almost trackless n-iiderness in 
the summer of 1857, and whose dauntless spirit 
and unbounded industry and perseverance have re- 
ceived a merited reward, not only in the sight of a 
thoroughly cultivated and well settled section of 
country about him, but in a fair share of those 
fertile acres, and their accompanying crops and 
stock. The piesent home of Mr. Moll is on sec- 
tion 33, Mill Creek Township, and the estate is the 
second trad of land wiiich he has improved and 
made valuable since he came to this county. 

He of whom we write is a native of Ohmden, 
Wurtemburg, Germany, and was l)orn June 20, 
1828. He is a son of John G. and Dora (.Schmidt) 
Moll, who lived and died in their native Duehj' of 
AVurtemburg. the father departing this life in 1847, 
when sixty-five years old, and the mother in 1850, 
at the age of sixty-three. The father was a farmer, 
and the subject of our notice spent his early yeai'S 
in the rural home, at a suitable age being set to 
learn the trade of a weaver. He busied himself 
with that employment in his native land until 
twent\--two years old, when he left Havre de Grace 
on the sailing-vessel '-Cordelia" for the United 
States. They left the French port on the 10th of 
April, 1851, and landed in New York Cit}- on the 
1st of May, during their voj'age encountering a 
storm of three d.a^-s' duration, but escaping any 
serious damage therefrom. 

After landing in the American metropolis. Mr. 
Moll went on to Indiana, where he lived during 
the following six years, the first four j^ears of that 
time being spent in the employ of Mr. George 
Wolver, who had helped him to come to this coun- 
try, and tlie Labor of the first 3'ear going to p.ay his 
passage mone}'. The last two j-ears of the time 
spent in Warren County, Ind., were upon a farm 
rented irom his former employer, Mr. Moll having 
married and set up his own household. In August. 
1857, as before stated, Mr. Moll became a resident 
of this State, taking a homestead on section 21, 
this township, which he improved and operated 
until 186G. reclaiming it from the primitive con- 
dition of unbroken prairie land to a slate of 
hicrh productiveness, and from it coming to his 
present home to improve and cultivate a second 



large tract. His estate is well watered by Mill 
Creek, is well stocked and furnislied with all the 
necessary- and adequate buildings in the way of 
barns, granaries, etc., and a residence which is com- 
fortable, commodious and well-built, f.nd on its 
broad acres the fortunate owner is successfully 
engaged in farming and stock-raising. 

The wife of Mr. Moll bore the maiden name of 
Johanna M. Brook, and she was born in (iermnny, 
Sept. 17, 1829, coming to the United .States with a 
brother, Jacob, when she was a j-oung woman, and 
living in Warren County, Ind.. until after her 
marriage. The happj' union of Mr. and Mrs. Mull 
h.as resulted in the birth of three children. The 
parents met with a sad bereavement in the loss of 
their son George, a bright and promising youth of 
seventeen years. The other two children, though 
married, are living quite near their parents. 
Mary is the wife of Philip Swartz, and their iiome 
is on a farm belonging to Mr. Moll. William mar- 
ried Miss Maggie Grim, who died at the birth of 
her first child, who is now also dead ; he was sub- 
sequently married to Miss AnnaBeckley, and their 
home is in Onaga, where he is engaged in stock- 
buying. 

^Ir. Moll has been Township Treasurer, and has 
.also held other public offices. He gives his suf- 
frage to the Republican party, having a firm faith 
in its principles. During his more than thirty 
years of residence in this county, he has been one 
of its best and most thrifty citizens, and is justly 
held in "high esteem by those who know him. He 
and his wife are members of the Evangelical Asso- 



ciation. 



*.J»J^•.-^»^^^<5*^..^^fc- . 



AMES F. WHEELER. Few of the residents 
of Jackson County have had more varied 
experiences than those which have fallen to 
W the lot of this gentleman. Of an adventur- 
ous disposition, and an inquisitive nature, he has 
travelled over manj' countries, but has found none 
which offers better opportunities than that in which 
he has made his home. His large stock-farm is one 
of the best in the count}-, a specialty being made 
of cattle, of which he buys and feeds large num- 
bers every jear, keeping a good grade of stock. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



429 



usually sells several thousand dollars worth each 
j'ear, besides raising and shipping hogs, a venture 
wliieli has repaid liini finaneially. 

Mr. Wheeler, whose native place was Dane 
County. Wis., was l)orn April 10, 1838. At that 
time the (•ouiitj was wild and uneultivatt d. inhab- 
ited principally by savages. The nearest neighbor 
to the Wheekr family was distant six miles. His 
parents, Daniel and Emily I!. (Pitcher) Wheeler, 
were both natives of New York State. In hisyouth, 
our subject had no opportunities whatever for an 
education, even in its rudiments, and his present 
information on all important topics is the result of 
assiduous study and careful reading for man}' years. 

At the age of eighteen years, Mr. Wheeler con- 
cluded that he wanted to see more of the world than 
was contained within the narrow confines of home. 
After leaving the paternal roof, he remained in De 
Kalb Count}', 111, for one year. In 1857. accom- 
panied by two other young men, he started over- 
land for the frontier districts of the West. Upon 
reaching Lexington, Mo., he paused in his west- 
ward course, and sojourned in that place and vicin- 
ity for one year, going thence to Putnam County, 
Ind., where he likewise remained one year. The 
following summer he returned to Platte County, 
JIo.. all this traveling having been done by means 
of a wagon. In 1861 he made two trips with an 
ox-lrain to Golden City, Colo., making the two 
journeys in one season in the interests of John Fer- 
rier. Their train comprised ten wagons with ten 
oxen to each wagon. The ensuing summer was 
passed in Missouri, and in the fall of 1862, he 
started for Ft. Laramie with tiovernment supplies 
for use in the fort. That winter he operated be- 
tween Ft. Kearney and Laramie, and in the spring 
of 1863, returned to Atchison. 

Soon afterw.ard Mr. Wheeler started for Ft. Lyon, 
Colo., with Indian supplies, but was left at Ft. 
Larned to guard part of the goods. Returning 
that fall to Atchison, he left there for Denver, 
where he remained until the following spring. The 
trains in which he tr.aveled consisted usually of 
large wagons, having a capacity of five tons, with 
boxes fourteen feet long, three and one-half feet 
wide, and four deep. Six yoke of oxen were usuallj- 
employed with each wagon. Twenty six wagons 



made a train, while accompanying each expedition 
were twenty-six drivers, a wagon-master, an assist- 
ant wagon-master, one extra hand, and one night 
herder. These latter usually rode on horseback. 

The train was divided into four "messes," one of 
the drivers being detailed for cook, while the other 
members of the mess did the remainder of the work, 
such as greasing wagons, herding cattle, getting 
wood and water. The cooking utensils were tin 
l)lates, tin cups, a Dutch oven, frying-pan, and 
camp-kettle. At night the}' slept in. or under the 
wagons. For the arms and equipments of the 
train, each man was furnished l)y the Government 
with one or two revolvers and a large knife, which 
they carried in their belt. A case of Enfield rifles 
was also furnished by the Government, which, if 
necessary, were distributed among the men. 

In June, 1865, in the capacity of wagon-master, 
Mr. W^heeler took charge of a train at Ft. Leaven- 
worth, in the interests of Schrewsbury, Slummins 
& Co., of that city. Its destination was Ft. L}on, 
whither it was taking Government supplies. W^est 
of Larned the Indians were troublesome, and 
they were obliged to drive the wagons two abreast, 
thus delivering the goods safely, and returning to 
Leavenworth in August. Unfortunately, at this 
time Mr. W^heeler was incapacitated for work by a 
long and serious illness, during which he remained 
in Platte County, Mo. On his recovery to health, 
he went to Montana in company with Mr. Heath- 
erly, Mr. Wheeler being assistant wagon-master. 
Later he took a train with Government supplies to 
Ft. Collins, this work being done in the interests of 
a Mr. Howe. This was about the time the Indian 
massacres occurred along that route. His next ex- 
pedition was intended to reach Denver, but after 
leaving Atchison, they encountered heavy snow 
storms, and at length, the depth of snow rendered 
further progress imj)0ssihle, and they were there- 
fore compelled to retrace their course to Atchison. 

The first venture of our subject for himself, was 
in 1866, when with a train of his own, containing 
about 100 men, he started for Virginia City, Mont., 
going via the Bozeman route. The Indians made 
several raids on them, but they met with no loss of 
life. Upon arriving at their destination, Mr. 
Wheeler located a ranch in the Beaver Head Val- 



O.JS 



430 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ley, in the spring of 1867. He starterl a farm there, 
but the grasshoppers took all he raised, and conse- 
quently the attemi)t was unsuccessful. In 1867 lie 
took his outfit ;ind started with a train for goods at 
Ft. Benton on the Missouri River, whence he re- 
turned to Virginia City in July, with his goods. He 
had in;the meantime bought iiis partner's interest. 
Later he made a second trip to Ft. Benton, and 
again brought back fruit to Helena and Virginia 
City. 

In the autumn of 1 868, our subject sold out his in- 
terests and rode with a company of thirty-five men 
900 miles on horseback to get to the nearest point 
in the Union Pacific Railroad. He was next em- 
ployed in Atchison County, in breaking laud with 
a team of twelve oxen. In tlie fall of 1870, on tlie 
9tli of Novembei', he was united in marriage witli 
Miss Alice Carrie Wade, whom he had met prior to 
his last trip to Colorado. Mrs. Wheeler is the 
daughter of .Squire Wade, and his wife, Cecilia 
Hudson. The latter died when her daughter, Alice, 
was a babe of less tiian two years. Mrs. Wade was 
the daughter of William Wade, former!}' of Ken- 
tucky, and later of Cole County, Mo. She married 
Squire Wade, the son of William and Mar}- Wade. 
Some of the Wade family took part in the Mexi- 
can War. After marriage our subject removed to 
the vicinity of Whiting, Kan., and, in the spring of 
1871, located on section 22, where he built a shanty 
and during that summer herded cattle, whicli he 
had brought with liim from Atchison. After si)end- 
ing tlie winter in Atchison, he returned to his claim 
in the spring, and camped near Netawaka, where he 
again herded cattle for two summers. 

In the fall of 1873, Mr. Wlieeler settled on his 
present home, whicli is situated on section 10, be- 
ing then wikl, unimproved land. He soon inn- 
chased his claim ami commenced its cultivation. 
He now has a pleasant homestead, iiaving added 
720 acres to the original purciiase. This is all un- 
der cultivation, being under the plow or in pasture, 
and the entiie amount fenced. On the farm is a 
fine orchard of 125 apple trees, in good bearing 
condition, and success has also been achieved in the 
raising of smaller fruits. In 1879. a fine residence 
was erected on the homestead, which was two 
stories in height, and 24x16 feet in size, There is 



a substantial barn with other suitable outbuildings. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have been born two 
children, both daughters, the eldest of whom is 
Emma D., a young lady of considerable artistic 
skill, and quite proficient with the pencil and brush. 
Their home is decorated with some very creditable 
work, the results of her efforts, and among them 
special mention belongs to a fine landscape of the 
Yoseraite Valley, and also portraits of the members 
of the family. She is a graduate in music at the 
Campbell University in Ilolton, Kan. The younger 
daughter, FAna. D., is being educated for a teacher, 
having quite an ambition in that direction. She is 
now attending school at Whiting. Mrs. Wheeler 
is a member of the Baptist Church, toward the ad- 
vancement of which Mr. Wheeler is ever ready to 
contribute liberally of his means. He is, politic- 
all}-, a Democrat, and has served successfully as 
Township Trustee for three terms, 

ON. PETER DICKSON. This name is fa- 
miliar throughout the length and breadth 
of Jackson County, as being that of one of 
)^) its oldest and most honored pioneers. He 
came to Kansas in 1856. before it had been ad- 
milted into the Union as a State anil has since 
been closely identified with its most important in- 
terests. He was born in New York State July 17, 
1834, and was the son of Peter and Charlotte 
(Hackett) Dickson, who were natives of Scotland. 
The parents of Mr. Dickson came to America in 
1830. The father was a carpet manufacturer by 
trade and a stanch Presbyterian, in the doctrines 
of which church he had been carefully trained from 
childhood. The mother was one of the old Scotch 
Covenanters. Peter Dickson, Sr., was a man of 
more than ordinary intelligence, keeping himself 
posted upon the leading events of the day and tak- 
ing an especially active jiart in politics. He spent 
his last years in Wisconsin, departing this life in 
1873. The mother died in Wisconsin in 1855. The 
paternal grandfather was William Dickson, a linen- 
maker by trade and a native of Scotland, who 
spent his last years in that country. 

Peter and Charlotte Dickson were tlie parents of 



■O .;v^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



431 



fix children, all of whom lived to mature years. 
The eldest son, William, served as a soldier in the 
Mexican War and later in the Civil War; he is 
now a resident of Iowa. Thomas, likewise a sol- 
dier of the Union Arnij', died in Wisconsin; Gil- 
bert was killed in the Mexican War; Peter, our 
subject, was next in order of birth; John is a well- 
to-do farmer of Grant Tovvnship, Jackson County; 
Alice became the wife of George M. Lowery, of 
Clinton, Mass., and died some years ago. 

The Dickson family emigrated from the Empire 
State to AVisconsin in 1850, settling in Lafayette 
County. The father entered a tract of land from 
the Government from which he improved a farm 
and which constituted his home until his death, in 
1873, at the age of seventy years. The mother 
had passed away prior to the decease of her hus- 
band, when about fifty years old. Peter, like his 
brothers and sisters, were reared on a farm and re- 
ceived his early education in the common school, 
enjoying advantages far inferior to the young 
people of the present day. The countiy was wild 
and new and the children were required to be use- 
ful about the honnstead as far as was possible. 
Young Dickson, however, was alwajs a student 
and read at night by the open fireplace and this 
together with his habits of thought and observa- 
tion, conspired to make him a thoroughly educated 
and well-informed man. 

In IS.'iG, when a youth of nineteen years, young 
Dickson left the parental loof, starting out for him- 
self in the world. Coining to Jackson County, 
Kan., he took up a tract of land in Grant Town- 
ship, of which lie has since been a resident. He 
was the first Free Soil settler on Banner Creek and 
an active participant in the troubles which then 
distressed the unhappy Territory. He was stren- 
uously opposed to slavery and enlisted under the 
banner of .lohn Brown, being with him in many of 
the scenes which followed prior to his arrest and 
detention at Ilaiiier's Ferry. 

In 18(;o Mr. Dickson engaged as a wagon-master 
for the Ginerniueut and was thus occupied until 
1868, engaged principally in freighting supplies 
across the plains from Ft. Leavenworth and fre- 
quently went witu his train from there to Fts. Rile}' 
and Kearney, Denver. Col., Ft. Laianiic and Wind- 



gate and as far as Salt Lake City. At the expiration . 
of his services in that capacit}' he became a Gov- 
ernment Surveyor and operated thus until 1874. 
That year he was elected County Surveyor of 
Jackson County, which office he held for a period 
of ten years. He gradually went up step by step 
until in 1 884 he was chosen by the Republican party 
as their Representative in the Kansas Legislature, 
serving one term. In 1888 he was elected one of 
the Trustees of Grant Township, which olflce he 
still holds. 

Mr. Dickson, in 1872, was united in marriage 
with Miss Elizabeth Granger at the bride's home in 
this county. This lady was born in England and 
was the daughter of James and Mary A. (Laven- 
der) Granger, who were likewise natives of that 
country. The mother died in Michigan and the 
father is still living. The three children born of 
this union were named respectively: Robert P., 
Flora L. and James F'. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson are 
prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in which Mr. Dickson officiates as Steward 
and Trustee. He is a warm defender of the princi- 
l)les of the Republican part}' and a self-made man 
who starting out in life dependent upon his own 
resources, has acquitted himself with creilit and 
gained in a marked degree the confidence and 
esteem of his fellow-men. 

John Dickson, the brother of our subject, and 
likewise an old settler of Jackson County came to 
this region in 1857. He was born in New .lersey 
whence he went with the family to Wisconsin when 
a child and was there reared on a farm and edu- 
cated in the common schools. He left home at the 
age of sixteei; years joining his brother Peter in 
this State and took up a tract of land in Grant 
Township, upon which he labored and resided until 
the troubles preceding tlie outbreak of the Rebel- 
lion. He then like his lirother Peter, allied himself 
with John Brown and went with him to Iowa. 
When withdrawing from John Brown's band he re- 
turned to the East, and while visiting in the State 
of Connecticut, the war having broken out. he in 
the spring of 18C1, under the first call for volun- 
teers, enlisted in the 1st Connecticut Infantry 
being the first man to enroll his name. He partici- 
pated in the battles of Bull Run and Mannassah 



432 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Depot. At tlie expiration of his term of enlist- 
ment he went baciv to "Wisconsin and in September 
following re-enlisted in the ath Wisconsin Batter^-, 
in which he served three years and until the close 
of tlie war. He met the enemy in many of the im- 
portant battles whicli followed, namely, Island No. 
10, Farmington, the siege 'of Corinth, Perryville. 
Stone River, Chickamaiiga. Mission Ridge, Dallas, 
Resaca, Rome, Keiiesaw ^lountain, Chattahoochie, 
Jonesboro. and was in the Atlanta campaign includ- 
ing the battle of Bentonville. Although experienc- 
ing many hairbreadth escapes, he was neither 
wounded nor captured and at the close of the war 
received his honorable discharge. 

Upon retiring from the army John Dickson re- 
turned to Wisconsin and thence came the second 
time to Kansas, where he took up his abode and 
has since remained, carrying on the improvement 
of his farm. In 1864, while home on a furlough he 
was married in Wisconsin to Miss Jennie K. Harris, 
a native of that State. There have been born to 
them four children. The eldest adaughter, Louie, 
is now the wife of II. E. Sanderson, of Gurley, 
Ala. ; May is a music teacher and makes her home 
with her parents; George is deceased; Roy is at 
home. Mr. Dickson ajid his estimable wife belong 
to the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Dick- 
son, politically, is a sound Republican. 



<¥ OSEPH L. MILLARD. A snug homestead 
of 120 acres, well cultivated and improved 
with good buildings, constitutes the head- 
quarters of Mr. Millard, who is operating 
successfully as a general farmer and stock raiser. 
His possessions lie on section 4, Mill Creek Town- 
ship, where he has resided since the spring of 1874. 
He came to this State that jear from Hillsdale 
County, Mich., of which he had been a resident for 
the long period of twenty-eight years. Prior to 
this he had lived in Trumbull County, Ohio. 

A native of New York State, the subject of this 
notice was born in Bennington Township, Ontario 
County, March 15, 1830, and is the son of Eleazer 
Millard, a native of Rhode Island. The latter was 
of Welsh parentage on hi.s father's side, and the 



father, after coming to America, assisted the Colo- 
nists in their struggle for independence as a soldier 
in the Revolutionary War. He lived afterward in 
Rhode Island and NewYork State, dying in the latter 
when an old man. He was b}' occupation a brass- 
founder, and was a skilled workman. 

Eleazer Millard remained in his native State of 
Rhode Island during his younger years, then ac- 
companied his jiarents to Ontario County, N. Y., 
where he attained to iiis majority and was married 
to Miss Elsie Lee. This lady was born in Con- 
necticut, whence she removed with her parents to 
Massachusetts and finally to New York State. Her 
parents were natives of Connecticut, and de- 
scended from Irish and English ancestry respect- 
ively. Her father, Israel Lee, served through the 
War of 1812, and afterward settled on a farm in 
New York State, and later moved to Ohio, where 
he spent tlie remainder of his days, dying when 
past seventy years old. His wife Mrs. Anna (Wea- 
ver) Lee, died in Michigan at the advanced age of 
ninety -six ^ears. 

After the birth of two children, Horace and Jo- 
seph L., Eleazer Millard and his wife emigrated to 
Trumbull County, Ohio, where were added to the 
family circle two more children— S. Filander and 
Anna. The four are still living, and with one ex- 
ception all married. In 1846 the Millar.d family, 
leaving Oiiio, changed their residence to Michigan, 
settling on a tract of new laud in AVoodbridge Town- 
ship, Hillsdale County. They improved a farm 
from the wilderness, and there the father died at the 
early age of forty-two years. His widow was mar- 
ried the second time, and was for some years there- 
after a resident of Lenawee Count}-, Mich. Einall}- 
she went to the home of her daughter in Washte- 
naw County, where her decease took place when 
she was quite aged ; she was a member of the 
Methodist Church. 

The subject of this sketch was the second child 
of his parents, and was quite small when they re- 
moved from his native State to Trumbull County, 
Ohio. He was a jouth of si.xteen years when he 
accompanied the family to Hillsdale County, Mich., 
where he attained to his majoritj'. A year prior 
to this, however, he had purchased a small farm in 
Camden Township, and being thus prepared to es- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



433 



tablish a home of liis own, was mai-ried to Miss 
Susan Sampson. This lady was born in Wayne 
County, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1830, and was the daugh- 
ter of the Rev. Newland and Catherine (Hall) 
Sampson, wiio were natives of Connectient, but were 
probably married in New York State. Mr. Samp- 
son for years ofHciated as minister in the Metho- 
dist Church in Wa3'ne County, N. Y., removino- 
from there in 1844. Later he took up his residence 
in Hillsdale County, Mich., where be labored in the 
Master's vineyard for some years. Tiiere the wife 
and mother died wlien about fifty years of age. 
Mr. Sampson later removed to Indiana, where he 
was married to his second wife and died in Hebron, 
tiiat State, very suddenly, while roofing a house. 
He was then about sixty years old. 

Mrs. Millard was carefully reared and educated, 
and by her union with our subject became the 
tlie mother of three children, one of whom, a 
daughter. Mary A., died at the age of four and 
one half years; Melissa is the wife of William 
Hicks, and tiiey live in Haveusville, Kan.; J. Mar- 
ion, the twin brother of Mary A., married Miss 
Lydia Simons, and they live on a farm in Mill 
Creek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Millard are con- 
nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
Mr. milliard, politically, supports the principles of 
the Republican party. 



— « ^-#* ^ 

RNST KOLTERMAN. The farm upon 
which this prosperous young man is now 
IL^^' living consists of 320 acres in Mill Creek 
Township, Pottawatomie County, and was the birth- 
place of its present owner, and a part of it was the 
original claim of his father William Kolterman, who 
secured eighty acres for a yoke of oxen in the year 
1857. From that date until his death, Sept 16, 
1882, Mr. William Kolterman made this his home. 
He was one of the most prosperous and intelligent 
farmers of the county, and at the time of bis de- 
cease owned more than 1,400 acres of land here. 
He belonged to an excellent German family and 
was born in Prussia, and was there reared on a 
farm. His wife was Miss Louisa Brunkow, who 
was also a member of an old Prussian family, and 



who is j'et living- and makes her home with our 
subject. She has now reached the age of sixty-five 
years. She Ilis been a member of the Lutheran 
Church since her childhood, and her deceased hus- 
band was also a |)rominent and life-long member and 
was one of the organizers of the society here. 

In 1856 William Kolterman, his wife and three 
children, came to the United States and spent one 
year near Monroe, Green Co , Wis. They then, in 
the spring of 1857, came with ox-teams to this 
State, taking up their abode in the sparsely settled 
region which is now included in this township, 
where wild game and Indians were niunerous, and 
wliere the trails of the red men were the only higii- 
ways. Their first tract of land is located on Dutch 
Creek, and was the nucleus from which the siilen- 
did landed estate of its original owner grew. 

The paternal family consisted of four sons and 
three daughters, one of the former being now de- 
ceased, and the others, with the exception of one 
daughter, residents of this county. Our subject is 
the youngest son, and having spent his boyhood 
and youth on a farm in a new country, he was 
reared to hard work and early acquired a practical 
knowledge of the occupation which he has success- 
fully conducted since he began life for himself. He 
was married, at his own home, to Miss Emma L. 
Henneberg, who was born in Lone Tree Town- 
ship, this county, Oct. 16, 1860. Her parents, 
Charles and Elizabeth (Weber) Henneberg, were 
born in Prussia, and there reared until about of 
of age, when they came to America and settled in 
Iowa, their marriage taking place at AVest Point, 
Lee County, that State. Thej' remained there 
about two years after their raarriage,and then, in 
1858, came to Kansas and settled on a pre-emption 
claim in Lone Tree Township, some years later 
clianging their location to another farm in Mill 
Creek Township. Here Mr. Henneberg died in 1863, 
at the age of forty-three j-ears, after a successful 
and honorable life. His widow subsequently be- 
came the wife of John Snyder, a prosperous farmer 
of this township. Mrs. Kolterman is the youngest 
of her father's three children, and is the onl}- one 
now living. She was reared by her mother and 
step-father, and is a lady of intelligence, and 
one whose home and domestic affairs are kept in 



434 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the most orderly and tasteful condition. She is 
the mother of two children — Id;i L.. and Walter W. 
In polities, Mr. Kolterman is a Demociat. He 
and his wife belong to the Lutheran Church, and he 
is a Trustee in that society. Intelligent, industri- 
ous and thrifty in the conduct of his private affairs, 
a l^ind neighbor and a reliable citizen, Mr. Kolter- 
man is highly respected by liis fellow-men, and is 
already taking a higli ranli among the young 
farmers of the county. 

<17 UTHER M. MYERS. No resident of Jack- 
<l (ftjl son County is more favorably known therein 
j| L^ tijjj,^ t,iiig gentleman, who has been identi- 
fied with its interests since tlie summer of 1856. 
He is well known as a public offlcial in the county 
and in Cedar Townsliip, where lie lived for many 
years, and the manner in whicli he fulfilled tiie 
duties of the responsible positions which he lias 
held added to his credit with tl)e citizens who 
already held liim in high regard. He is engaged in 
the banking business in Wliiting, having had tlie 
control of tlie Wliiting Kxcliange Bank since 1882, 
when he opened that institution. His realty in 
Cedar Townsliip is a valuable and well-improved 
piece of property. 

The place of birtli of Mr. Myers was New Market, 
Va., and his natal day April 6, 1828. He acquired 
an excellent education in the High School of his na- 
tive place, where he remained until of age. Though 
he had always lived In town, he was a lover of out- 
door sports and work, and had a great desire to 
see something of the world . About the time that he 
attained to his majority', California was becoming a 
prominent objective point to those who were not 
averse to the tedious and adventurous journey 
across the plains, and Mr. Myers turned his face 
in that direction. He started for Westport Land- 
ing — since known as Kansas City, Mo., whence 
he intended to join a caravan for California, but | 
on reaching Westport in the latter part of May, 
1851, he found the trains for that season had gone, 
and so postponed his trip for a year. Coming iiji 
from St. Louis to Westport, Mr. Myers had become 
acquainted with Kit Carson, who was o» bia way 



home to New Mexico from St. Louis, where he had 
been to buy goods and visit his daughter who was 
attending school there. The celebrated scout of- 
fered to take Mr. Myers to New Mexico without 
expense to the latter, if he would go, but after due 
deliberation the offer was declined and Mr. Myers 
went to Bentonsport, Iowa, where he stayed until 
the following spring. He then, in company with 
others from that place, set out for California with 
an ox-toam, having an interest also in another part 
of the outfit, and being the personal owner of one 
of the horses. The train was made up of five out- 
fits, and eighteen men, two children and one woman 
were the human beings who undertook the long and 
trying expedition. 

The guardian angel of the caravan was Mrs. 
Thomas Freeman, a refined and educated lady, who 
with two small children to care for, found time to 
pay a great deal of attention to the sick in their 
party, ami who is held in sacred remembrance by 
them all. She was the wife of a Universalist min- 
ister, who had abandoned preaching and entered 
upon a mercantile life, and who was on his way to 
California, where he expected to continue his busi- 
ness. Mr. Myers having Ijeen a victim of the 
mountain fever during tlieir journey, has good 
cause to gratefully remember the ministering care 
of the noble woman and liis reverence for her is 
unbounded. 

The train left Iowa on the r2th of May and 
reached Shasta City on the 16tli of September, 
after some trying experiences, and incidents long- 
to be remembered by those who [larlicipated in 
them. An incident worthy of mention occurred at 
Shell Creek, Neb., where the Indians tried to stop 
the train and make the white men pay toll on a 
rustic bridge. The leader of the wagon train, Mr. 
Jacob Rupley, who knew the Indian character well, 
gave the boys orders not to shoot unless he set the 
example, and when the savages tried to drive off 
the stock from the caravan, he took his big ox whip 
and went after them, striking the chief over the 
head and causing him to take to his heels with the 
rest following him. 

In the great descent of the Humboldt, which is 
but a vast stretch of sandy plain, the oxen were for 
three days and two nights without food, and during 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



435 



two of these days traveled sixty miles. Wlien at 
Black Rock Springs, thinking themselves safe from 
molestation, the party failed to put out the usual 
guard, and in the morning four of the Ave horses 
belonging to tlie party were missing, and all of 
them belonging to the outfit in which Mr. Blyers 
bad .an interest, one of them being his private 
property'. There being no feed where thej' had 
camped, the other four outfits proceeded on their 
way intending to camp when they had found food 
and water, and await the arrival of their comr.ades. 
Four of the men went in searc'a of the missing 
horses, and returned at night in an exhausted con- 
dition, as the water which they had taken from the 
spring, being mineral, became unfit for use when 
warm. Mr. Myers was left alone in the tent during 
the day, being too ill to help himself to even a 
drink. Having failed to find the lost horses, they 
started on the next daj' with their cattle, which were 
suffering from the lack of feed, and the trip from 
the springs to Honey Lake, thirty miles distant, will 
long be remembered by the party. Three of the 
men went aliead, leaving one man to drive, with 
Mr. Myers sick in the wagon. During the forenoon 
the cattle went very well, but later in the daj' they 
would give out frequentl}- and stop, and the driver 
several times gave up in despair, having worn him- 
self out in whipping them and trying to urge ttem 
onward. Aliout the middle of the afternoon a 
horseman was seen in the distance, and he proved 
to be one of their friends who had returned with 
refreshments for the driver, whose spirits were re- 
newed ; and it seemed as though the oxen could 
smell the grass and water ahead as they traveled 
much better as they neared their journey's end. 
Reaching Honey Lake, which is on the line between 
California and Nevada, they found an abundance 
of good water, grass, and fish for food. 

Reaciiing the Golden Sl.ate and recovering from, 
the mountain fever. J[r. Myers went into the mines, 
working there for a .year, and then taking a vessel 
for New York, but little better off than when he 
reached the coast. Journeying from New York to 
his native State, he spent a j-ear at his old home 
and then went once more to Bentonport, Iowa. 
There he made his home until July. 1856, when he 
came to this county and filed a claim ou the south- 



west quarter of section 21, Cedar Township, which 
he still owns, and which was his home until 1877. 
when he was elected County Treasurer, an otticc 
which he held two terms. Upon opening the Bank 
Mr. Myers moved to Whiting, which has since been 
his place of residence. Mr. Myers is a Democrat 
and his election to office in a very strong Republi- 
can county, and his re-election, is a decided testi- 
mony to his manly and upright character. In his 
own precinct, a Republican one, he received every 
vote cast, and he is the only Democrat who ever 
held the office. Mr. Myers has been incurr.bent of 
the office of Township Treasurer, also. 

Mr. Myers has been the father of six children, 
two of whom died in infancy. The mother of this 
family was in her maidenhood Miss Anna A. Right- 
linger, and the ceremony that united their lives and 
fortunes was performed on June 8, 1859. Mrs. 
Myers was a native of Switzerland and her parents 
died when she was quite small. She came to this 
country with friends during her young lady- 
hood and made many warm friends in her new 
.abode. Her death took place at Whiting, April 
22, 1886, and she was followed to her grave in the 
Whiting Cemetery by a large concourse of sorrow- 
ing friends. She was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. The surviving progeny of Mr. and Mrs. 
Myers are: Emma A., the wife of Mark Harrison 
of this count}-, now living on the Myers' home- 
stead; Laura Y., wife of W. A. Green, formerl}- of 
Whiting, and now of Onaga. Pottawatomie County ; 
Frank E., a young merchant of Whiting, unmarried 
and at home; Alice M., a well-educated young lady 
who still remains under the [larenlal roof. All the 
children have had good advantages and are edu- 
cated and reBne<l. 



-S^^- 



■jf? ORENZO D. NICHOLS. It is now a quar- 
I ^ ter of a century since this gentleman came 
j j*— ^^ to Netawaka Township, Jackson County, 
having been induced to move to a farm on account 
of the dangerous state of his wife's health, and the 
opinion of the physician who said she could live 
but a short time in Atchison, where their home 
then was, and advised her removal to a farm away 



436 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



from the Missouri River. Not only did Mrs. 
Nichols regain her health, but her husb.and has 
prospered in business, and has no cause to regret 
becoming a resident of this count)-. 

He of whom we write is a son of .John and Lj-dia 
(Adkins) Nichols, and is of Welsh ancestry. He 
was born in Crown Point, Essex Co., N. Y , and 
left an orphan at an early age, his mother having 
died when he was two years old, and his father four 
years later. After the death of the latter he was 
sent to Warren, Washington Co., Vt., to the home 
of his uncle, Alfred Nichols, and was brought up 
on a farm until he was eighteen years of age, 
receiving such education as the district schools 
afforded. He then went to A'ergennes where he 
learned the trade of a wheelwright, serving three 
years with S. A. Bragg. Returning to his native 
(State, he acquired a knowledge of stationary steam 
engineering, afterward taking a position as engineer 
on a steamboat plying between WestiJort. N. Y., 
and Basin Harbor, Vt. Ere long he became half 
owner in the boat, which was subsequently de- 
stroyed by fire while Ij'ing at the dock at Westport. 

Mr. Nichols then took a position as engineer on 
a steamer running between White Hall. N. Y., and 
Montreal, Canada, but abandoning this occupation 
after a time, went to Massacluusetts, engaging in the 
manufacture of wagon felloes at Lanesboro, whence 
he moved his manufactory to Dashviile. He had 
been at work in the latter place but about a }'ear 
when the Waukill River flooded the country, wash- 
ing away his plant of *12,000, and $2,500 worth of 
logs, leaving him almost penniless with a $30,000 
contract on his liands. The dealers in New York 
offered to build him up again, but he was afraid to 
undertake the risk, and settling up his affairs re- 
turned to his old emploj'ment of running an engine 
for wages. He was able to re-obtain his former 
job from Whitehall to Montreal, but onl^' ran one 
sea.son, when he moved to Chicago, 111., and began 
work in the brick business intending to run the 
engine for tiie yard. It was not long before he 
was made foreman, having about 200 men under 
.'lis charge, and continuing thus engaged for a 
1 eriod of five years. 

AL the expiration of tiiat time Mr. Nichols went 
to bt. Louis, and purchased a iialf interest in a 



photograph gallery, which he carried on for three '] 
years in partnership with his brotiier, Dr. Nichols, ', 
who, prior to his own arrival, was a resident of that 
city. AVith the view of improving the failing- 
heal th of his wife he sold out and removed to Atchi- 
son, Kan., where he managed the eastern end of the 
business of .StubbinsLt Porter, bankers and freight- 
ers. On several occasions he went as far as the 
Blue River with the trains, which consisted of cov- 
ered wagons drawn by from four to six yoke of 
oxen. In 1SG5, wlien told his wife could live but 
a short time in Atchison, he purchased the place 
wdiich he now occupies, bringing Mrs. Nichols. 
whose weight was but seventy pounds, to the farm 
on a cot. Tiie invalid at once began to improve 
and soon regained her health, whicii has since been 
excellent, and she now weighs 150 pounds. 

The residence of Mr. Nicliols being a large one 
and on the Parallel lioad, he was forced to throw 
it open to the public and the same year he started 
a store, which he carried on for several years. When 
a depot was liuilt in 1866, he was appointed agent 
of the company and retained the position for about 
a year, during the time opening a store in half of 
the de[)ot. afterward taking in L. F. Vaughn as 
a partner, and finallj' selling out entirely to him. 
In 1880 he took charge of the Netawaka Hotel, 
which Mrs. Nichols carried on for two years. 

While Mr. Nichols has been engaged in other 
business he has managed to improve his land and 
now has 160 acres under fine cultiv-ation, with a 
residence 24 x 20 feet, and two stories high in the 
main, and having a wing 12x16 feet. He has ex- 
perimented to a considerable extent in small fruits. 
has paid considerable attention to peaches and 
many kinds of grapes, but of the latter finds the 
Concord the only variety worth raising. 

The wife of Mr. Nichols was in her maidenhood 
Miss Caroline Bouchard, and is a daughter of Louis 
and Mary (Bellreef) Bouchard, all of Canada. Of 
their famil3' we note the following: Caroline E. is 
the wife of E. B. Rust, a farmer in the neighljor- 
liood of her old home, and they have two children. 
J. G. is a carpenter and lives in Horton, having a 
wife and one child. George L., with his wife and 
one child, operates a farm in this township. Will- 
iam J., and F. H. are at home and engaged in .agri- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



437 



cultuvnl pursuits. Walter W. is unraan-ied and is 
tlie ISuppiintendent of Pottawatomie Mission farm. 
Henry D. is a school boy and at home. 

Mr. Nichols was a memberof the I.O.O.F. at the 
age of twenty-one years and advanced in tiie order 
as far as the first five degrees. In politics he is a De- 
mocrat, and at the last election was nominee on his 
party ticket for the ofHce of County Clerk. In 
1871 he was elected the first Trustee of Netawaka 
Township, and re-elected the following year. Mrs. 
Nichols was educated in the Catholic Church, but is 
now rather a freethinker in matters of religion. Mr. 
Nichols has an honorable record as a man and citi- 
zen, and he and his family are respected members 
of the communitj'. 



i-h^- 



'-5*^-K« 



^^LIVER F. NELSON. The subject of this 
I ijl sketch is a native of Sweden where he was 
^^^' born April 6. 18'28 to Nelse Nelson, a farmer 
by occupation. Our subject was reared on his 
father's farm and remained at home until he was 
twenty-five years of age when he bade the old 
home farewell and came to America. He landed 
in New York in the summer of 1853 and immedi- 
ately started for the West, reaching Chicago after a 
brief period of travel. From there he soon after- 
ward went to Oalesliurg, 111,, where he secured 
work as a farmer. The place where he found woik 
was about seven miles nortii of Galesburg and he 
remained there until the following October, when 
he started Westward with California as the goal of 
his ambition. His intention was to proceed via 
New Orleans, but when he reached Vicksburg, Miss,, 
he secured a contract to cut wood and pursued that 
occupation for three months whe';, being unable to 
get his money for the work done, lie was obliged 
to take wood in payment and the necessitj' of dis- 
posing of it to get funds to continue his journej-, 
detained him until Januar}- 1854, This incident 
dampened his ardor to proceed further and he 
thereupon returned to Galesburg, III., and entered 
the employ of the Chicago Burlington & Quince- 



Railroad Company. He was placed in charge of 
quite a large force of men who were engnged in 
grading the road which was then in course of con- 
struction. 

Mr, Nelson continued in the employ of the 
Railroad Company until about the middle of 
October. 1854, when he went to Monmouth, 111,, 
and obtained work from Gen. A. C. Harding on 
his farm. Finding the work profitable, he re- 
mained there some seven years, leaving in the 
spring of 1861 for Burlington, Iowa. Upon his 
arrival in that State he purch.ised 500 acres of 
woodland and employed a force of men varying 
from fiffy to 120 to cut wood which he sold to 
steamboats, railroads, and the city of Burlington, 
This venture proving successful, in a pecuniary 
point of view, he remained in the business till the 
spring of 1864, when he abandone<l it to "o to 
Montana Territory, 

April 5, 1864, Mr, Nelson left Burlington with 
twelve yoke of oxen and four wagons loadeil with 
provisions, and arrived at Bozeman City, Mon- 
tana, on the 2 1st of August following. From that 
place he proceeded to Virginia City where he sold 
out his load of provisions and afterward his oxen 
and wagons. An incident that happened on the 
journey outward from Iowa serves to illustrate the 
danger of travel in those days, even if the party 
was a large one — while Mr, Nelson and his com- 
panions wereon the Powder River the train was at- 
tacked by about GOO Indians on July 7. The men 
composing the parly of whites numbered 309, but 
when the attack was made only some seventy-five 
could be found read}- to fight the red enemies. 
They, however, made a brave resistance and the 
Indians vvere finally driven off with a loss of about 
thirteen killed, the whites losing seven of their vali- 
ant band. 

After disposing of his outfit, as recorded above, 
Mr. Nelson iirocured another one consisting of 
four mules, two wagons, and a riding horse. He 
also took a party of eleven men and, with them for 
companions, started Eastward intending to stoi) at 
Omaha, Neb. They reached that city Nov. 9, 1864 
after a journey which was made without unpleasant 
incident. Being anxious to cast his vote for 
Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Nelson left his outfit and 



438 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



party at Otlumwa and piocoeiled to Burlington by 
rail. 

Our subject spent the winter of 1864-'fi5 in 
Burlington, being employed in getting ready to 
cross the plains a second time as soon as the spring 
was sufficiently far advanced to permit of travel. 
He started on his second journey outward with 
sixteen yoke of oxen, five wagons and sixteen 
men. They first directed their course to Omaha 
from which place they proceeded on the oftimes 
jierilous route across the "Great American Desert" 
as the plains were then called. A number of other 
companies left about the same date, May 10, 1865, 
having the same object in view. On reaching Ft. 
Kearney, a man, whom it was subsequently ascer- 
tained did not bear a spotless reputation, appeared 
and demanded a couple of steers belonging to Mr. 
Nelson, which he had purchased in White Cloud, 
Iowa. Conscious of his integrity, Mr. Nelson re- 
fused to .accede to the fellow's demand, and there- 
upon there arose an exciting struggle between tlie 
two p!\rties in which that of our subject came off 
victoiious. The friends of Mr. Nelson were 
obliged to contend against great odds, and he 
himself nearly lost bis life, but they had tlie satis- 
faction of having won and weie well contented 
with the result. The train with which our suliject 
was connected consisted of tliirt3'-two wagons and 
102 men. On arriving at Julesburg Mr. Nelson 
was chosen captain of the companj' to remain 
such while passing through the Indian country. At 
Bitter Creek, there being no longer any danger of 
Ijeing molested by the Indians, the company broke 
up into squads and eacli party proceeded on its 
way independent of the others. Jul}' 26, the com- 
pany in which Mr. Nelson traveled, reached Vir- 
ginia City, and he sold out his merchandise to good 
advantage. In about one month he was read_y to 
return and designed taking the route homeward 
through Salt Lake Cit}'. Not 'being familiar with 
all the habits and dangers of the people among 
whom he was then living, he inadvertently told the 
notorious desperado, •' Mountain .Tack" that he liad 
a large sum of money which he purposed carr}'- 
ing to the East with him. With a light heart Mr. 
Nelson left Virginia City and feeling fully equal to 
the task, took under his charge a young Mormon 



who also had a large quantity of gold which he 
wished to carr}' to Salt Lake City. Thev had not 
gone far when the true character of the man to 
whom Mr. Nelson had confided his intentions be- 
came known to him. and the further fact was also 
revealed to him that " Mountain Jack " was lying 
in wait to murder the two travelers who were with- 
out means to cope with such a desperate band of 
cut-thi-oats. A man named Blodgett had been 
killed only a few days before by the cunning gang 
who had employed the same tactics in his case as 
they were at that time expecting to put in practice 
with Mr. Nelson and his companion. However, 
they were doomed to disappointment in this case 
as Mr. Nelson, bidding the young Jlormon be of 
good courage, devoutly besought the aid of the all- 
powerful Ruler of the skies and made preparations 
to elude his crafty foe. By the .assistance of Prov- 
idence, as Mr. Nelson fully believes, they were suc- 
cessful in tiieir race for life and reached Salt Lake 
in safet}', leaving their baffled pursuers to gnash 
their teeth in fruitless rage. The amount which 
Mr. Nelson and his companion carried witii tiiem 
was about $14,000. It was a thrilling experience 
and one that our subject lias no desire to repeat. 

After a staj' of about ten days in Salt Lake City, 
Mr. Nelson thinking to make the trip profitable, 
fitted out an expedition to go to Helena, Mont. 
He loaded six wagons with flour and took them to 
that city. He stored the flour until the spring of 
1866 when he sold it for §28 per sack. Following 
the disposal of the flour, Mr. Nelson set out to 
fulfill a contract which he had taken to haul a 
quartz mill from Bitter Creek and Granger in Utah 
to Mount Sterling, ]\Iont. The manner in which 
he secured the contract formed quite an interesting 
episode and one worth relating. There was another 
individual seeking the job and Mr. Nelson had to 
be pretty livel}' in order to get in ahead. He started 
on horseback on the long ride which it was neces- 
sary to take, and by-and-by came to Jefferson River 
minus a bridge or other means of crossing except 
the perilous one of fording. To make the matter 
worse the river was full of floating ice, with ice on 
each bank and the horse which he was riding showed 
a decided disinclination to take the plunge, but 
the courage of the rider rose with the occasion 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



439 



anrl he forced tlie animal into the stream. For a 
brief period it was an even cliance tliat tliey would 
both drown, but liy liereulcaii t'lforts they both 
finally landed on the opposite shore. Half dead 
with fatigue and almost frozen, horse and rider at 
length reached the hospitable shelter of the cabin 
belonging to the man wliom he was desirous of see- 
ing, Mr. K. S. Pratt. Dry clothes and refresiiments 
being obtained he at once proceeded to business 
and liad the satisfaction of sleeping that night 
with Ills contract, that he had run such risks to ob- 
tain, fully made out and signed in due form. 

I'pou the following nnwningour subject, having 
accomplished his object, left the shelter of his host 
and sought that of his own. In Marcli, as .above 
stated, he started to fid fill the contract and.although 
meeting with many inisimps and adventures that 
would liave daunted a man less imbued with the 
indomitable spirit of Mr. Nelson, succeeded in 
carrying it out to the entire satisfaction of his em- 
ployer. The machinery of the mill was very heavy 
and had to be carried on wagons all the way which 
was dilficult in the extreme, but when the rivers 
were to be crossed then came the " tug of war." 
While they were crossing Green River, the six 
wagons upon which were loaded the machiner3', 
were too heavy for the ferry boat and the whole 
outfit went sailing donii stream for five miles, 
necessitating some hard work upon the part of Mr. 
Nelson and his men to recover it and bring it 
safely to lanil upon the other shore. The next large 
river, Hani's Fork, was one and one-half mile wide 
and once more the wagons were obliged to proceed 
witii the machinerj' under water to tlie opposite 
side. Notwithstanding tliese trials Mr. Nelson de- 
livered the mill on time and received his money, 
15,500. 

Mr. Nelson passed the summer of 1 StilS in Montana 
and in the fall of that year went to .Salt Lake Citj', 
where he bought 1 50 eows, and driving them to He- 
lena, realized a profit of 100 percent. The return trip 
was made in the spring of 1867, and in the fall of that 
year he again journeyed to Salt Lake and bought a 
lot more which he also disposed of to good advan- 
tage. In 1868 he left Ft. Benton for Iowa. From 
there he took a boat for Sioux City, subsequently 
going to Minnesota where he visited his brother. 



remaining some two months, then started for Kan- 
sas. He stopped at Monmouth and Atchison and 
while in that vicinity in the fall of 1868, purchased 
300 head of cattle which he divided into lots of 
150 each. One lot he left to be fed in Straight 
Creek during that winter and drove the other lot 
to W.ayne County, Iowa, where they were fed dur- 
ing the winter of 1868-'6i). In the spring he sold 
the entire lot to Maj. Pierce of Springfield, Iowa, 
for * 13.500. 

After disposing of his cattle, Mr. Nelson went to 
Atchison and bought one-half of section 1, Straight 
Creek Township. He settled on the place in the 
spring of 1869 and built a house which was soon 
afterwards burned. Our subject did not allow 
that to daunt him but proceeded to build another. 
He has good buildings for all necessary purposes 
on his place, which is now rented to a family who 
carry on the farm operations for him .as he is living 
a retired life, enjoying the repose to which his past 
labors have so richly entitled him. He owns 610 
acres of land on section 1, and his improvements 
are all first class. 

As soon as Mr. Nelson located in J.ackson County, 
Kan., he turned his attention to the business of 
buying and shipping stock to other places to be dis- 
posed of in a manner best calculated to secure the 
largest retui'iis. In 1874 he went to Bentonsport 
and purchased one-half interest in a mill and re- 
moved to the (ilace which he made his home until 
1876, \vhen he sold the mill and returned to the 
farm. He then bought 400 head of sheep and 
went into the sheep-raising business, which he fol- 
lowed for two years, then began shipping hogs and 
cattle in connection with his farm work. 

On March 6, 1869, Mr. Nelson and Miss Myra 
Lo|)er were married in St. Joseph. Mo. Mrs. Nel- 
son is a native of Des Moines County, Iowa, and a 
daughter of Frank Loper, a pioneer of that county. 
She is an intelligent lady and a worthy companion 
of her noble husband. Mr. Nelson is a profound 
admirer of American institutions and takes a deep 
and active interest in political affairs. He is a stanch 
i Republican and contributes liberally towards the 
success of its principles. He is a member of the 
]\Iasonic fraternitv and of the Farmers' Alliance. 
Since becoming a citizen of America M'". Nelson' 



440 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



has nol forgotten the home of his youth but has 
twice visited it, once iu 1857, and again in 1887. 
Did space permit, much more might be said of the 
career of Mr. Nelson, but a simple recital of Itie 
foregoing facts must serve to impress ever}' reader 
with the fact that he is a man of decided force of 
character, and with a record of which anj- one might 
well be proud. 

'f^m- 



[ _-,i, 'RAyK SMITH occupies a fine homestead 
^1® in Vienna Township, Pottawatomie Count}', 
l^i and is engaged in stock-raising and general 
farming. The farm comprises 580 acres well- 
watered by James Creek, and excellentl}' adapted 
for stock purposes. It lies on sections 28, 29 and 
33, and has been his home since 1874, when it was 
purchased from the county, which had intended it 
for use for the county poor. Our subject and iiis 
father, who has an interest with him in the place, 
have brought it to its present state of improve- 
ment and general excellence. 

The subject of this notice was born in Johnson 
County, Iowa, about twelve miles northwest of 
Iowa City, June 10, 1844, and was the only child 
of his parents. He obtained an excellent practical 
education, remaining at home until of age, and then 
spending a few years iu Douglas County, Kan., 
whence he came to this county and township to 
take possession of iiis present farm. The careful 
training which he received from his vvorthy parents 
has resulted in a manly and practical character, 
which leads to bis success in business and to a higii 
standing among the citizens, by whom his good 
qualities are full}' recognized. 

At the home of the bride in Douglas County, 
Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
J., daughter of Anthony and Sarah (Thompson, 
nep Hibbs) Sells. The bride was born in Johnson 
County, Iowa, Aug. 15, )850, and received an ex- 
cellent education, engaging in the profession of 
teaching, but continuing to make her home with 
her parents, whom she accompanied to Kansas in 
the fall of 1869. Her father died in Douglas 
County, and the widowed mother, now full of 
years, is residing with her children. Mr. Sells 
spent his life in the pursuits of agriculture. The 



union of Mr. and Mrs. Smith has been blessed by 
the birth of two children — O. D. and Cora, who 
under the loving tuition of their cultured mother, 
are acquiring the refinement of manners and moral 
principles which will do credit to the name in 
future years. 

The father of our subject is D. B. Smith, who is 
of German ancestry, and was born in Northumber- 
land County, Pa., in 1818. and was reared as a 
farmer. After coming to manhood he was united 
in marriage with Miss Rebecca Hess, of the same 
county and of Dutch ancestry. She was born about 
tiie year 1810, and after her marriage accompanied 
her husband at once to the West. Mr. Smith pur- 
chased a claim in Johnson County, Iowa, where he 
was one of the first settlers, and after settling his 
little household in their new abode, he obtained 
work in the mines at Dubuque, and gradually 
saved enough money to pay for bis home. He did 
quite well financially, and was able to improve his 
farm, and finally to devote his whole attention to 
it, making it his home until the fall of 1873. He and 
bis wife then came to this State, and sojourned in 
Douglas County with their son, our subject, until 
the following spring, when they came to their 
present home. They are still living, their home 
being on the farm a short distance from that of 
their son. They are now quite old, and retired 
from active pursuits, enjoying the comforts of life, 
and the rest which should justly follow their years 
of hard work and usefulness. The father is a 
Democrat, and a stanch supporter of the principles 
of that party, which his son, our subject, also 
supports. 

A lithographic view of the residence of Mr. 
Smith is shown on another page. 



^*-^i-*^ 



ENRY KROU.SE. A valuable and finely 

Jj improved farm in Vienna Township. Potta- 

^ walomie County, is the home of this gen- 

'^p tieman, who is one of the most successful 

farmers in the county. His home estiite comprises 

240 acres on section 18, and contains a fine set of 

I farm buildings, is well-stocked, and carefully and 



roRTRAir AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



443 



intelligently managed, lie also owns a valuable 
tract of 400 acres in Sherman Township. The most 
of this fine property has been accumulated since 
the owner came to Kansas in 1875, and is a proof 
of ills industry, prudence, and able management. 

Mr. Krouse is really one of the oldest settlers of 
this State, though his residence has not been con- 
tinuous within its borders. He first came to the 
Territory in 1852, wliile still considerably under 
legal age, and since that time has had an experience 
which falls to the lot of few of his years. He was 
born in Batsto, Burlington Co., N. J., Sept. 12, 
1843, of educated and highly respected German 
parents. lie was one of the j'ounger members of 
the family, and with a brother, William, came West. 
Some time after reaching this State, he became n 
member of the State militia, and afterward saw 
much active service during the years when Kansas 
was the scene of border troubles, Indian outbreaks, 
or raids. In the spring of 1865, he crossed the 
plains, and remained on the Slo|)e about six years, 
accumulating some money with which he returned 
to Kansas in 1871. He lived in Sedgwick and Neo- 
sho Counties for a fc-w years, coming here from the 
latter county at the time before mentioned. His 
earlier years in this Territory were spent among In- 
dian nations with his father, who after the death of 
his first wife, had married an Indian maiden be- 
longing to the Creek Nation. 

Henry Krouse, the father of our subject, was 
born in Hanover, Germany, and was the son of well ■ 
to-do and honorable parents. He was well-reared, 
and well-educated, especially in music, of which he 
became a teacher when nineteen years old. He 
married Miss Charlotta CoUinsburg, of the same 
Duchy, and also of a highly respected family. Af- 
ter the birth of two children, Henry Krouse came 
with his family to America, leaving his native land 
much against the wish of his friends. He located 
in Philadelphia, and there learned the trade of 
glass making, in which he became a proficient work- 
man, and which he followed for many years. Later 
he adopted a seafaring life, and made many trips 
to ports of the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, having 
some remarkable experiences, and suffering many 
hardships. While sailing around Ca|)e Horn, on 
one of his voyages, the vessel was lost for six weeks 



in the fogs, during which time the crew saw neither 
sun, moon nor stars. 

Pearly in the '40's, Henry Krouse rounded Cape 
Horn, and reached the California co;ist some time 
before the discovery of gold on the Slope. He af- 
terward lived there for some years engaged in 
mining, and during this time his wife died in New 
Jersey, at the age of about fifty years. In 1852, 
Mr. Krouse left the mines of California, and came 
to Kansas, where he was joined by his sons, Will- 
iam and Henry C. After marrying the Creek 
maiden, he lived in the Nation for seven years, 
when they were separated. During the Civil War, 
though be3'ond a legal age for army life, he en- 
listed in a Kansas Infantry Regiment, and being 
strong and rugged, was accepted and served lor a 
short time in defense of the Union. He then sick- 
ened and died, his death occurring near Ft. Scott, 
in 1862. 

Henrj' C. Krouse, of whom we write, was married 
in Neosho County, to Mrs. Sarah E. Winstead, 7iee 
Garroutte, who was born in Greene County, Mo., 
July 8, 1848. She lost her parents when she was 
eight years old, and was but fifteen 3fears old when 
she came to Neosho County, where she married her 
first h\isband, James Winstead. He died leaving 
one child, Harvey Winstead, who married Miss 
Maggie Teeter, and lives on a farm in Sherman 
Township. Mrs. Krouse has borne her present hus- 
band five children: James M. and Arthur are de- 
ceased; Walter M., Charles L., and Ada M., are 
still under the parental roof. Mr.Krouse is a sound 
Democrat, giving all his influence to that party. 

In connection with this sketch, the reader will 
find a lithographic engraving of the residence of 
our subject, with its pleasant rural surroundings. 



ENRY F. MEYP:R. Prominent among the 
)ll keen, stirring, enterprising citizens of IIol- 
jV^ ton who are endeavoring to extend its in- 
terests in various directions, our subject 
is well known in Jackson County, where he has 
made his home for several years, and is regarded as 
one of its most substantial, well-to-do men. He is 
actively engaged in business at Holton, under the 



444 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



firm name of Fisher & Mej-er. Of foreign birth. 
our subject proved liis lo.valty to his adopted coun- 
try, under whose institutions he was bred from 
early childhood, b}- taking up arms in its defence 
and devoting the opening years of liis manhood to 
fighting its battles. 

Germany is his native land, and tliere he was 
born Feb. 19, 1842. When he was four years old 
he left the Fatherland with his parents, and crossing 
the ocean, the remaining years of his boj'hood were 
passed with them in tiieir home in Sheboygan 
County, AVis. lie was given the advantages of an 
education in the public schools, and was early 
trained to habits of industry-, and in all things that 
go to malie an honorable man and a useful citizen. 
He was living in the Badger State when the war 
broke out. and in the year that he attained to his ma- 
jority, 1863, he offered his services to the Govern- 
ment and became a soldier in the 17th Wisconsin 
Regiment, and remained in the ranks till the war 
closed, discharging his duties wherever placed 
with the fidelity and efficiency that won him the 
implicit trust of his commanding officers. In the 
spring of 1869 Mr. Meyer came to Kansas, at- 
tracted hither bj- the many facilities offered for a 
practical, energetic man to make money. He lo- 
cated first in Marshall County, whence he came 
about three years later to Jackson Count}', of which 
he has since been a resident. In the spring of 1 884 
he came to Holton for the purpose of establishing 
himself in business here, and, as a public siiirited, 
progressive citizen has closely identified himself 
with the best interests of the cit}', and is contribu- 
ting his quota to its upbuilding. Though not one 
of the earliest settlers of Jackson County lie came 
here when it was in its infancy, and as one of its 
pioneers, has not onl}- witnessed the most of its 
growth, but has done what lay in his power to 
promote its prosperity. He is a man of excellent 
iiabits and sterling principles, is prompt, methodi- 
cal and reliable in his business dealings, and is lield 
in high respect b}' the entire community. 

Mr. Meyer and Miss Lissette Jager were united 
in marriage in Sheboygan Count}', Wis., and to 
them have been born five children, as follows: Wil- 
liam H.. Ida L., Rosa L., Ola A. and Henry P. :Mr. 
and Mrs. Me3'er, as genial, courteous, kindly peo- 



ple, enact with genuine hospitality the part of host 
and liostess. and render their home pleasant and 
comfortable to their many friends whom the\' wel- 
come within its walls from time to time. 



— V 






lis* ON. CASE BRODKRICK. one of the prom- 
j, ,. inent men of Holton, was born in Marion, 
'i^^ Grant Co., Ind., Sept. 23, 1839, and is the 

!^) son of Samuel Broderick, a native of Ohio. 
The paternal grandfather, Patrick Broderick, was 
born in Ireland and was of Scotch ancestr}'. The 
latter came to America and settled on a farm in 
! New York State. Later he removed to Ohio, set- 
tling near Chillicothe, among its earliest pioneers, 
and there he spent his last da^'s. 

Samuel Broderick was a farmer by occupation 
and left his native Slate of Ohio when a 3'oung 
man, going to Grant Count}', Ind. He purchased 
a tract of timber land east of Marion and put up a 
log house in which the subject of this sketch was 
born. He sold out in 1845 and removed to New- 
ton County in the same State, where he purchased 
a tract of unimproved land, part prairie and part 
timber. He put up buildings and cultivated the 
soil prior to days of railroads and carried his pro- 
duce to Chicago, seventy-five miles distant, that 
being the nearest market for some years. He de- 
parted this life in 1870. 

The mother of our subject was in her girlhood 
Mary Snyder, a native of Ohio, who died on the 
home farm in Newton County, Ind.. about 18,54. 
Both she and her husband were members of the 
Baptist Church. The six children of the parental 
family all lived to mature years. Case was six 
years old when his ])arents removed to Newton 
County, where he attended the pioneer schools and 
developed into a country ped.agogue. teaching in 
the log school house near his home. He also as- 
sisted in carrying on the farm, where he lemained 
until his mother's death. Then leaving home he 
was engaged as a farm laborer and resided in In- 
diana until 1858. 

In the above-mentioned 3'ear 3'oung Broderick 
came to Kansas while it was a Territory, locating 
in Jackson County, and purcliased a tract of land 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



445 



in Douglas Township. He labored upon this until 
the outbreak of the Civil Wai-, and then in May, 
18G2, enlisted in the 2d Kansas Batter}', serving 
until the close of the war. He operated with his 
comrades in Arkansas and Missouri, also on the 
more Western frontier until August, 186,'), when he 
received his honorable discharge. While in the 
army he read law considerably- and followed this 
after resuming farming to such good -iiurpose that 
in 1870 he was admitted to the bar. In the mean- 
time, in 18(J8. he had removed to Holton, of which 
he has since been a resident. He held various of- 
ficial positions, among them being that of County 
Attorney in 1876 and later was chosen to represent 
Jackson and Pottawatomie Counties in the Kansas 
Legislature. In 1880 he was made Associate Judge 
of the Superior Court of Idaho, serving four and 
one-half .years, after which he returned to Holton, 
where he has since remained. 

Mr. Broderick was married in 1860 to Miss Mar}' 
A., daughter of Benjamin Kubank, and born in 
Dearborn County, Ind. This union resulted in the 
birth of six children, viz: Lincoln, Charles. Anna, 
Jennie. Frank and Fanu}'. Mr. Broderick has al- 
was been a Re|iubiican and has frequently served 
as a delegate to the various conventions. In the 
fall of 1881 his friends put him forward as their 
candidate for Congress and he received a handsome 
vote in the convention. 

=^,EORGE W. DEtUIAW. A residence of 
twenty-two years in Mill Creek Township, 
Pottawattomie Count}', has familiarized 
most of its older residents with the name of this 
practical farmer, who is comfortably located on 
section 3, and owns 160 acres of vvell-improvcd 
land. Besides this propert}' he has a stock i-angc 
of 320 acres in Vienna Township, 100 acres of 
which are under a high state of cultivation. This 
land is rendered fertile by a goodly supply of 
water and is well stocked with good breeds of the 
domestic animals who are sheltered by first-class 
buildings. The dwelling of the proprietor is a neat 
and substantial farm house, which, witii its appur- 
tenances, forms a very attractive and comfort;U)le 



home. Mr. Degraw located here in tlie spring of 
1880, and has l)een greatly prospered In his farm- 
ing operations. 

A native of Clayton County. Iowa. Mr. Degraw 
was born in Monona Township, Jul}' 4, 1850, and 
came with his father to Kansas in 1867, when a 
youth of seventeen years. He h.as since been a resi- 
dent of Mill Creek Township. His father. Joseph 
Degraw, was a native of the Province of Ontario, 
Canada, and descended from German ancestry. 
The i)aternal grandfather, Samuel Degraw, was an 
American-born citizen, a farmer by occupation and 
spent his last years in Canada, dying when past 
eighty years old. He was the fatiier of a large fam- 
ily, of whom Joseph w.as i«eared to maniiood in his 
native Province and married Miss Jane L. Gregg. 
This lady was likewise born and reared in Ontario, 
and was the daughter of Reuben Gregg, a native 
of Ireland. Mr. Gregg emigrated to America in 
his youth and learned the trade of a wagon-maker. 
When about middle-aged he emigrated to Clayton 
County, Iowa, where he died when a very old man. 

After their marriage. Joseph Degraw and his 
wife settled on his farm in the Dominion, where 
they remained until after the birth of two children, 
Jonas and Reuben. Then, in 1847, they likewise 
emigrated to Clayton County, Iowa, settling in 
Monona Township, where the father improved a 
farm and where they sojourned for a period of 
twenty years. Thence, in November, 18G7, they 
came to Kansas and purchased a large farm in Mill 
Creek Township, where they still live. The elder 
Degraw was at one time the owner of over 400 
acres of land in this townsliip. including the [M-es- 
ent site of Onaga, near which the old homestead 
lies. Upon it Mr. and Mrs. Degraw are spending 
their declining years, surrounded by all the coin- 
forts of life, having arrived at the age of sixty- 
seven and sixly-fdur years respectively. They are 
retired from active labor, and are enjoying the 
fruits of their early industry. 

The subject of this sketch is the fuurUi child in 
a family of si.K sons and three daughters. Two of 
the sons and one d.iugliter are deceased. (4eorge 
W., was reared to manhood in the Ilawkeye Stale 
and there acquired his education. He came to Kan- 
sas before reaching his majority, and Oct. 10, 



446 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1875, was married in Mill Creek Township, to Miss 
Eliza J. Thbmas. Mrs. Degraw was born in War- 
ren County, lud., Jan. 23, 1859, and is the daugh- 
ter of John Thomas, a sketch of whom appears 
elsewhere in this volume. She was quite j'oung 
when she came with her parents to Kansas where 
slie acquired her education in the common school, 
and remained under the home roof, until her mar- 
riage. This union has resulted in the birtli of four 
children — Austin V., Aggie JI., Gertrude L. and 
Walter A. 

Mr. Degraw, politically, is a sound Republican. 
He and his estimable wife occupy' a good social 
position in tiieir community and number their 
friends among its most intelligent people. 



-«•*> 



■•"♦o-^^^'vlS-o*'" 



-*,— 



i»' SAAC R. JOHNSON. For the past twenty 
years the familiar figure of Mr. Johnson has 



passed in and out among the people of Soldier 
Township, where he is recognized as a valued citi- 
zen. He makes his headquarters at a well-regulated 
farm embracing 11 G acres of land on section 20, 
which he took as a homestead about 1869. He 
commenced at first principles in the opening up of 
a farm and has it now well cultivated and improved 
with modern buildings, substantial fences, fruit 
and shade trees and all the other appurtenances of 
the ideal country home. 

The early tramping ground of our subject was 
in McLean Countj', 111., where his birth took place 
in 1840. llis parents were William and Juriah 
(Manace) Johnson, the father a native of Kentucky 
and the mother of Virginia. The paternal grand- 
father was Isaac Johnson, a native likewise of the 
Blue Grass State. William Johnson was reared on 
a farm and taking kindly to his books developed 
into a school teacher, which profession he followed 
for the long period of twenty-three years in one 
county. He left his native State when a boy of 
seven, removing with his parents to McLean County, 
111., where he developed into manhood and so- 
journed until 1869. That year he came to Kansas 
and has since been a resident of Jackson County, 
living now retired in the vicinit}^ of Holton. He 
was born in 1812 and has thus attained to the ad- 



vanced age of seventy-seven 3'ears. The wife and 
mother departed this life in the year of 1866. 
Both parents identified thomselves with the Baptist 
Church early in life. 

To the parents of our subject there was born a 
family of six children, Isaac R. being next to the 
eldest; John W. is fanning in Greene County, 
III. ; Alford. a well-to-do farmer of Jackson County, 
is written of elsewhere in this sketch; Franklin 
died at the age of twenty-six years; Albert died 
when a promising youth of eighteen years; Wil- 
liam died at the age of sixteen. Isaac K. lived on 
the farm with his father until the outbreak of the 
Rebellion, and in .Se|itember. 1861. he enlisted as a 
Union soldier in Companj' B, .'39th Illinois Infan- 
try and served ten months as a private. Then on 
account of )5h_ysical disability he was obliged to 
accept his honorable discharge, having received a 
severe gunshot wound in the right leg and being 
also injured in the breast. He took part in the bat- 
tles of Alpine Station, Md , and- Wiiicliester, Va., 
being wounded at the latter place. At Alpine .Sta- 
tion he was detailed to find comfortable quarters 
for some wounded comrades, and after making in- 
quiry at a number of houses he was met by a 30uug 
lady whom ho asked if she knew of a place for 
them. She answered that she would see her aunt 
and uncle with whom she lived. Mr. Johnson ac- 
companied her to the house and his mission was 
successful. He was quite overcome by the kind- 
ness of this young woman whom he could not for- 
get, and after receiving his discharge he went back 
to visit her and on the 22d of August, 1862, they 
were united in marriage. The maiden name of 
Mrs. Johnson was Jane E. Derr. She was born 
July 17, 1841, in Maryland, and was the daughter 
of Henry and Mary Derr, who spent their last 
years in Maryland. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Johnson be- 
gan the journey of life together on a farm in 
McLean County, III., where they lived until com- 
ing to Kansas in 1869. There have been born to 
them six children, the eldest of wliom, William H., 
left home in 1883, and his whereabouts is unknown. 
James L. is farming in Jackson County, Kan.; Al- 
ford and Charles are at home; Minnie and an infant 
unnamed are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



447 



members in good standing of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Ciiurch and Blr. .lohiison bi^Iongs to .lames 
B. Kyle Post, (i. A. R., at Soldier. He votes tlie 
straiglit Democratic ticket and has held the office 
of Constable and School Clerii. For the i)ast eight 
years he has been engaged quite extensively as a 
buyer and shipi)er of live stock. 

Alford Johnson, brother of our subject, was born 
in McLean County, 111., in 1845. During the war 
when a youth of eighteen years he enlisted in Com- 
pany H, 39th Illinois Infantry, serving two years 
and participating in fourteen battles. After the 
war he returned to Illinois and engaged in farming 
until 1869. That year he came to Kansas, of which 
he has since been a resident. He was first married 
in 1871, to Miss Isabellc Anderson, a native of Can- 
ada, who died in 1880. at the age of twenty-six 
years. She was a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church and the mother of six children, all dead 
except Mary .T., who is living with lier father. In 
August, 1881, Mr. Johnson contracted a second 
marriage with Miss Julia Reed, a native of Illinois. 
There were born of this union four children — Alta, 
Ira, Silas and Wade. The latter is deceased. Mr. and 
Mrs. Johnson are member* of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church and Mr. Johnson belongs to the 
G. A. li. 



^^ILES T. EUBANKS. Among the attrac- 
lll f~. tive country homes of Straight Creek Town- 
^^^11! ship, that of J\Ir. Eubanks deserves special 
mention. It comprises a well-regulated farm, 3'20 
acres in extent, embellished with a handsome mod-- 
ern dwelling and other suitable buildings which 
with their surroundings are indicative of plenty 
and comfort in a marked degree. The family 
stands high in the community, Mrs. Eubanks being 
a very intelligent and estimable lady and the chil- 
dren moi'c than ordinarily bright and interesting. 
Mr. Eubanks has been quite prominent in local af- 
fairs, holding the olliee of Justice of the Peace for 
three years, besides other positions of trust and 
responsibilit3-. In [lolitics he is an uncom[)romis- 
ing Democrat. He and his wife are regular attend- 
ants of the Methodist Episcopal Churcli. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Hall 



County, Ga., July 17, 1834, and is the son of 
Giles and Nancy (Talman) Eubanks, who were na- 
tives of North Carolina and who settled in that 
State after their marriage. After a few years they 
removed to Hall County, Ga., where they spent 
their last days. Of the eleven children born to 
them Giles T., was the seventh. He remained 
with his parents on the farm until reaching 
raaidiood. When twenty-two years old he was 
married in his native county, Aug. 27, 1856, to 
Miss Catherine Haynes. Mrs. Eubanks, likewise a 
native of Hall County, was born April, 3, 183G, 
and is the daughter of Eaton and .Alary E. (Elrod) 
Ha3'nes, who were natives of South Carolina. 
They also spent their last years in Hall County, Ga. 
Their family consisted of four daughters of whom 
Mrs. Eubanks was next to the eldest. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Eubanks lived 
in their native county, until November, 1868, and 
there their six children were born. They moved 
from Georgia to Jackson Count}-, this State, and 
settled in Straight Creek Township, where they 
have since lived. Tlieir eldest daughter, Geor- 
giann, became the wife of John R. Smith and 
died at her home in Topeka, the latter part of 
November, 1884. Cicero is living at home; San- 
ford A. married Miss Mary Arnold and is farming 
in Straight Creek Township; Alfred S. married Miss 
Adda Kelly, and is located in Seattle, Wash.; Per- 
ino also resides there; Augustus S. resides at home. 
During the lale Civil War, Mr. Eubanks. in the fall 
of 1863, enlisted as a Confederate soldier in Com- 
pany K, 43d Georgia Infantry and served until the 
conflict was ended. 

/^RAFTON C. STREAM. In making note of 
iff (=) the career of Mr. Stream, it is first proper 
^^s4l to mention the fact that he is looked upon 
as one of the most public-.spirited men of Liberty 
Township. He has a very attractive country home, 
built up by his own industry and enter[irise, 
assisted by his excellent wife. Jlrs. Stream is a 
lady of more than ordinarj' intelligence, and in all 
respects the suitable partner of such a man as her 
husband. The homestead proper comprises 160 



4-48 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



acres of choice land on section 19, while Mr. Stream 
owns eighty acres of land in .Jefferson Township. 
He makes a specialty of stock-raising, liaving all 
the facilities for tiie successful prosecution of this 
industry, his barns and slieds being amply adapted 
to the storage of grain, and tlie shelter of stock. 
The dwelling is a neat, modern structure with 
pleasant surroundings giving evidence of the cul- 
tured tastes and ample means of tlie proprietor. 

A native of old ^'irginia, Mr. Stream was 
born in Loudoun County, Oct. 2, 1829. He lived 
there with liis parents until a youth of seventeen 
years, then removed with them to Licking Count}-, 
Ohio, where he sojourned until a man of twenty- 
four years. We next find iiim in Morrow Count}', 
that State, where he met liis fate in the person of 
Miss Sarah E Bisliop, and was married Aug. 1.5, 
1854. The j'oung people commenced the journey 
of life together on a farm in Iowa, and lived tbere 
twenty-nine years. At the expiration of this time, 
coming west of the Mississippi, they located in Jack- 
son County, Kan., in 1885. 

Mrs. Stream was born in Washington Comity, 
N. Y., May 19, 1835, and is the daughter of Arch- 
ibald and Sarah Bishop, who were natives of New 
York, and the father is now deceased. The mother 
lives with our subject. Mrs. Stream removed with 
her parents to Ohio when a babe, remaining there 
until her marriage. Tliere have been born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Stream, tlurteen children, four of whom 
— Minnie, Jessie, Henry, and Sarah P., are de- 
ceased. The survivors are: Samuel A., William A., 
Marietta, Dennis F., Letta S., Charles R.,YerneE., 
James M., and Ora G. Mr. Stream cast his first 
Presidential vote for Scott, and identified himself 
with the Republican party, of which he has since 
been a loyal adherent. In the fall of 1862, during 
the second year of the Civil War, he enlisted as a 
Union soldier in Company H, 29th Iowa Infantry. 
This company was subsequently transferred to the 
I6th Iowa Regiment, and Mr. Stream still remained 
a member of Company H. He served until the 
close of the war, participating in several important 
engagements, and received an honorable wound in 
the right shoulder at Savannah, Ga. He marched 
with Sherman to llio sea. going up thence through 
the Caroliaas to Washington, and being present at 



the Grand Review. At the close of the war he re- 
ceived his honorable discharge, and gladly returned 
to the peaceful pursuits of farm life. He com- 
menced his battle with the world dependent upon 
his own resources, and furnishes a shining example 
of the results of industry and perseverance. 

^f/OHN L. STINE. There is probably not 
within the limits of liiberty Townshi|), a 
more comfortaV)le or attractive little home- 
stead than that belonging to Mr. Stine, wliich 
is pleasantly located on section 20. His fields have 
been thoroughly' cultivated, .and his buildings, al- 
though not pretentious, are neat and convenient, 
and well adapted to all the requirements of life in 
the I'ural districts. Mr. Stine is a go-ahe,ad, enter- 
prising man, and is looked upon as one of the lead- 
ing members of his community. lie is a native of 
Franklin County, Pa., and was born May 10, 1844. 

Michael Stine, the father of our subject, was like- 
wise a native of Pennsylvania, and married Miss 
Elizabeth McGinley, who was born in Franklin 
Count}', that State, and who died in the same place 
in 1864. Their family consisted of six children, of 
whom John L. was the third in order of birth. He 
spent his boj'hood after the manner of most farm- 
ers' sons, attending the district school, mostly dur- 
ing the winter season, and making himself useful 
around the homestead in summer. When a 3'outli 
of eighteen j'ears, however, with the natural desire 
of the young for change, he repaired to Chambers- 
burg, and learned wagon-making, at which he 
worked however, only one year. The Civil War 
now being in progress, he enlisted, in February, 
1864, in Batter}- B, 2d Pennsylvania Artilleiy, in 
which he served two years. 

Upon leaving the army, Mr. Stine returned to 
his native county, and worked on his father's farm 
until the spring of 1872. That year first found 
him on the soil of Kansas, he taking up his abode 
with his wife and one child in Lincoln County. 
After a residence there of ten years, he removed to 
Jackson County, and lived in Grant Township one 
year. Thence he changed the location to Liberty 
Township, taking possession of the farm, which he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



449 



now owns and occupies. He has effected most of 
the improvements iqion it, erecting the buildings. 
mal\i;ig fences, planting fruit and shade trees, and 
gathering together the farm machinery necessary 
for the successful prosecution of agriculture. 

Mr. Stine. when a young man of twenty-tliree 
years, was married in Franklin County, Pa., Nuv. 
12, 1867, to Miss Mary E. Wister. This lady w.as 
born in the al)ove-mentioned county, ISIaj- 20, 184.5, 
and is thus a year and ten days younger than her 
husband. There have been born to them two chil- 
dren. Harry A. and Franlv "\V. Mr. Stine cast his 
first vote for Sej'mour, and continues a member of 
the Democratic party. He lias served on the School 
Boarii, and as a Road Overseer in his district, and 
belongs to AVill Wendell Post. (i. A. R., at Holton. 
Mr. and Mrs. Stine belong the Presliyterian Church. 
They move in the best circles of societ}', and enjoy 
tlie acquaintance of tlie leading people of their 
township. 

— -i^^- 

bHEODORE I. EDDY. -Savannah," the fine 
home of Mr. Eddy, invariably attracts the 
attention of the passing traveler through 
Grant Township, being one of its most valuable es- 
tates. Lying on section 9, on eitlier side of the Yer- 
miliou River, it is well-watered and well-stocked, 
and in all respects presents the picture of the 
complete country home, suggestive of cultured 
tastes and ample means. The landed possessions of 
^Ir. Eddy embrace 1.800 acres, largely devoted to 
stock-raising, while as a feeder and shipper, Mr. 
Eddy probabl}- has few equals in this i)art of tlie 
county. 

The subject of this sketch first pressed the soil 
of Kansas in 1856, when a lad of twelve j'ears, 
coming hither with liis father when tliis now pros- 
perous commonwealth was a Tcrrilo-J', and a large 
portion of its land inhabited liy wild animals and 
Indians. Ten years later, in 1866, Theodore I., 
took up his residence in (irant Township, where he 
has since remained. Considering the position in 
which we find him to da}-, and the fact that he com- 
meuced in life mainly- dependent upon his own re- 
sources, it is hardly necessary to sa3-, tliat he lias 
been a leader among his fellow-citizens, and closely 




identified witii the growtli and development of 
Grant Township, socially, morally, and financially. 
In 1881 he assisted in the establishment of the Ha- 
vensville Bank, w^ith a capital of :i!20,000. (Since 
1884, his son, Ira, has been the cashier). This in- 
stitution has liecome an almost indispensable one to 
the farmers and business men of this vicinity, and 
it is conducted upon those sound business princi- 
ples which reflect great credit upon him who has 
been the leading spirit in the enterprise, and witli 
whose prosperity his honor and reputation is closely 
concerned. 

A gentleman still in the prime of life, Mr. Edd^' 
was born April 1, 1844, his native place being in 
the town of Waverly, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. His 
father was Sanford H. Eddy, a native of Erie 
County, N. Y., and his paternal grandfather was 
Ira Eddy, the offspring of an old New England 
family, who spent his entire life near the Atlantic 
Coast. Ira Eddy was a tailor hy trade, and passed 
aw.ay in middle life. Sanford H. grew up and 
worked in his father's shop considerably, but seek- 
ing some other occupation, eventually abandoned 
this a few years after his marriage. The maiden 
name of his wife was Caroline Chamberlain, a lady 
who was born in New York State, of Massachusetts 
parents. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eddy soon after their marriage, 
settled in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where their 
three eldest children w-ere born. Then they emi- 
grated across the Mississipi)i into Iowa, sojourning 
in Clarion County one year, and until 1856. In 
April of that year they left the Hawkeye State with 
covered wagons and ox-teams, and m.ade their way 
overland to the vicinity of Atchison, Kan., mov- 
ing across tlie unbroken prairie to the present site 
of America City. They made their own pathway 
over thirty-five miles of this journey, crossing the 
wild prairie which bore no imprint of any other 
vehicle, or the foot of a white man. They crossed 
the rivers on their own improvised bridges, and pre- 
empted land near the northern line of Pottawato- 
mie County, before it had been subjected to the 
(Government survey. Their nearest point for mail 
and supplies was .Vtchison, fifty miles distant. 
They there erected a home in the wilderness, where 
they lived until 18G6, and then the whole family 



450 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



removed onto the present home of Theodore I., 
where they were the means of instituting tiie post- 
office, which was called Savannah. 

Sanford II. Eddy was the first Postmaster of Sav- 
annah, which office he held until the building of 
the narrow-giiage railroad, in 1877. He is still 
living, a well-preserved old gentleman of seventy 
years, making his home in Ilavensville. He as- 
sisted by his vote in malting Kansas a free State, 
and took an active part in local affairs. He still 
votes the straight Republican ticket, and is looked 
up to in the community as one of the old land- 
marks, to whom Jionor is due. The wife and mother 
deparied this life in 1879. at the age of fifty-six 
j'ears. She was a ladv of many excellent qualities, 
and a devoted member of the Christian Church. 

The subject of this sketch is the only surviving 
child of his father's family. lie was subjected to 
careful home training, and attended the common 
school, while at the same time he kept his eyes open 
to what w.as going on around him, and thus became 
thoroughly well informed in regard to business 
matters and farming. When ready to establish a 
fireside of his own, he was married in Nemeha 
County, this State, on the 1st of May, 1866, to 
Miss Martha Jacobia. Mrs. Eddy was born in 
Columbia County. X. Y., June 4, 1848, and is the 
daughter of Jacob and Jane E. (New) Jacobia, 
who were natives of Columbia County, N. Y. The 
latter, after tlieir marriage, removed to Portage 
County, AYis., and thence in Ajtril. 1857, came to 
what was then Kansas Territory', and took up a 
tract of land on Soldier Creek, in Nemeha County. 
Several j'ears later the}' removed to America City, 
and from there to Corning, Nemeha County, where 
they now reside, both past seventy years old. They 
celebrated their golden wedding June 10, 1889, an 
occasion of great interest to them and their imme- 
diate descendants. They are prominent and highly 
respected in Nemaha Count}', and well-to-do. 

Mrs. Eddy was carefully reared by her excellent 
parents, and grew up to an intelligentand attractive 
womanhood. Of her union with our subject there 
have been born eleven children, the eldest of whom. 
a son, Ira. married Miss Mary AY. Roachj and has 
already been spoken of as the cashier of the Hav- 
ensville Bank; Delia became the wife of Melvin 



Thompson, a liverj'inan of Onaga; Eruest, Hattie 
J., Julius, Josephine, Dora E., Flora, Cora, AYalter 
AY., and Flossy Y., are at home with their parents. 
Ira and Delia completed their studies in Cam|ibell 
University at Holton; Ernest is taking a course in 
the Business College at Atchison. Mr. Eddy, po- 
litically, is a true-blue Republican. He was a 
County Commissioner three years, and was elected 
tt) his present [josition of Township Treasurer in 
1889. 

^jHOMAS BAYNE, a pioneer of Jefferson 
County, came to this region as early as 
1854, and took up a claim on what was then 
known as the Kaw Reserve. He was born in Jef- 
ferson County, Ky., and is the son of Alexander 
and Susan (Ilite) Bayne, who were likewise natives 
of the Blue Grass State. The father came to Kan- 
sas in 1855, settling in what is now Rural Town- 
ship, where he spent the remainder of his days, 
dying in 1883, at the age of seventy-one years. 
The mother had dieil in Kentucky when compara- 
tively a young woman. Both parents were mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father 
took an active part in polities and held the office of 
County Judge two terras. The parental family 
consisted of four children, only two of whom are 
living — William, who came to Jefferson County in 
1858, and still lives here, and Thomas, our subject. 
James died in Leavenworth while in the L'nion ser- 
vice during the Civil AA^ar. Frederick was w.aylaid 
and murdered after the war. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
George AY. Bayne, a native of Botetourt Count}-, 
A^a., and who settled in Kentucky at an early day 
where he was engaged in raising tobacco, making 
his first settlement there aliout 1811. The paternal 
great-grandfather was of Scotch birth and served 
in the Revulutionary AYar. On the mother's side. 
Grandfather John HIte was a native of Germany, 
who emigrated to America early in life and became 
owner of a plantation in Kentucky. 

Thomas Bayne spent his first eighteen years on 
his father's plantation in Kentucky, coming thence 
directly to this State in time to participate in the 
border troubles. He joined the State Militia and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



453 



was Captain of Company- M. 18th Kansas Regi- 
ment, servinu- one year. In the meantime he pur- 
chased and improved IGO acres of land and 
subsequently added largely to this amount, so that 
he now has .")00 acres, all in a productive condi- 
tion, hut devoted to stock-raising. 

Mr. Bayne was married in 1858 to Miss Susan 
Hatton. a native of Missouri and the daughter of 
Henry Hatton, of Kentucky. Tliis union resulted 
in the birth of five children, the eldest of whom, a 
daughter, Claude, is the wife of John Morin, wlio 
is represented elsewhere in tliis work: Fanny mar- 
ried Ben AVilson and lives in Jefferson County; 
Sarah, Betty and Jessie are at home witli their pa- 
rents. Mr. Bayne votes the straight Democratic 
ticket and h.as been j)rominent in political affairs, 
serving as a member of the Legislature two 3'ears. 
He has held the offices of Township Trustee and 
Treasurer two years each, and was County Com- 
missioner the same length of time. His children 
have been well educated and Mr. Ba3'ne has always 
signalized himself as a public-spirited and liberal- 
minded citizen, maintaining a uniform interest in 
the welfare of both Katisas and Jeffersf)n County. 

^ .*>#. ^ 



"l^ RNEST A. AVELLERis editor and proprie- 
iN^ ^^'■' ^'^ '''"^' I^'i"S^s Agriculturist, a weekly 
!v~^i journal, published at Wamego, and de- 
voted, as its name indicates, to the interests of the 
farmers of Kansas. 

Mr. Welier is of English birth and descent, and 
was born at HoUingbourue, County' Kent, Feb. 17 
1857. being a son of C4eorge Adams and Sarah(Jane) 
Welier; the father a miller and b.aker b^' trade. In 
1858 George Waller became dissatisfied with his 
prospects in England, and leaving his family there 
came to America in search of a home, and for a 
time was engaged with J. B. Euos & Co., prominent 
millers, of Waterford, N. Y. Returning to the 
shores of Albion, in the same year, he prepared 
to bring his family to the United States with him. 
lu company with his wife, two sons and one daugh- 
ter, he came to New York, in 1866, and again en- 
tered the employ of J. B. Enos <fe Co., making a 
home for those dependent upon him, in the pleasant 



town of Waterford. They formed many dear friend- 
ships there, where the body of the wife and mother 
lies buried, she having passed to rest Dec. 24. 
1869. Three children survived her. two having 
previously died in childhood: The survivors 
were: Ernest A., our subject; George A., and 
Thirza. George A. died in Washington. D. C. 
Jan. 17, 1889, at which time he was employed in 
the Government Printing Office. Prior to his ac- 
ceptance of that position he had been publisher 
of the Granville (X Y. ) SpiiliiieL Thirza, the 
sister of our subject, became the wife of Orie E. 
Sanner, of Waukesha, Wis., in 1881. 

George AYeller. after the death of his wife, con- 
tinued as salesman for J. B. Enos it Co., until 
1S80, when he came to Kansas and purchased land 
in Wabaunsee County. Here he labored succe.ss- 
fully for about three years, when, on account of 
ill health, in the spring of 1883 he went to Califor- 
nia, hoping with the influence of her genial clime 
and balmy air, to regain his former physical con- 
dition. After remaining there several months, he 
began to long for the familiar scenes of his Kansas 
home, and in the fall of 188.'! returned to the Sun- 
. flower State, and assumed the editorial charge of 
the Kansas Agriculturist, which is now being pub- 
lislied by his son, our subject. In 1885 he went to 
Granville, where he assisted his son George in 
conducting a paper at that place. The Prohibition- 
ist, a weckl3- paper, was established by George 
Welier at Granville, in 1885, and continued with 
good patronage until the bursting of the water- 
work's reservoir, in October, of that year, when the 
type and presses were washed out of the office, the 
building very badly injured, and the Prohibitionist 
silenced. After continuing to aid his son George in 
the publication of the Sentinel for a few years, Mr. 
Welier again sought his Western home. In 1888 
he came to Kansas, and is now living at Rossville, 
being editor and publisher of the Rossville Times. 
which was established by him in September, of the 
same j-ear. 

Our subject received a good primary education 
in the schools of his father's district at Waterford. 
X. Y.. and afterward added to his fund of knowl- 
edge by a faithful attendance at the High School 
in the same city. He was later a student at the 



454 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Business College of Tro}'. N. Y. In l.sTl he en- 
tered the ottice of the Waterforf] Sentinel, and 
performed the arduous duties incumbent upon the 
printer's "devil," his salary being $2 per week for 
one year. During his second year in the business 
he was promoted to be foreman in the office of the 
Gazette, at Lansingburgh, N. Y., and for compensa- 
tion received $6 a week, remaining in that place 
nearly two years. Later ho was employed on the 
force of the Saratoga Sentinel, at Saratoga Springs, 
N. Y'. He first worked as a compositor, but as soon 
as his skill was displayed to the notice of his employ- 
ers, the latter promoted him to be foreman in the 
job office. His next move was to New York, 
where he worked on Demoresi's Magazine about six 
months. At Troj^ N. Y., he was engaged on the 
Troy Whig for nearly two years. He was after- 
ward employed on the Troy daily Press, and con- 
tinued in the service of that paper until 1880. 

From Troy our subject came to Kansas, in 
March, 1880, and purchased a farm in AVabaunsee 
County. It comprised 280 acres, and adjoined 
that belonging to his father. It was their inten- 
tion to run a sheep farm, but our subject concluded 
after a short trial that farm life was not congenial 
to his tastes, and accordingly went to Topeka and 
worked in the State printing ofHce under George 
W. Martin's and T. D. Thatcher's terms as State 
printers, where he received invaluable instruction 
in the "art preservative" from that master printer, 
E. P. Harris. In the year 1881 he returned to 
Granville, N. Y., and worked as solicitor for the 
Sentinel. Returning to Kansas he found that his 
sister had been united in marriage with Mr. Sanner, 
and in his company had removed to Wisconsin, 
while his father had gone to California. Our 
subject, in April, 1883, became interested in the 
Kansas Agriculturist, and in November, became 
its sole proprietor. In 1887 he founded tiie Wa- 
inegan, which was published first as a daily, and 
afterward as a weekly paper, and gained a sub- 
stantial circulation, while the job office enjoys a 
Inrge and increasing business. 

Mr. Welier is not only prominently identified 
with the Republican party, but is also a member of 
the Presb3'terian Ciiurch at Wamego, and belongs 
li> the Knights of Pythias. His wife, with whom 



he was united in niaiiiage May 15, 1884, was Delia 
.1. MciNIillan. daughter of Lucicn and .Josephine 
McMillan, and was born in Athens, Pa., .Jan. 12, 
18G4. They have become the parents of two chil- 
dren, namely: Walter and Jessie. Mrs. AVeller is 
a lady of refinement and culture, and possesses 
many and varied accomplishments. She is a de- 
vote<l wife, and affectionate mother, while among 
her friends she is universally admired and loved 
for her beauty of character and depth of intellect. 



^^^^^m^^ 






HARLES B. HAYES. Among the men who 
. _ settled in Whiting Township, Jackson 
!^^ County, in the spring of 1869, came Mr. 
Hayes, on the 19th of April, and soon afterward 
secured a tract of land on section 29, where he 
hastily erected a dwelling, and after placing his 
family within it set about the improvement of his 
property. The story of pioneer life has been too 
often recounted in this volume to need a repetition 
here, but suffice it to say that Mr. Hayes encoun- 
tered the usual hardships and difficulties which beset 
the people of that time and locality. He possessed, 
however, the requisite courage and perseverance' 
and now has a comfortable homestead where, sitting 
under his own vine and fig tree, he enjoys .all the 
comforts of life. His land is in a highly product- 
ive condition, all under the plow and fenced. He 
has an orchard of 125 apple trees in good bearing 
condition, a grove of maples five acres in extent, 
the trees standing a rod apart and being in diam- 
eter about eight inches. He has planted a variety 
of grapevines, and trees of the smaller fruits, 
which yield to the family- all the luxuries in their 
season. jMr. Hayes, however, left the farm in 
1882, removing to Whiting, where he operates as 
an insurance and real estate agent, representing 
the PhuMiix, of Hartford, and the Anglo-Nevada. 
He still retains possession of his farm, which is 
operated by a renter. 

Mr. Hayes is a native of Illinois, and was born 
in Griggsville, Pike County, June 1. 1842. He 
spent his boyhood and youth in his native town, 
atttending the common school — in whicii he was 
one of the most agile and dauntless spirits, always 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



455 



getting into trouble, and always able to get out of 
it. He [iriiled himself upon bis muscular strength, 
and at the outbreak of the Civil War was one of 
the first volunteers to enter the service, enlisting 
with the three months' men in the 8th Illinois 
Infantry. Tiiis regiment was commanded by 
Richard Oglesljy, who has twice been Governor of 
the Prairie State. They were first ordered to Ken- 
tuck3', but saw no active fighting, simply taking by 
force the rebel flag from where it was floating in 
the breeze. 

Upon his return home Sir. Hajes enlisted in the 
army for three years, as a member of the 33rd 
Illinois Infantry, which was first ordered to Mis- 
souri after the rebel, Gen. Price, and where they 
spent the winter of 18G2. Thence thej' went into 
Arkansas, operating around Helena, and from there 
marched to ^'icksburg, and assisting in the charge 
on the fortifications. May 22, 1863. .They re- 
mained in that viciuit}' until the fall of the year; 
then going to New Orleans, spent several months 
in Western Louisiana, and from there went to 
Texas. In ths latter State they cafitured Ft. Es- 
poranza, and shortly afterward were consolidated 
with the 99th Illinois, as most of that regiment had 
re-enlisted and gone home on a furlough. 

In February following ^Ir. Haj-es went with his 
regiment to Brazos Oil}'. La., to guard the rail- 
roads, and sojourned there three months, when, his 
term of enlistment having expired, he w ith three 
of his comrades took a steamer at New Orleans 
for New York City, and passed Cape Ilatteras dur- 
ing the equinoctial storm. They we heed this in 
safetj-, although it was very severe, and landed at 
their destination in September. Thence they pro- 
ceeded home by the Lake Shore route. After 
spending one night in Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Hayes 
received his honoralile discharge at Camp Butler. 
111., about the 21st of October. 

Upon returning liome, Mr. Hayes took charge of 
the commission iiroperty of his brother at Griggs- 
ville Landing, and also conducted an hotel. In 
1866 he w.as there married to Miss Mary Thaekery. 
The wedding took place at six o'clock in the morn- 
ing, and the young couple that same day embarked 
on board an Illinois river steamer for Peoria. 
There was also another newly-married pair in the 



party and they formed a very lively group. Upon 
their return the boat struck a snag and sank below 
her boiler decks. The passengers were transferred 
to another l)oat, very thankful for their escape 
from drowning. This event occurred Nov. 13, 
1866. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes lived a few years at 
Griggsville Landing, and in the spring of 1869, 
with a party of eleven, took their boat at Griggs- 
ville Landing and disembarked at Atchison, Kan., 
at which place they boarded the train for Whiting, 
and in the township of this name have since made 
their home. Mr. and Mrs. Hayes are the parents 
of two daughters — Bernice and I^va. 

Mr. Hayes, politically, is a sound Republican, 
and is quite prominent in party politics. He was 
at one time a candidate for Sheriff, but the voters 
of Holton had pledged themselves to another man, 
in order to gain a point for their town, and he was 
thus defeated. He is a member in good standing 
of the G. A. R. 

The father of our subject was Stephen Hayes, 
and the maiden name of his mother was Maria 
Hoyt. The latter was of old Massachusetts stock. 
Stephen Hayes w.as a Vermonter by birth, and de- 
scended from the Scotch-Irish. He emigrated to 
Illinois in 1835. being one of the earliest settlers 
of Griggsville, and at one time was one of the 
wealthiest residents of Pike County. On account 
of illness and other misfortunes, however, he died 
a poor man. Mrs. Ha3es is the daughter of Will- 
iam and Hannah (Sweeting) Thaekery, of English 
ancestry. They lived for a time in Philadelphia, 
Pa., where Mr. Thackerj- occupied himself as a 
general mechanic, and whence he removed with his 
family to Illinois in 1835, the same 3ear in which 
the Hayes family' .settled in the Prairie State. 

— *' -#-#- '^ 



V|[OSHUA BANKS is one of the early settlers 
on the Kickapoo Reservation, and the most 
of his life has been spent on the frontier, as 
he was but three years old when his parents 
took up their abode in Fulton Count}-. 111., which 
was at that time considered "awa}- out West." 
ilr. Banks was l)0rn near Ashland, Ohio. Jan. 2. 
1831, and is a son of Nathaniel B. and Anna Bar- 



456 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



bara (Artman) Banks. His fatlier was a son of 
Jolin Banks, of Connecticut, and was reared in 
New York. His wife was born in Kentucliy and 
their marriage took place in the Buckeye State. 
Tlie mf)tlier is still living near Canton. FuUon Co.. 
111., and is now over eighty years of age. 

Daring the boyhood and youth of our subject, 
the family lived in the style common in the sparsely 
settled sections of- our land, raising their own 
sheep, clipping them, and spinning and weaving 
the wool into cloth from which their clothing was 
made. Attending the rude schools of the day, our 
subject learned to read and write and became quite 
prolicieiit in arithmetic, little beside the "three li's" 
being taught except in the scattered academies. 
'J'his was in tiie days when the "master" "boarded 
round" and was the most honored guest in each 
family represented among his pupils, his coming 
often bringing into the homes a breath from tiie 
world beyond, which was almost as fresh as if from 
another planet. 

On the .'5rd of November, 1850, Mr. Banks was 
married to Miss Salina Caroline, daughter of Isaac 
ami Chloe S. ( Baker) Johnson. Mrs. Johnson was 
the daugiiter of Isaiah Baker, whose father, when a 
boy in England, was decoyed on board a vessel 
and carried awaj- from his home after which he 
followed the sea for a number of years and finally 
settled in Ohio, where he married Miss Eunice 
Smith. After the marriage of our subject he 
bought a farm near Canton, where he and his wife 
resided for many years and where twelve children 
were born to them. When in 1867. Mr. Banks made 
a trip to the recently opened Reservation he deter- 
mined to settle in the new township of AVhiting, 
Jackson County, and there purchased 320 acres of 
land for himself and a son-inlaw. 

Returning to his home, Mr. Banks made his ar- 
rangements for a removal to the West and brought 
his family and most needful household goods in 
wagons, having two teams and wagons, one of the 
latter, Jlrs. Banks says, being needed to haul the 
children. They had the misfortune to lose one of 
their horses by theft the night after they crossed 
the Missouri River. They reached their new 
l)lace of abode, west of where Whiting now stands, 
on Oct. 12, 1868, and proceeded at once to con- 



struct a rude house of cottonwood boards, which 
were simply nailed on cottonwood poles set in the 
ground, with others placed on them for crown 
pieces and roof pole. In this simple shed, 14x1 8 
feet, made of boards which would warp so that a 
hand could be passed through many of the cracks 
between them, the family lived. Soon after their 
arrival they had the misfortune to lose their 
three cows, which was a serious loss especially to 
the large family of growing children, who notwith- 
standing, or perhaps because of, their primitive 
surroundings, kept in good health, the only trouble 
they gave their parents, being the effort to procure 
for them enough to eat. The mother, however, did 
not fare so well, but was taken ill and for about a 
year was unable to do anything. 

Since these days, Mr. Banks has brought the land 
which he then purchased to a fine state of cultiva- 
tion and productiveness, having broken the ground 
and fenced the entire acreage, set out a fine or- 
chard and numerous other trees, and built a sub- 
stantial and comfortable residence. In 1881, he 
bought 120 acres in Netawaka Township, which 
had fine buildings upon it. and to which he at once 
removed, making his home there until the spring 
of 1888, when he bought a residence in the town of 
Whiting and there took up his abode. The success 
which he has attained in life, his geniality and 
whole-heartedness, and his principles of honor and 
uprightness, are well-known to his fellow citizens, 
by whom he is respected and liked. Mr. Banks 
was formerlj' identified with the Republican party 
but now atliliates with the I'nion Labor part}-. 
Mrs. Banks is a member of the United Brethren 
Church, and none of its members have better 
standing in the community than she. 

( )f the large farail}- of Mr. and Mrs. Banks the 
greater number are married, but are living not 
many miles distant from their parents, and the 
famil\' circle is virtually unbroken. Sarah P., 
married Mr. P. S. Snider of Fulton County, but 
their present home is in Whiting, where Mrs. Sni- 
der carries on a milliner^' business, having a fine 
line of goods. Their family is made up of three 
children. N. B. is married and has two children, 
his home being on a farm which he owns adjoin- 
ing that of his father. Isaac, with his wife and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



457 



two chilli rcn, operates his own farm near his fath- 
er's. Ella is now the wife of J. S. Dykeman of 
Xetawaka Township, and has two chilrtren by a 
former marriage. Chloe Elizabeth married Mr. 
William Spencer of Fulton County, but now a far- 
mer of Whiting, and has Ave children. Anna B. 
is the wife of Peter Johnson of Whiting, and they 
have two ehildren. Mr. .Johnson is a native of 
Denmark. Mary is the wife o^f T. F. Parrott, a 
farmer of Whiting and a native of Ohio; their 
family consists of four sons. A. Lincoln is mar- 
ried and has two daughters, his home being on a 
farm near his father's place. Ruth Jeanette is the 
wife of M. P. McLaughlin, postmaster and one of 
the leading merchants at Bigelow; they have two 
children. William Grant is married and has one 
child, and lives on his father's farm. H. P., a 
young man, is now at home, and fitting himself for 
future usefulness through the |jroseeution of studies 
at Lecompton. J. N. is also studying at Lecomp- 
ton and will fit himself himself for a teacher; he is 
a cripple from a cut on his knee made with a corn 
Iniife. (ieorge E. is married and lives on the 
homestead. Julia Caroline married D. Williams of 
Netawaka, their home being near the rest of the 
family. iSIr. Williams was formerly at Atchison. 
Lollie L. is a miss at school and John A. Smith a 
lad at home. 

"it; AWS JENSEN. The subject of this notice, 
one of the most thrifty farmers of Whiting 
Townshi|). may l)e [iroperly classed with its 
self-made men, as he began life at the foot 
the ladder and is now well-to-do. lie is in the 
prime of life, having been born July 12, 1842, in 
Denmark, where he spent his early j'ears and ac- 
quired as good an education as his native place 
afforded. He was reared to farm pursuits and 
trained to habits of industry which have followed 
him all through life. His boyhood and youth 
passed in a comparatively uneventful manner and 
in the twent>-flfth year of bis age he was married, 
May 4, 1867. to Miss Cecelia Charlotte Sophia 
Ericksen. 

A year after their marriage Mr. and JLs. Jensen 



emigrated to America and proceeding to Chicago, 
III., landed in that city on the loth of June. They 
resided theie one year and there their eldest 
daughter. Hannah Amelia, was born. Mr. Jansen 
in Chicago was employed in a steam-heating estab- 
lishment. He finally decided upon seeking the far- 
ther West and coming to Kansas located in Silver 
Lake where he secured a section job and remained 
about one year. At the expiration of this time he 
moved to Pottawatomie Country, upon a homestead 
claim having upon it a small house which he occu- 
pied about three years. In the meantime he 
bought a couple of ponies and in the fall of the 
year had everything prepared for a comfortable 
winter, when a prairie fire, from which they were 
unable to defend themselves, swept everything 
away with the exception of a little bedding and the 
few things which they carried to a potatoe patch. 
After these were placed there I\Ir. Jensen and his 
wife returned to the house, endeavoring to fight 
the fire but found that their efforts were fruitless. 
In the meantime before they reached it the sti'aw 
tick upon which their three children lay was on 
fire. By almost superhuman efforts they saved the 
children and i;he ponies. 

The Jensen family now went into W^jiting 
Township, Jackson County, where there was a colony 
of their countrymen who assisted them to live 
through the winter. In the spring Mr. Jensen 
rented forty acres of ground which he planted with 
corn .and this the grasshoppers destro3-ed, leaving 
them with dreary prospects for another long win- 
ter. Mr. Jensen, however, had a steer which he 
sold for §20, taking his p.ay in cornnieal and old 
clothes. He continued renting thereafter until 
able to purchase eighty acies of land from the 
railroad company for which lie [laid about |9(){). 
In five years lie sold it for :S2 300 and then pur- 
chased IGO acres east of Whiting. 

This property, however, was not satisfactory and 
Mr. Jensen sold out the first year for just what he 
paid and purchased the farm which he now owns 
and occupies, for $3,500. This lies on section G 
and is one of the finest bodies of land in Whiting 
Township. Jlr. Jensen has effected good improve- 
ments, greatly enhancing its value since taking 
possession of it. lie has |)lantcd a large number 



458 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



of apple and other fruit trees, besides building fen- 
ces, aud Las all the land under a good state of cul- 
tivation. 

There have been l)orn to Mr. and Mrs. Jensen 
seven children, one of whom Jennie Cecelia, was 
taken from the home circle at the age of eleven 
j-ears, ten months and twenty-one days. Her re- 
mains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Xetawaka. 
The surviving children are Hannah Amelia, Mar- 
tin, Klla Christina, M.iry, Peter Christian and Clara. 
The}- have each been given a good education and 
are an interesting and intelligent group. Mr. Jen- 
sen and his estimable wife are members in good 
standing of the Lutheran Church. Politically. Mr. 
Jensen is a sound Republican. 

Mrs. Jensen is the daugiiter of Erick Christian 
Mortenson, who was the son of Morten Erickson. 
She comes of a race of intelligent and well-educa- 
ted people, her paternal grandfather having been a 
successful tencher aud spending his entire life in 
his native land. Her father was a tailor by trade, 
well read and well informed; he died in Denmark. 



AMUEL BROWN. The pioneer element 
of Jefferson Township, Jackson Countv, 
recognizes in Mr. Brown one of its most 
worthy representatives. lie came to what 
was then Kans.as Territory, as early as 1858, and 
after a sojourn in Leavenworth of three months, 
emigrated thence to Platte County, Mo. There 
for two j-ears he worked at his trade of a carpenter, 
then returning to Kansas purchased eight}' acres of 
wild land in Franklin Township, on Straight Creek, 
where he lived until 1862. In 1805 he took pos- 
session of his present farm on section 25, Jefferson 
Township, building this up also from land wliich 
lay as the Indians liad left it. He has been an in- 
terested witness of the great transformation which 
has taken place since Kansas was made a free State 
and has contributed his full quota to her growth 
and development. 

A native of Allegheny County. Pa., the subject 
of this sketch was born in 1835, and is the son of 
John and Maiy (Houstan) Brown, who were born 
in Scotland. I'hey emigrated to America in 1833, 




and settled in Pennsylvania where the death of the 
mother occurred in 1849. John Brown was a 
brewer by trade which he followed until coming to 
America. He survived his wife for a period of 
seventeen years, passing away in 1866. Both pa- 
rents were members of the Presbyterian Cliurch in 
which the father officiated as an Elder. He was a 
prominent man in his adopted county, serving as 
Assessor and in other positions of responsibility. 

To John Brown and his excellent wife there was 
born a family of eleven children. Samuel is the 
only one residing in Kansas. His early years was 
spent under the parental roof and his education 
was conducted in the district school. He left home 
when a youth of sixteen years and began serving 
an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade in Pitts- 
burg, Pa., sojourning there about nine years. At 
the expiration of this time he set out for the far 
West. He possessed habits of industry and the 
quality of perseverance and is now the owner of 
one of the most valuable farms in JelTerson Town- 
ship. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Brown there has been born a 
family of seven children, viz: William S. and 
George M. who are farming in Liberty Township; 
Laura Ellen, the wife of James Dick, of Jackson 
County; Samuel C Green C, Mary Jane and John 
T., who are at home with their parents. Mrs. 15rown 
is a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
Brown, politically, supports the principles of the 
Independent party. He officiates as School Director 
in his district and during the late war served in the 
State Militia seven months. He has abundant faith 
in the future of Kansas and has never failed to 
raise a crop each 'year, a fact which he 'doubtless 
owes to his wise management. 

The marriage of Samuel Brown with Miss Nancy 
Pope, a native of Indiana, was celebrated at the 
bride's home in Missouri, Jul}' 24, 1860. Mrs. 
Brown was the daughter of George W. Pope, a 
native of North Carolina who came to Kansas in 
1860, settling in what is now Straight Creek Town- 
ship. Thence he removed to Jefferson Township, 
where his death took place in 187G, at tlie age of 
seventy-five years. He was a commissioned officer 
in the Indian War under Gen. Harrison. The 
mother is still living and is now aged eighty-four. 



^PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



459 



ISoth united many years ago with the Missionary 
Baptist Cliurcb. Mr. Pope was a highly respected 
citizen, a man of good habits and it was said that 
he did not liave an enemy in the world. The pa- 
rental household included six children, of whom 
Mrs. Brown was the fourth in order of birth. 



"^|()HN H. REED. Among thp many attract- 
ive farms in Jackson County, that occupied 
b}' our subject presents an air of thrift and 
careful tillage, which does creilit to its owner 
and manager. The eighty acres which comprise it are 
located on section 10, Jefferson Township, and are 
marked with such improvements as are usually 
made by a man of progressive ideas and enterpris- 
ing methods. If the est.ate is not so large as manj' 
in the county it is a home of comfort and abund- 
ance, and one of which any man might well be 
pleased to be the owner. It has been in possession 
of Mr. Reed but ten years, and when purch.ased by 
him was in the wild and primitive condition of the 
native Kansas prairie, and he has labored under 
some disadvantage, as his health was injured in the 
I'nion service, but perseverance and good manage 
ment have accomplished the end which he had in 
view and brought the estate to its present fine con- 
dition. 

The parents of our subject were Daniel and 
Polly (Burrows) Reed, the father a native of Ver- 
mont and the mother of Rhode Island. Daniel 
Reed was a farmer, and as early as 1839 took up 
his abode in Winnebago County, 111., among the 
first settlers there, buying a claim which he improved 
and made his home during the remainder of his life. 
He was a prominent farmer of his county and a 
leader in politics. Prior to 1852 he was a Demo- 
crat, but from that time on he was a Republican, 
and was one of the founders of that party. He was 
never a candidate for office nor could he be pre- 
vailed upon to run for any position. Though a 
((uiet and reserved man by nature, he possessed 
strong convictions, and was outsi)oken in his con- 
victions, these qualities giving him his prominent 
place among the citizens. His death occurred Jan. 
1, 1857. at the age of sixtv five vears. His wife, 



whose death had preceded his, it having occurred. 
Oct. 23, 1855, when she was fifty-five years old, was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 
her early life an active and devoted worker in the 
cause of Christianity. Tlieir family consisted of 
nine children, five of whom are still living, our sub- 
ject being the only one who resides in this State. 
John Burrows, the maternal grandfather of our 
subject, was, like his daughter, a native of Rhode 
Island, and was for a number of years engao-ed in 
the real-estate business in New Vork. He was a 
Colonel in the Revolutionary War. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch 
was born in .Steuben County, N. Y., in 1830, and 
remained with his father on the farm until twenty- 
one years of age, receiving the training of the 
common schools and of one term in a graded school. 
Upon leaving the .parental fireside on attaining his 
m.ajority, he began a mercantile business .at.Peea- 
tonica, 111., which he continueil until 1857, when 
the financial crash of that year ruined him. He 
then went to Linn County, Iowa, where he bought 
a farm and made that his home until the spring of 
1862, when he enlisted in the 18th Iowa Infantrv, 
being enrolled as a private, but having risen to the 
rank of .Sergeant before his discharge a year later. 
The only important battle in which he took part 
was that in Newton ia, IMo. 

After receiving his discharge, Mr. Reed returned 
to Lynn Courit}-, Iowa, and resumed farming, con- 
tinuing this occupation there until the spring of 
1867. He then went to Union County, and began 
railroad work tis a foreman, about six years being 
spent by him in that countj', when hi.s location was 
changed to Lavette County, Kan., his occupation 
remaining the same. In 1879 Mr. Reed came to 
this county and ()urch.ased and began the improve- 
ment of the land which he now occupies, and where 
he has earned the reputation of a first-class farmer. 

Mr. Reed has been twice married. The first 
ceremony took place in the fall of 1853, and the 
bride was Miss Lydia A. Losee, a native of the 
Empire .State. She was removed from her mourning 
family by death in the fall of 1867, aged thirty-two 
years. She w.as a member of the Baptist Church 
and a woman wiiose excellent qualities were felt 
throughout the iioine. She had l)orne five children. 



460 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Of these Henry Herbert. Nellie May, and Emma 
Alice died in childhood. Marion L. is now a fore- 
man on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, 
Franklin Sherman is at home and occupied in farm- 
ing. 

On the Utli of June, 1868, Mr. Reed contracted 
his second matrimonial alliance, the bride being 
Miss Matilda A. Wheaton, of Ohio. This union 
has resulted in the birth of six children, named 
respectively: Eva Julia, Charles Ross, Alta, Beriie, 
Nelson Tice and Cora. 

Mr. Reed belongs to the G. A. R., A. F. & A. M., 
and the Farmers' Alliance. He is well posted in re- 
gard to the political issues of the day, and has always 
taken an active part in politics, and being a good 
talker he exerts quite an influence over those who 
are less well informed than he. He is a man of in- 
telligence on all current topics, and is always ready 
and willing to bear his part in all enterprises which 
are for the common good. These characteristics 
of mind and will make liim a leader in his locality, 
and his character is given its deserved measure of 
respect. He is a self-made man, and the comforta- 
ble financial standing which he now enjoys is the 
result of his labors since coming here. Mrs. Reed 
is a member of the United Brethren Church, and 
has a deservedly high reputation wherever she is 
known. 




^ 



,,.: LFRED NEWMAN, one of the oldest set- 
((gi/ull tiers of Jackson County, came to tiiis re- 
gion as early as 1858, while Kansas was 
still a Territory. He was born in Wind- 
sor County, Vt., in 1824, and is the son of John 
and Mary (Bryant) Newman, who were natives re- 
spectively of Vermont and New Hampshire. The 
maternal grandfather, Mathew Bryant, was born in 
England, and crossed llie Atlantic in time to assist 
the Colonists in their struggle for independence, 
doing valiant service as a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary' War. He was a man of large intellectual 
cap.acities, well-educated, and the master of seven 
languages. 

John Newman, the fallier of our subject, was a 
farmer by occupation, and a leading member of 
the Baptist Ciuireh, witli wliicli his estim.able wife 



was also connected. They spent their last j-ears 
in Vermont. They were the parents of si.x chil- 
dren. Alfred was reared on a farm in the Green 
Mountain State, pursuing the common branches of 
study in the district school, and becoming familiar 
with the art of agriculture as prosecuted in New 
England. When twenty-one years old, he com- 
menced working out, and on the 10th of Novem- 
ber, 1851, took unto himself a wife and helpmate, 
Miss Helen C. Cady. Mrs. Newman was born in 
Windsor County, Vt., in April, 1831, and was tlie 
daughter of Elias H. and Sarah (Cooley) Cady, 
the father a native of Cornish, and the mother of 
Charleston, N. H. Mr. Cady was a carpenter by 
trade, and later operated as a contractor and 
builder. He also carried on merchandising. The 
family was of English descent. 

Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. 
Newman took up their abode in Manchester, N.H., 
where Mr. Newman entered the employ of the 
Manchester Manufacturing Company, with wliom 
he continued six years. At the expiration of this 
time, he determined to seek tlie Far West, and 
coming to Kansas, pre-empted 160 acres of land in 
Jefferson Township. He proceeded in true pioneer 
style to improve his property, and lived upon it 
until 1884. His first trading-place and mail sta- 
tion was at Atchison. f(jrty-two miles away. Upon 
selling out, he removed to the vicinit}- of Circle- 
ville. purchasing fort3--one acres of land adjoining 
tlie town, and upon tliis has established a c amfort- 
a'ule iiome. To him and his estimable wife there 
have been born four children, one of whom, a 
daughter, Myra, died in infancy; Flora I. is the 
wife of William Sager, a farmer of Clifton Town- 
ship, Washington County; Charles T. and EtHe M. 
died when young. Mr. and Mrs. Newman are mem- 
bers in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of which Mr. Newman has officiated as 
Class-Leader and Steward. During the Civil War, 
as a member of the State militia, he took part in 
the defense of the border against the rebel raider. 
Price, being in active service several weeks. He 
was the Postmaster of Ontario for fifteen 3-ears. 
Politically, he is a sound Republican, and keeps him- 
self thoroughly posted on State and National events, 
lie lias abundant faith in the future of Kansas, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



463 



keeps himself closely identified with its most im- 
portant interests. To the parents of Mr. Newman 
there were horn six sons: Edward enlisted as a 
Union soldier, and died in Baltimore while on liis 
way to the front; he left a wife and two children 
in Vermont. William and (ieorge are residents of 
Marshall County, this State, the former located near 
Blue Rapids. Albert, the twin brother of Alfred, 
was a surgeon in the Union army during the late 
war, and is now living at Lawrence, Kan.; Dennis 
is a resident of Texas. 






I ASIIER n. BROUS. The surroundings of u 
family are usually- indicative of their char- 
acter and taste. The Brous residence, 
fiiicls' situated amidst the agricultural dis- 
tricts of Blue Township, Pottawatom.ie County, is a 
stately-looking, square, two-story stone edifice near 
the Blue River, in the midst of a natural grove and 
with its surroundings invariably attracts the atten- 
tion of the passing traveler. It is neatly and taste- 
fully furnished and the indications are that the 
domestic life of the occupants has been made pleas- 
ant by all tlie accessories whicii refinement and 
education demand. It is a home indeed pleasant 
to look upon and one whose builder deserves ara|)le 
recognition in a work designed to perpetuate the 
names of the leading men of Pottawatomie County. 
Born in the little town of Easton, Pa., Oct. 2U, 
1817, Mr. Brous has tiius arrived at the ripe age of 
seventy-two years. He is the son of Henry and 
Elizaljcth (Gransbeck) Brous, anil is descended on 
his father's side from a (Tcrnian ancestor, who 
sometime during the IGth century sold his mill 
propertv in the Fatherland and with his famih' set 
out for America on a .sailing vessel. His money 
was jnit on hoard in a chest, but lie died at sea 
before reacliing the promised land and the chest 
being lost or stolen, liis wife and two sons were sold 
for their pass.age. Adam, one of the sons, was fated 
to go to Virginia; Henry, the other son. was sold to 
a man living about nine miles above Philadelphia, 
for whom he worked on a farm until he was twenty- 
one years ohl. Then obtaining his release, he 



settled near the city of Brotherly Love and was 
married, but to whom it is not known, as there 
were no records kept in tliose days. His son 
Henry, father of our subject, married P^lizabeth, 
daughter of Jacob Gransbeck, a native of Hesse. 
Germany, who was sold by tiie Prince of Hesse- 
Cassell as one of the Hessian soldiers to the British 
and sent over to aid in subduing the colonists. Not 
liking his servitude he deserted and joined the 
forces of Gen. Washington in New Jersey. He died 
when about seventj'-five years old in Philadel|)liia. 
His wife survived him, living to be ninety-nine 
years old, and died in the same house. 

Henry Brous, one of the children of the above- 
mentioned pair and the father of our subject, was 
born and reared near Philadelphia and received a 
limited education in the common schools. He po- 
sessed, however, a natural talent for mathematics 
and succeeded by his own efforts in acquiring suffi- 
cient knowledge to make of him a more than ordi- 
narily intelligent citizen. He learned the trade of 
cabinet-making, at which he became an expert and 
followed this till his death, in 1855, at the age of 
seventy-eight years. The wife and motlier passed 
away in 18t3, at the age of fifty-five years. 

The record of the nine children born to Henr^' 
and Elizabeth Brons is as follows: Evelina married 
William Shalcross, a coach-maker, and died in 
Pliila<lelphia in 1859, leaving two ciiildren; her 
husband is also deceased. Elizabeth married Ilenr}- 
Stanwood, a coach-trimmer, who is now deceased, 
and she died in 1857, leaving four children; Lewis 
woi'ke<l at his trade of a carpenter until old age 
compeilei) him to retire and he is living in Plula- 
delphia; he married Miss Mary Doljson and tliev 
have one daughter living. Henry became a ma- 
chinist and draftsman and died in North Carolina 
in 1817; Emma married James Wagner, a car|)en- 
ter, who died in Raleigh, N. C, leaving no chil- 
dren; she is deceased. Charles married Miss Emma 
Cam()bell and occupied himself as a carjienter until 
his death in Philadelpiiia in 188(); he left no chil- 
dren surviving. John, a machinist of Philadelpiiia, 
is married ami has a faniiU* of tiiree ciiildren; Wes- 
ley died wlien four years of age. 

Mr. Brous was six years of age when his father 
moved into the citj- of Philadelphia where he made 



464 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his home thereafter for twenty-six years. After 
'leaving school he began to learn cabinet-making, 
serving four years under the instruction of his fa- 
tlier. For the next four years he worked in a car- 
penter sliop. Later he became a member of the 
firm of Knight, Van Kirk cfc Co., who were engage(l 
in the manufacture of all the materials for umbrel- 
las and parasols except the stretchers and ribs. The 
main factory was in riiiladelphia and they had a 
salesroom in New York. A year later, however, 
Mr. Brous severed his connection with this firm and 
engaged in the manufacture of gas fixtures in New 
York City. Two years later he removed his stock 
to Chicago, 111., where he soon sold out. Then en- 
tering the employ of Hutchinson & McFarland, he 
began selling similar goods foi them. He con- 
tinued to reside in Chicago until 1855, then com- 
ing to Kansas settled on his present place, 
consisting of 170 acres of land on the east side of 
the Blue River, opposite the city of Manhattan, in 
Pottawattomie County. Upon this land he has 
since lived and built up one of the best farms in 
this region. 

The wedding of .lasher IT. Brous and Miss 
Martha Brennan was celebrated at the bride's home 
Oct. 26, 1848, but the young wife died eight 
months later in the same city. On Oct. 10. 1850, 
Mr. Brous contracted a second marriage with Miss 
Josepliine. daughter of Rezin and Maria (Robert- 
son) Arnold. Mrs. Josephine Brous was born in 
Cadiz, Ohio, Sept. 30, 1825. Her father was a na- 
tive of Fayette County, Pa., and her mother was 
born in Leesburg, Va. The Arnold family was 
originally from England and members of the first 
colony that settled in the Keystone State. Her ma- 
ternal great-grandfather was a Scotchman. Mr. 
Arnold served under Gen. Harrison in the War of 
1812. Josephine was the eldest in a family of 
eleven children. Marion was a member of the 
1st Ohio Light Artillery commanded by ex-Sen- 
ator Dorsey, and served all through the late Civil 
War, and never was wounded. He is living in 
Manhattan, and is the employ of the E. B. Purcell 
jSIercantile Companj'. He married Miss Marj- Bow- 
den, and thej- have 'one child. William S. died in 
California about twenty years ago, leaving a wife 
and three children. Maria L. is the wife of Dr. 



Whitehorn, a practicing physician of Los Angeles, 
Cal., and they have two children. Laura married 
D. W. Lane, a carpenter, and they live in Bala, 
Riley County, this State; they are the parents of 
four children. Benton is unmarried and working as 
a carpenter in .St. Louis, Mo.; Amanda is a teacher 
in the public schools of Manhattan; Robert during 
the late Civil War served as a member of Company 
G, 11th Kansas Infantry and died in the army at 
the age of twenty-four years. His remains fill a 
soldier's grave in the cemetery at Springfield, Mo. 
John served in Compan}- F. 6th Kansas Cavahy, and 
died from the effects of fatigue after a four days' 
battle; James is unmarried, is a mechanical engin- 
eer, making his home in Leadville, Col.; Charles, 
unmarried, is a master mechanic in the employ of 
the Denver & Colorado Railway Company. 

The elder Arnold understood the art of powder- 
making and during his service in the army was 
sent home to Cadiz, Ohio, where he manufactured 
powder and sent it forward for the use of the 
troops. He came to Kansas in 1855, settling first 
in ISIanhattan. He spent his last j'ears in Blue 
Township, dying at the advanced age of sevent}'- 
two. The mother also died sometime afterward, 
and was sixty-seven years of age. The eight chil- 
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Brous aie recorded as 
follows: Harry A. unmarried, is a prominent [ihysi- 
cian of Philadelphia, Pa.; Alfred H. is a rising young 
lawyer of Manhattan. Kan.; Wilber J. married Miss 
Carrie Enoch, is the father of two children and op- 
erates as a druggist in Armourdale, this State; 
Frank D. is with his brother, Wilber; Louis P. is an 
architect and Florence J. is a teacher, both of whom 
are in Armourdale; Addie and Clarence are both 
deceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brous are members in good stand- 
ing of the^Iethodist Episcopal Church, with which 
Mr. Brous has been connected for the long period 
of fift}' years. Although a steadfast Republican 
Mr. Brous has taken no part in politics otherwise 
than to serve occasionall3' as a delegate to the 
county conventions. His sons are capable and 
fine-looking men and his daughter is more than or- 
dinarly fair and intelligent. The3' have all been well 
educated and no doubt will follow in the footsteps 
of their honored parents as good and useful mem- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



465 



bers of their fommunit}'. The family occupies a 
high social position and has contiibiited in no 
small degree in encouraging tlie various enterprises 
calculated to benefit their community, sociall.y. 
morally and flnanciall3-. 

(^s^AMUEL RUDY. A well-regulated farm 
^^^ of 298 acres indicates in a marked manner 
the industry and perseverance which have 
been the leading features in the makeup of 
Mr. Rudy. He is one of the honored pioneers of 
Soldier Township, Jackson County, of which lie 
has been a resident for fche past twenty-four years. 
Ho was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1834, 
and is the son of Rudolph and Elizabeth (Harrold- 
son) Rudy who were natives of German^'. The 
parents emigrated to America during the early set- 
tlement of Muskingum County, Ohio, wliere they 
located and were numbered among its leading 
pioneers. The father secured a tract of land from 
the wilderness from which he built u|) a comfort- 
able homestead and there spent the remainder of his 
days, dying at a ripe old age, in 1881. The mother 
also died at the homestead, some years before. Both 
were devout members of the Roman Catholic 
Church. 

To the parents of our sul)ject there was born a 
family of eight children, six of whom are living. 
John died in Ohio, leaving a family; Elizabeth is 
the widow of Samuel Fairbanks of Soldier Town 
ship; Ellen is the wife of Samuel Aux of Ohio; 
Samuel was the fourth in order of birth; William 
is a resilient of Manhattan, this State; Maggie is 
the wife of John Conkling of Mexico, Mo.; 
Thomas is farming in Soldier Township. 

Mr. Rudy learned the art of farming early in 
life and acquiied his education in the common 
school. He left home prior to reaching his ma- 
jority and for a number of years was employed as 
a farm lab(jrer. When twenty-eight jears old he 
was married April 8, 1862, to Miss Mary Francis. 
Mrs. Rudy was born in Muskingum Count}-. Ohio, 
and is the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth 
(WilUins) Francis who were natives of Mrginia. 
whence they emigiated at an early d.av to the 



Buckeye State. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Rudy settled upon a rented farm in Ohio, where 
they sojourned until June, 1864. The Civil War 
being then in progress Mr. Rudy, laying aside his 
personal plans and interests, proffered his services 
in defense of the Union, enlisting in Company D, 
159lh Ohio Infantry. He was required to serve, 
however, onl}- three months, returning then to his 
farm and his family. 

Mr. Rudy remained in Ohio until the spring of 
1866 and then coming to Kansas took up his abode 
in Soldier Township and for six years thereafter 
farmed on rented land. At the- expiration of this 
time he purchased ninety-two acres on section 20 
and later added to his landed possessions, bringing 
the whole to a good state of cultivation. He is 
now well to do, with a sufficiency of this world's 
goods to insure him against want in his old age. 
When becoming a voter he identified himself with 
the Republican party of whose principles he is 
still an ardent supporter. He is a member in good 
standing of the G. A. R., at Soldier, and a man 
universally respected wherever known. 



--S->^: 



-^^VH^t^^ 



S)IIOMAS P. RUDY. The farming and stock- 
ff(^^ raising interests of Soldier Township, 
Jackson Connt3% recognize in Mr. Rudy one 
of its leading men, a citizen well-to-do. liberal and 
pulilic-spirited and who is widely and favorably' 
known among the i)eo[)le of this region. He is a 
man of decided views, a stanch supporter of the Re- 
puldican party and has held the various otlices of his 
townshij), discharging the duties of each with that 
care and fidelity which are among the leading trails 
of his character in all his transactions. He makes 
his headquarters on a well-regulated farm, occupy- 
ing a ])ortion of section 22. He is the owner alto- 
gether of 64y broad acres which are finely adapted 
to the care and feeding of stock, of which Mr. 
Rudy ships from twenty-five to fift}- carloads an- 
nually. 

A native of I\Iuskinguni County, Ohio, Mr. 
Rudy was born Sept. 24, 1842, and is the son of 
Rudolph and Elizabeth (Highhoister) Rudy, who 
were natives of (iermany and spent their last years 



466 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in Ohio. He was reared on a farm and educated 
in tiie common schools and remained a resident of 
his native State until a man of thirty-seven years. 
Then, in 1862, coming to Kansas he entered a tract 
of land in Soldier Township, Jackson County, and 
commenced in true pioneer style to improve a farm. 
He was prospered in his labors and subsequently 
added eighty acres to his real-estate possessions 
and continued to buy land until he has become one 
of the leading land-holders in the county. His 
cnreer has been that essentially of a self-made man 
and is worthy of emulation by those who com- 
mence in life dependent upon their own resources. 
The subject of this sketch was married Aug. 7, 
1862, to Hiss Louisa Francis, who was born in 
Muskingum County, Ohio, Sept. 16, 1844. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rudy came to Kansas after their marriage. 
There have been born to them eight children, the 
eldest of whom, a son, .loseph E., is now a pros- 
perous farmer of Soldier Township. Rose is the 
wife of Jack McDonald of .Jackson County; Marj' 
is the wife of George Faidley of Illinois; Samuel, 
Pearl and T. Arch, are at home with their parents. 
Alice died when nine j'ears old and an infant died 
unnamed. iSIr. Rudy cast his first Presidential 
vote for Lincoln, being then a member of the Re- 
publican party of whose principles he has since 
been an ardent supporter. He has held the various 
township offices, but has little aniliition for the 
honors and emohiments of public life, preferring to 
give his attention to his legitimate business. 



*-'!' ^- 



"fe 



^j ZRA S. JOHNSON. This gentleman repre- 
sents farm property to the amount of 4.50 
tj broad acres, finely located on sections 24, 



27 and 28, in Vienna Township. He came to this 
section in the spring of 1878, and after taking up 
a tract of land improved the farm and occupied it 
many years. Then retiring from active labor he 
removed to Or.ago, where he occupies a neat resi- 
dence and is surrounded by all the comforts of life. 
He still has the supervision of his farm, which 
yields him a handsome income. 

Mr. Johnson has Tiecn a permanent resident of 
Kansas since 1872. He for a time lived in the vi- 



cinity of Highland, Doniphan County. He came to 
the Territory in 1859, and in October, 1861, re- 
turned to Illinois. During the Civil War he 
attempted to enlist in the army, but on account of 
a frozen foot was rejected. He was born in Bond 
County, that State, Sept. 24, 1838. 

The subject of this sketch was well reared by 
Ids excellent parents. His father, James Johnson, 
was born near Nashville, Tenn.,and was the son of 
Charles Johnson, a native of North Carolina. The 
latter, it is believed, emigrated to Tennessee when 
a young man, and was married to Miss Polly Hus- 
ton. After the birth of several children he. in 
1817, emigrated to Illinois, settling on what is now 
known as Looking Glas^^rairie, on Shoal Creek, 
Bond County. The country was then new and 
unbroken, and they were the earliest seltlers. 
Grandfather Johnson and his wife endured all the 
hardships and privations of life on the frontier, but 
succeeded in their efforts at building up a home. 
Mr. Johnson, after a few years began to feed and 
breed cattle at the time when the city of St. Louis 
was a hamlet called Choteau. Charles Johnson 
eventuall3' became a large land-owner and lived to 
see the country slowly settling up with a priis|)er- 
ous and intelligent people. Both he and his excel- 
lent wife lived to be ripe in years. Mr. Johnson 
was a Methodist in religion and a Whig in politics. 
James Johnson, the father of our subject, was 
the fourth in a large family of children, and was 
reared to manhood in Bond County, 111., to which he 
went when, probabl3^ a boy of ten j-ears. Later he 
returned to Tennessee and was mirried, in Dixon 
County, that State, to Miss Elizabeth A'olentine. 
This lady w.as born and reared in Dixon County, 
of North Carolina parents who had emigrated to 
Tennsssee about the time of their marriage. Her 
father, Benjamin A'olenline. was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and died in middle Tennessee, when about 
sixty years old. He had married Miss Jane Mc- 
Masters, who survived her husband and in the 
spring of 1851 removed to Bond Counti', 111.; she 
died four years later, at the advanced age of eighty- 
four. Both she and her husband were members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

After his marriage James Johnson returned with 
his liride to Illinois, and theybegan life in true pio- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



467 



neer style on a new farm. In the spring of 1849 
Mr. Jol'.nson was seized with the California gold 
fever and set out aeconipaiiied by others with ox- 
leanis to cross the jilains. His was one of the first 
trains to make the jouj'ney, and they arrived at 
their destination after five months of tedious travel, 
landing in Sacramento City. Mr. .Iohnsc)n had left 
Illinois greatly impaired in health, bat inste.ad of 
recuperating as he hoped, he died three weeks after ! 
reaching iiis destination. He was in the prime of 
life, aged only forty-two years. He was known as i 
a good citizen and a worthy member of his com- 
munity. The wife and mother is yet living, and 
makes her home with her daughter, JHss Mary 
.Toluioon, in Holton. .She is now eighty-one years 
old, and retains her memljershii) in the Presbyterian 
Church, with which she united some years ago. 
Fortiierly, for the long period of fort}' years, she 
belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. 
Johnson is a lad}- greatlj' beloved by her friends 
and children, being of that cheerful and genial dis- 
position which invariably commands respect and 
affection. 

The subject of this notice was the third chifd of 
his parents, whose familj' consisted of two sons and 
three daughters, all of whom are living. He was a 
lad of eleven years at the time of his father's 
death, and assisted his mother as well as be could 
during the struggles which followed. The latter 
ke|il her children together and gave them a good, 
practical education. They are all living: Ora fol- 
lowed the profession of a teacher for over thirty 
years; she is now the proprietor of a large millin- 
ery store in Greenville, 111. Mary .1. likewise fitted 
herself for the profession of a teacher, and con- 
ducted her first school before reaching the fifteenth 
year of her age; she followed teaching for many 
years. E. S. was the next in order of birth; Charles 
B. is a prominent physician and surgeon of Cham- 
paign, 111. ; he served as a soldier in the Union army 
three years during the late war, having enlisted 
when but seventeen years old. Emma C. is the wife of 
B. 1). Williams, a stockman of Highland, Doniphan 
County, this State. 

The subject of this sketch was married, in Pot- 
tawatomie County. Kan., Feb. 20, 1884, to Miss 
Li/zic St. John. Mrs. Johnson was born in Marion 



County, Ind., May 11, 1850; she came to Kansas 
with her parents in 1868. Her father, James St. 
John, is a cousin of the ex-Governor of that name, 
and is a prominent farmer of Louisville Townsln'i). 
Mrs. Johnson pursued her first studies in the com- 
mon schools of Indiana and completed her education 
in Kansas. Subsequently she taught school for some 
time before her marriage. No children have been 
born to Mr. and Jlrs. Johnson, but they have an 
.adopted son, Eddy H., who w.as born Feb. 2, 1881, 
in New York. They are pr(jminent members of 
t'.ie Presb^'terian Church, and Mr. Johnson, in pol- 
itics is a sound Republican. Socially, he is Noble 
Grand in Subordinate Lodge, No. 234, I. O. O. F. 
at Ouaga. 



•■^a^'^^t^ 



«?s.£:-»«^>tf-. 



^^ 



EREMIAH CHUBB. This name is familiar 
I to most of the older residents of Douglas 
! Township, and is recognized as belonging 
to one of its most substantial citizens. Mr. 
Chubb is a thorough-going farmer, taking a just 
pride in what he has accomplished by persevering 
industry and good management. He has one of 
the most valuable farms in his township, whereon 
he has erected first-class buildings — indeed the 
best in the count3% being of modern architecture, 
conveniently arranged and well-suited to the gen- 
eral purposes of agriculture. The dwelling is a 
tasteful and commodious structure, and with the 
main barn, invariably attr.acts the attention of the 
passer-by. Mr. Chubb makes a specialty of live- 
stock, feeding annually large numbers of cattle 
and swine, from which he realizes handsome re- 
turns. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Dauphin 
County, Pa., Oct, 14, 1832, and was reared there 
on a farm, receiving his education in the common 
schools. AVhen a youth of sixteen years he com- 
menced learning the trade of a carpenter, which he 
followed afterward foi- many years, traveling about 
considerably, and in ihe meantime working as 
uliportunit}' presented. He finally resolved to seek 
his fortunes in the far West, and in 1857, coming 
to Kansas, '-squatted" on a tract of land before its 
survey by the Government. When the land came 



468 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



into market he purchased it, and then having se- 
cured the title to his propertj-, returned East, and 
remained a short time among the friends and ac- 
quaintances of his childhood. 

We next find Mr. Chubb in Mobile, Ala., where 
he sojourned until the outbreak of the Civil War. 
Soon afterward he returned to his native State and 
joined the State Militia, with wliich he remained 
one month. In I8G0 he returned to Kansas, and 
followed carpentering until 1874. That year he 
purchased 300 acres of land on section 21, Douglas 
Township, Jackson County, from which he con- 
structed bis present fine farm. The residence, 
mostl}' of his own architecture, is large and commo- 
dious, finely finished with hard wood, and conve- 
nientlj^ arranged for the comfort of the family. 
The homestead is considered one of the most 
attractive and valuable in Jackson Count)-. Since 
his first purchase Mr. Chubb has added a quarter- 
section to his possessions, and is now the owner of 
480 acres adjoining the Pottawatomie Reserve, and 
seventeen miles from Topeka, tiie capital of the 
State. 

Mr. Chubb came to Kansas with a capital of 
$300, and like the wise man of Scripture, has 
added to his talent tenfold. He raises each year a 
large quantity of corn, all of which is fed to his 
stock. He was first married in Iowa, in 1868, to 
Miss Sarah Mitchell, whose acquaintance he had 
made in Pennsylvania, and whom he followed to 
Iowa, whither she had removed with her parents. 
Her father, Mathew Mitchell, is still living and a 
resident of the Hawkeye State. Of this union 
there was born one son, Harvey G., and the wife 
and mother died at her home in Tojjeka, April 23, 
1872. 

On the 22d of October, 1873, Mr. Chubb was 
married the second time to Miss Kate Alkire. This 
lady was a daughter of ^Michael Alkire, of Ohio, a 
Captain in the Union army, and who emigrated to 
Kansas in 1865. He carried on farming and 
handled large numbers of sheep and great quan- 
tities of wool, lie is still living, being now a resi- 
dent of Colorado and engaged in mining. Of this 
union there have been born four children, namely : 
Franklin C, Ada B., .Vrthur A. and Walter B. Mr. 
Chubb is naturally of a very industrious and enter- 



prising disposition, and is quite skillful as a me- 
chanic, and plans his own buildings, besides doing 
much of the work upon them. Socially, he be- 
longs to the I. O. O. F., and with his estimable 
wife, is a member in good standing of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. Politically, he affiliates 
with the Republican party. He has served as 
Township Clerk two terms, and is the present Town- 
shi|) Treasurer. During his residence in Topeka, 
he served as a member of the City Council, and 
''was Chairman of the Purchasing Committee which 
Dought the first team for the fire department in 
that city. 

The father of our subject was Henry Chubb, a 
native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, a 
weaver by trade, and who also engaged in farming. 
He spent his entire life in his native State, dying in 
1874. He married Miss Nancy Miller, a daughter 
of John Miller, a Peunsjivania farmer, and there 
were born to them eleven children, of whom Jere- 
miah was the sixth in order of birth. Of this 
large family seven children are living, thi'ee mak- 
ing their homes in Kansas and the others in Penn- 
sylvania. 

^'~f-*' ^^^^^::8^S — I — [ •' i ^-' 

^OHN ARNOLD. The pioneer element of 
Garfield Township, Jackson County, recog- 
nizes in Mr. Arnold one of its most worthy 
representatives. He came to the Sunflower 
State .as early as 1857. while it was yet a Territory, 
settling first among the wilds of Leavenworth 
County, in the spring of the year. He rem.iined 
there, however, oidy a few weeks, then changed 
his residence to Jackson County, settling on sec- 
tion 27, Straight Creek Township, where he lived 
until 1865. That year he removed to Garfield 
Township, of which he has since been a resident. 
He secured land on section 6, and added to his 
possessions, until he is now the owner of 400 broad 
acres, 320 of which are in Straight Creek Town- 
ship and the balance in Oarfield Township; the lat- 
ter comprises the homestead. A fine set of buildings 
graces the home farm, while there are fiiiit and 
shade trees, a goodly assortment of live-stock, im- 
proved machineri', and all the other appurtenances 
usually accompanying the well-regul.ated country- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



469 



estate. Mr. Arnold is looked upon as one of the 
most liberal-minded and public-spirited citizens of 
his township. In politics he is a sound Repub- 
lican, and in religion belongs to the Lutheran 
Church. 

The native place of Mr. Arnold was in the King- 
dom of Bavaria, Germany, and (he date of his 
birth Sept. 6, 183L He lived there until a boy of 
thirteen years, and then emigrated with his parents 
to America, they settling iu Westmoreland County, 
Pa. Young Arnold sojourned in the Keystone 
State until reaching his majority, completing his 
education in the common schools and becoming 
familiar with farming pursuits. In the meantime 
he had made one visit to the West, looking over a 
portion of the State of Iowa, but onl}' remaining 
about six months. Then, returning to Pennsyl- 
vania, he continued there until 1857, when he came 
to Kansas as already stated. Mis subsequent move- 
ments have been heretofore mentioned. In West- 
moreland County, Pa.. Mr. Arnold was married, in 
Jul}', 18.55, to Miss Aima M. Hunker. Mrs. Arn- 
old was a native of Wurlemburg, Germany, and 
by her union with our sul)ject became the mother 
of six cliildren. She departed this life at the 
homestead, in Garfield Township, Sept. 25, 1872. 
Their eldest (Laughter, Adeline, is the wife of Will- 
iam Strowig, of Wabaunsee County, Kan.; Leonard 
lives in Sti-aight Creek Township; the two 3-ounger 
children. Grant and Frank, remain at home with 
their father. ,lohn, the second son, died in Gar- 
field Townshi[) when a promising young man of 
twenty-three j-ears ; Marj- C. is the wife of San- 
ford Eubanks, of Straight Greek Township. 



eLAYBLRN C. PIGG. This gentleman, a 
Kansas pioneer of 1SG6, came to Jackson 
County in the spring of that year, and the 
following j'ear purchased 1 20 acres of land on sec- 
tion 24, Cedar T<.)wnshiii. This was lint slightly 
removed from its i)rimitive condition, but under 
the wise management of the present proprietor has 
become a well-cultivated farm, from which he har- 
vests a good income. He lias been more than or- 
diunrily fortunate, having had full crops each jear 



with the exception of 1874, suffering that year a 
failure. 

'Ihere wore no public roads in this township 
when Mr. Pigg came to Jackson County, and he 
has thus been a witness of the remarkable changes 
which have made Kansas one of the most prosper- 

I ous commonwealths west of the Mississip|)i. After 
farming continuously for ten years he engaged as 
a general merchant in the small village of South 
Cedar, adjacent to his farm. After one year, how- 
ever, his stock and store were destroyed by tire 
which resulted in considerable loss, there being very 
little insurance. Mr. Pigg then went back to his 
farm to which he has since given his undivided at- 
tention. He is a member in good standing of the 
G. A. R.. and politically a sound Republican, favor- 
ing prohibition. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Warren 
County, Tenn., Feb. 28, 1837, and was reared on a 
farm, acquiring a common-school education. When 

j he was two years old his parents leaving the 
South emigrated to Moultrie Count}-, 111., where 
they lived ten years. They then removed to Sul- 
livan County, Ind., and after a residence of eight 
years there pushed on further Westward, across the 
Mississippi into Ringgold County, Iowa. There 
Clayburn C. developed into manhood, and upon 
leaving the home roof went to Missouri where he 
remained until the outbreak of the Civil War. In 
the meantime, in 1857, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Elizabeth C. Smith, daughter of John IL 
Smith of Pennsylvania. Mr. .Smith, upon leaving 
the Keystone State, removed first to Ohio, then to 
Illinois, Later to Iowa, from there to Missouri, and 
finally to Jackson County, Kan., where his death 
occurred in October, 1886. He followed farming 
and milling through life. He was the son of Dan- 
iel Smith, a native of Germany, and a powder- 
maker by trade. Grandfather Smith, upon 
emigrating to America, settled in Peni'sylvania 
where he spent the remainder of his days. 

At the time of his marriage Mr. Pigg was en- 
gaged as a farm laborer iu Missouri, and during the 
early part of the war, in 1861, being a I'nion man, 
he w.as com|)elled by the rebels to leave the .State 
or lose his life. He returned to Iowa, where he re- 
mained until 18C3. then went back to Missouri and 



470 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



enlisted in Company L, 7tli Missouri State Militia, 
in which he served one year. He tlien veteran- 
ized in Company- H, 13th Missouri Veterans^ and 
served until the close of the war, being engaged 
in many battles. He was twice captured, once at 
Independence and once near Lexington, but onl}^ 
remained a short time with his captors, and until 
he and they were retaken b}' his own men. Mr. 
Pigg received his honorable discharge at RoUa, 
Mo., and returned to Iowa, where he remained un- 
til coming to this county. 

Clayburn Pigg, .Sr., the father of our subject, 
was a native of Virginia, whence he removed to 
Tennessee when a j-oung man. and was there mar- 
ried to Miss Lucinda Wamack. Grandfather 
Waraack was a native of German j', whence he em- 
igrated to America at an early d.ay, settling in 
Tennessee, where he spent his last daj-s. To the 
parents of our subject there was born a family of 
eight children, Clayburn, Jr.. being the youngest. 
To him and his estimable wife there have been 
born the following children : Lucinda, Martha. John 
R., AVilliam C, Thomas A., James II.. Emma M., 
Ransom. Elsie M. These, with the exception of 
two, are all living. Lucinda died in 1881, when 
twenty-three years old, and Charles II. died at the 
age of eleven months, in 1873. 



-^alfa!- 



-^ 



^ij{=r- 



M NDREW BUMGARDNER. In a commu- 
(m/uW nity of intelligent men the casual observer 




would, perhaps, detect little difference in 
their daily lives and experiences, although 
the world over it is impossible to find two individ- 
uals exactly alike. Each one. however, performs some 
share, either for good or evil, and he of whum it 
can be said, he has done good and not harm to his 
fellow-men, is worthy of having his name perpetu- 
ated as one of the builders of the social structuie 
which will exist after he has departed. 

The subject of this notice, one of the worthiest 
citizens of Liberty Township. Jackson County, has 
been no unimportant factor in aiding botli its 
moral and material interests. He is a mendier of 
the farming community and a leading land-owner, 
having 460 broad acres, which have been brought 



to a thorough state of cultivation, and whereon 
have been erected substantial buildings. The 
career of the proprietor has been one marked b}' 
great perseverance and industry, and in his later 
3-ears he is in a condition to take life easily with- 
out apprehensions for the future. 

Mr. Bumgardner was born in Clark County, 
Ohio, Feb. 15, 1831, and when a boj- of eight 
years went with his parents to Warren County, 
Ind. He there developed into manhood, remain- 
ing a continuous resident of that countj' with the 
exception of six months spent in Ford Count}-, 111., 
until reaching his majority. In the meantime he 
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed 
until after his marriage. Aside from this, he has 
been a life-long agriculturist. 

In August, 1880, leaving Indiana, Mr. Bumgard- 
ner came to Kansas and purchased land on section 
23 in Liberty Township, of which he has since been 
a resident. Stock-raising forms a leading feature 
of his operations, an industry in which he has been 
very successful. He was married, in Paxton, 111., 
June 2, 1861, to Miss Sophia E. Straight. Mrs. 
Bumgardner was born in West Virginia. Dec. 7, 
1835, and is the daughter of Jesse B. and Ada 
(Henry) Straight, who were natives of Marion 
County, W. Va., whence they removed to Paxton, 
Ford Co., 111., and from there to Indiana, settling 
in Crawfordsville. There the mother died about 
1886. The father is still living, at an advanced 
age. They had a family- of nine children, six of 
whom are living. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Bumgardner there have been 
born eight childreu;*four of whom were taken 
from the household circle, each when about two 
years old, dying suddenly of croup. 'J"he sur- 
vivors are: Edward. Jesse B.. Henry L. and Nel- 
lie. Mr. Bumgardner. upon becoming a voting 
citizen, identified himself with the Republican 
party, of which he has since been a strong sup- 
poi'ter. Aside from holding the offices of Town- 
ship Treasurer and Trustee, he has mixed very 
little in public life. He and his wife, and all their 
children, are connected with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, attending services at the Bateman 
School-house. Mr. Bumgardner has been Steward 
most of the lime since coming to Kansas. A peace- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHI€AL ALBUM. 



473 




able and law-abiding citizen, he is the friend of 
education and progress, and is uniformly found on 
the side of those enterprises calculated to benefit 
the people — socially, morally and financially. 

The parents of our subject were David and Sarah 
(Schoonover) Bumgardner, the father a native of 
the Old Dominion and the mother of Obio. The 
latter died in Warren County, Ind., about 1867. 
David Bumgardner spent his last days in Ambia, 
Benton County, that State, passing awaj- about 
1886. There had been born to them a family of 
six children, of whom Andrew was the eldest. 

In connection witb this sketch we present a litiio- 
graphic view of the home of our subject. 

ENRY NIEIIAUS. A very attractive farm 
is one situated a mile due north of Whiting, 
Jackson County, and the property of the 
!;/; the gentleman above named, who makes a 
specialty of raising and feeding cattle. The estate 
comprises 200 acres and the portion which is de- 
voted to the cultivation of crops has been brought 
to a fine state of productiveness. The entire 
acreage is fenced, about four miles of fencing 
being used on the place for boundaries and divi- 
sions. The land is exceptionally well watered, a 
spring upon it being of sufficient capacity to sup- 
ply the needs of the farm and 100 head of cattle 
the year round. The residence is a large, substan- 
tially constructed and neatl}' designed frame build- 
ing, 24x34 feet, and in its appropriate setting 
makes a fine ai)pearance from the road. The 
forest trees, mostly of tlie poplar species, supply 
refreshing shade and occupy a space of about one 
acre, while about tift\ apple trees and an adequate 
number of pear, cherry and peach trees, grapes and 
berries of various kinds, furnish an abundance of 
fruit. 

Mr. Nieliaus is a native of Hanover, Germany, 
and the son of another Henry Niehaus, who late in 
life came to this State, where he died in 1877. 
Our subject was born Jul}' 1, 1844. and in his 
youth learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. He 
married Miss Ellen, daughter of William and Char- 
lotte (Muller) Lohmeyer, the former a Hanoverian 



farmer. In the year 1870, Mr. Niehaus emigrated 
to America and taking up his residence in Chicago, 
followed his trade there fur about six j-ears. He 
then with his family, which consisted of his wife 
and a little son, came to Kansas and settled upon 
eighty acres of land which he purchased of Mr. 
Weaver, and which forms part of his present 
estate. This land was already broken and he set 
about its more thorough cultivation, subsequently 
adding an eighty and a 40-acre tract adjoining, 
and bringing the whole to its present tine state. For 
a number of years past he has not only fed all the 
corn he could raise, but has also bought large quan- 
tities to supply the needs of the cattle and other 
stock upon the i)lace. On his feeding lots he has 
erected ample sheds and stables, which prove 
adequate for the feeding of 100 head of cattle and 
hogs; and their never failing supply of water, from 
the crystal spring is another prime factor in his 
success. Mr. Niehaus has ^fjOO worth of slock in 
the creamery, which was started in Whiting a few 
months since. 

He, of whom we write, is a Republican, and 
takes an intelligent interest in political affairs. He 
and his wife are members of the Lutheran Churcli. 
Thej' have but one child — Henry, a Lad whose 
estimable and devoted mother is instilling into 
his mind the best [iiinciples, and whose i)aients 
are giving him ever}' advantage to obtain an ex- 
cellent education. 

A lithographic view of the residence of our sub- 
ject maj' be found on another [lage of this volume. 



\f OHN THOMAS, who is eng.aged in general 
farming and stock-raising in Pottawatomie 
Count}-, has been a citizen of this State since 
(^^j// 1875, when he came from Indiana and se- 
cured eighty acres of hand in Mill Creek Township, 
subsequently obtaining an additional eighty, and 
im|)roving the whole and making thereon a very 
comfortable home. The farm is well watered by 
good springs and is a fertile and productive tract 
of land. Mr. Thomas is of English descent, his 
grandfather having come from the mother country 
to America during the War of 1812. as barbei to 



474 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



an Englifli General. After the war he niarrieil a 
Pennsylvania lady of the old Holland stock, who 
after his decease married again, her second husband 
being a Mr. <iray. 

To this couple was born a son, Samuel, the place 
of his birth being Ross County, Ohio. He learned 
the trade of a shoemaker but before many years 
abandoned this occupation and acquired the coop- 
er's trade under his step-father, Mr. Gray. In his 
native county he was married to Miss Asenath 
Odel, who was born in the Buckeye State, Jan. 1 3, 
1800. and was a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth 
Odel, who after having lived many years in Ohio, 
in their later life moved to Warren County, Ind., 
dying there when about four-score j-ears of age. 
After his marriage Samuel Thomas continued to 
reside in his native State until after four children 
had been born to himself and wife, when the3" went 
to Warren Countj', Ind. There our subject was 
born Dec. 25, 1829. The parents purchased a new 
farm in Adams Township, being among the early 
settlers in the count3%and after having made some 
improvements upon the land and lived upon it for 
a time, they removed to the town of Independence, 
nhere the father followed his trade until his death, 
Feb. 8, 1843. At the time of his decease he was 
about fortj--six years old. His widow survived 
until September, 1873, when she died in Pine Vil- 
lage, being then about three-score and ten years 
old. Both the parents were meuibers of the Meth- 
odist Church and took an active part in every good 
work, their home being a stopping place for the 
itinerant ministers for many years. 

Our subject is one of a family of seven sons and 
six daughters, of whom seven reached mature 
years and mairied. Of the entire family, onl} five 
sons and four daughters are now living. The earlj' 
years of our subject were spent on his father's farm 
and his education was obtained in the district 
schools. He was married in his native county to 
Miss Eliza A. Taylor, an intelligent and estimable 
hidy. who was born in Sussex County, Del., March 
24. 1833. Airs. Thomas is a daughter of Robert and 
Elizabeth (Wadkins) Taylor, who were natives of 
tlie same State in which she first saw the light, and 
were members of Pennsylvania families of the old 
Holland stock. After the birth of two children. 



of whom Mrs. Thomas is the eldest. Robert and 
Elizabeth Taylor moved to Ross County, Ohio, and 
there the mother died Nov. 30, 1844, at the age of 
thirty-four years. The father afterwards went to 
Indiana, and in AVarren Count}- married his second 
wife, Mrs. Agnes Worley Timmons, nee Smith. Mr. 
Taylor and his second wife subsequently located in 
Tippecanoe County, where the former followed his 
trade as a carpenter until his death at the age of 
forty-four years. His second wife survived him 
some 3ears. 

The rites of wedlock between our subject and 
Miss Eliza Taylor, were celebrated Feb. 15, 1855, 
and their union has been blessed by the birth of 
thirteen children: Elizabeth, James, Francis and 
Arthur died while quite young; Mary A. is the 
widow of John F. Gibson and lives in this township 
on a part of her father's farm ; Eliza J. is the wife 
of George W. DoGraw, a farmer in this township; 
Charles E. married Miss Xellie Porter and their 
home is on a ranch in Arapahoe County, Col.; David 
S., owns a claim in Colorado on which he is living; 
John H. is still at home; AA'illiam E. is a telegraph 
operator; Albert C, Emma, and Hattie A., com- 
plete the group around the family hearth. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas take quite an active inter- 
est in everything which will tend to the improve- 
ment of the township, and in the education of their 
children have done all that parental love and pride 
could compass and their means would allow. Mr 
Thomas is a Republican. Intelligent, enterprising, 
kindl}', and of good principles, he is regarded with 
respect b}- neighbors and fellow-citizens, and his 
wife shares in their good will. 



^ijum/®^^ 



; »®J-a;OT'^»v~'\/vv/- 



^ LESLEY GURTLER, senior member of the 
\ijji fii'm of Gurtler Bros., at Onaga. has as- 
S'v? sociated witli him his brother Peter and 
his brother in-law, Henry Swarz. and they are con- 
ducting a thriving trade in hardware. This busi- 
ness enterprise was established Juh' 20. 1886, and 
from a modest beginning has grown to livel}' pro- 
portions. It occupies part of a convenient business 
block on Leonard Street. They came to (Jnaga 
from Garrison, where they had established their 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



475 



first store and where the}' dirt Imsiness three j-ears. 
Wesley was formerl}' a farmer of Mill Creek Town- 
ship, in which he settled in 1869, and where he was 
engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1883. He 
came to Kansas from Ohio, in which State he set 
tied after having crossed the Atlantic from the ' 
Kingdom of Bohemia, where his birth occurred 
Oct. 17, 18.53. 

The father of our subject was .Tolin ( turtler. like- 
wise a native of Bohemia, and who served as a 
soldier in the regular armj- of his countr}^ for the 
long period of eleven years. Later he was married 
to Miss Barbara Velber. The wife and mother was 
likewise born and reared in Bohemia. After the 
birth of two children, Wesley and Margaret, the 
parents in the latter part of 1853 set out for Amer- 
ica on a sailing-vessel and after a voyage of four- 
teen weks landed in New York City. Thence thej- 
came directly Westward, locating in Van Wert 
County, Ohio, where the father carried on farming 
until the outbreak of the Civil War. At the first 
call for troops he enlisted in Co:iipany K, 46lh 
Ohio Infantry, and under the command of Col. 
Alexander went .South and fought under Gens. 
Sherman and Grant three j'ears. He then veteran ■ 
ized and served another year, being in all the en- 
gagements of his regiment and signalizing himself 
as a brave and etHcient soldier, and was frequently' 
offered promotions, but on account of his limited 
knowledge of the English language he invariably 
declined. He was alwaj's to be found at his post, 
and he received an honorable wound at the battle 
of Shiloh. 

I'pon receiving his honorable discharge at the 
close of the war. John Gurtler returned to his farm 
in Ohio, sojourning there until in March, 1869. 
Then deciding u|)on a change of location he dis- 
posed of his interests in the Buckeye Slate, and 
coming to Kansas secured land in Mill Creek Town- 
ship, taking up his abode thereon on the (stii of 
Jl'.rch. This land lav on section 8. and was wild 
and uncultivated. Mr. Gurtler improved a fine 
farm, building up a good homestead, where he spent 
the remainder of his days. He departed this life 
in 1880, at the age sixt3'-two years. He was a 
prominent member of the Evangelical Association, 
and politically, an ardent supporter of the Repub- 



lican part}-. The mother is yet living, being now 
seventy-two years old and makes her home with 
her children at Onaga; she likewise belongs to the 
Evangelical Association. 

Wesley Gurtler was reared in Ohio and accom- 
panied his father' family to Kansas in 1869, since 
which time he has has been a resident of Pottawato- 
mie County. He was married, in Mill Creek 
Township, to Miss Dora Swarz. Mrs. Gurtler was 
born in Illinois, Oct. 8, 1856. and is the daughter 
of Andrew and Dora (Scyfer) Swarz, natives of 
German}', who came to America in their youth, 
and who were married in Illinois. They lived there 
on a farm until after the birth of three children, 
then removed to Nebraska City, Neb., from which 
they went to Holt County, Mo. Thence, in 1870. 
they came to Kansas, locating in Mill Creek Town- 
ship, where the father purchased 320 acres of land 
on section 16. He improved a valuable farm upon 
which he now lives, and with his estimable wife 
has attained to about the age of threescore years. 
Both are members in good standing of the Evan- 
gelical Association. 

Mrs. Gurtler is the eldest living of her parents' 
eleven children. She attended the common school 
and was reared under the home roof, remaining 
there until her marriage. .She is a prime house- 
keeper, industrious and frugal, and has been the 
efficient helpmate of her hus!)and in all his worthy 
undertakings. There have been born to them three 
daughters — Eva. Rachel and Cara. Mr. Gurtler. 
politically, like his father before him, votes the 
straight Rei)ublican ticket, and has been Township 
Treasurer for three terms. He .ind his wife re- 
main loyal to the religious faith of their forefathers. 



A FAYETTE ELLIOTT, a leading land- 
.jj, owner of Soldier Township, possesses the 
ix>. warrantee deed to 600 broad acres, 400 of 



which lie in Soldier Township. A man of ster- 
ling qualities, he is looked upon as one of the lead- 
ing members of his community, where he has made 
for himself a good record, and gained the confidence 
and esteem of those around him. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the M.iic 



476 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Kentucky, June 15, 1833, and is the son of Lo- 
renzo and Margaret (Rhodes) Elliott, who were 
likewise natives of the Blue Grass State. The pa- 
ternal grandfather, Samuel Elliott, also a native of 
Kentucky, was a farmer b}' occupation, and spent 
his last days ia Indiana. Grandfather Lewis Rhodes 
was also born and spent his entire life in that State. 
Lorenzo Rhodes, leaving his native State early in 
life, emigrated in 1834, to Hariison County, Ind., 
where lie lived for a short time, then removed to 
Parke County. There La Fayette was reared to 
man's estate, receiving his education in tlic primi- 
tive schools. He remained under the parental roof 
until reaching his majority, and was tlien married, 
in 1850, to Miss Nancy A. Crooks. This lady was 
born in Ohio, and is the daughter of Thomas .1. 
Crooks, a native of that State. The mother died 
in Indiana, and the father is still living. After their 
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Elliott settled in the State 
of Indiana, where Mr. Elliott farmed on shares 
four years. 

We next find him in Keokuk County. Iowa, 
where lie purcliased a farm, and made his home for 
a i)eri<(d of t^vent^•-five 3'ears. In the meantime he 
became thq owner of 420 acres of land. In 1882, 
leaving Iowa, he removed to Livingston County, 
Mo., and a 3ear later to Platte County, that State, 
where he also sojourned one year. We next find 
him in Atchison County. Kan., where he purchased 
126 acres of land which he still owns, and he lived 
thereuntil 188il. then coming tC) Jackson County, 
purchased the place where he now resides. 

Mrs. Nancy A. (Crooks) Elliott, departed this 
life in 1857, at the early age of twenty-four years, 
leaving two children. William, the elder, is a resi- 
dent of Freeport, this .State; RLargaret is the wife 
of J. O. Stephenson, of Haverhill. Mr. Elliott, in 
1857, contracted a second marriage with Miss Lo- 
vina Wymer, a native of Ohio. Of the twelve chil- 
dren born to them, the following are living: .Sarah 
C. is the wife of T. F. Gaston, of Havensville, Kan. ; 
Nancy Ellen married Thomas Widgins, of .lackson 
County; Oliver, Edward. George, '\'iola. Ralph, 
Albert, and Daisy, ai'e at home with their parents. 
j\Ir. and Mrs. Elliott are members in good standing 
of ihe Dunkard Church. Mr. Elliott, politically, 
gives his support to the Democratic party. His 



career affords one of the many illustrations of the 
self-made man, who commenced the battle of life 
without other resources than industry, energy and 
perseverance, and he has made for himself an hon- 
orable record in all respects, and one worthy of 
emulation. 

— • ociio • — 

^S ARTON C. PRUETT. This gentleman has 
been one of the business men in the town of 
Circleville, Jackson County, for a number 
of 3'ears and has won an excellent reputation for 
his correct business methods and good character 
and has made many friends by his agreeable and 
manners and conversation. He is now engaged in 
the livery business, owning the only stable in the 
place, in which he now has about $1,000 in stock. 
He was born in Carroll County. Ki', in 1838, and 
is the son of John and Malissa (Taylor) Pruett, 
who were also natives of the Blue Glass State. 
Both were members of the Christian Church and 
took an active i)art in Christian work. The occu- 
pation of the father was that of farming and he 
spent his entire life so engaged in his native State. 
lie w.as quite active in the field of politics and was 
a prominent man in the community. The family 
comprised, with our subject, the following-named 
childien: Adeline is the wife of Ansel Rogers, of 
this county ; Wiley also lives in this county, and 
is engaged in farming; John B. is now a retired 
physician of this place; Malissa was the wife of 
William Ourbrook. but is now deceased. 

The subject of this biograijh3' was reared on a 
farm and left home at the age of eighteen to en- 
gage in farm lalior for himself. After a time spent 
in that work he learned the art of taking aaibro- 
t3'pes, and carried on that liusiness until 1861, vvhcn 
he enlisted in Compan3' H, 17th Kentuck3' In- 
fantr3", as a Second Lieutenant, having recruited 
most of the company. He served in the Union 
armv about two years, and on account of ill-health 
resigned after the battle of Shiloh. Returning to 
his native State he again engaged in agricultural 
pursuits, coupling with that occupation the business 
of buying stock and horses for the Government and 
a personal business of buying tobacco. He was thus 
engaged until he cnme West in 1876. and choos- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



477 



ing Ciieleville :is his place of residence, opened a 
meat niarlvet which he carried on for ten years. He 
liien undertook the business which he now con- 
ducts, and in which he is well patronized and )iros- 
pering. 

At the home of the bride's father. .John Butler, 
of Kentucky, the marriage ceremony was per- 
formed between JNIr. Pruett an<l 3Iiss Rosanna E. 
Butler. The date of the happy event was July 10. 
1 862. The union has l)een blessed by the birtli of 
four children — John, Lizzie, Alfred W.. Grover 
C. Of tliese John and Alfred are deceased. 

Mr. Pruett gives ids suffrage to the Democratic 
party, in whose principles he has firm faith. He 
and his wife are members of the Christian Church 
and take an active part in Christian work. 



T^j OBERT KLEIN. The sons ol the Father- 
Y'V '^"'^ ^''^ found Sill over the Great West, 
tli \\\ which owes its growth and prosperity 
\^) largely to their thrift and industry and their 
reliable qualities as steady-going and substantial 
citizens. Mr. Klein is a leader among his countrj'- 
men in Straight Creek Township, Jackson County, 
of which he has been a resident for the past seven- 
teen years, iiaving come to this region with his 
family in 1872. By a course of unflagging indus- 
try and perseverance, he has accumulated a fine 
property, including a well-developed farm, 382 
acres in extent and finely located on section 28. 
The land has been brought to a high state of culti- 
vation and embellished with first-class buildings. 
Mr. Klein has been greatly prospered as a tiller of 
the soil and after a few years devoted to general 
farming turned his attention more particularly to 
stock-raising, in which industry he has acquired an 
enviable reputation. As a business man. no less 
than a farmer, he is A No. 1, and among other im- 
portant interests, holds stock in the State Bank at 
Hoi ton. 

A native of the Province of Silesia, Germany, 
Jlr. Klein was born April 9, 1841. He there s|)ent 
the years of his boyhood and youth and when 
twenty-four j-ears old resolved upon emigrating to 
America. Embarking at Hamhurg on a sailing 



vessel, he landed in New York City seven weeks 
later, and thence made his w.ay direct to Marshall 
County, 111. There he entered the employ of tlie 
late Washington Cook, with whom he remained 
three years. In the meantime, with the piudence 
which had distinguisheil his ancestors, lie saved 
what he could of his earnings and was enabled to 
rent a farm which he operated three years. 

At the exi)iration of this time Mr. Klein, in .lan- 
uary, 1872, came to Kansas with his family and 
settled in Straight Creek Township, of which he 
has since been a resident. Wliile in JMarshall 
County, III., he was married in January, 1869, to 
Miss Louisa Kessler. This lady was likewise a na- 
tive of Germany, and born in the Province of Ba- 
varia. She became the mother of one child, a 
daughter, Mary A., and died in Straight Creek 
Township, Aug. 9, 188.5. 

Mr. Klein contracted a second marri.age in St. 
Louis, Mo., July 1, 1886, with Miss Agnes Sholz, 
who was born in Germany, Oct. 26, 1846, and 
came to America with her father when twent3'-eight 
years old. Mr. Klein upon becoming a n,aturalized 
citizen allied himself with the Democratic party, of 
whose principles he is a stanch supporter. He has 
held some of the school offices of his district, but 
has no ambition for public preferment, being 
unwilling to spoil a good farmer by attempting to 
become an office-holder. He and his wife are 
prominently connected with the German Catholic 
Church, attending services at Holton. They have 
one of the most desirable homes in Straight Creek 
Township and occupy no secondary position among 
its best people. 



■>- 



-Er- 



<« ij^Al^'^ ■''^- HOAGLIN, who for several years 
|\ -Jf filled the office of Probate Judge of Jack- 
V^ son County, is a native of Steuben County, 
N. Y., where his l)irth took place Feb. 26, 1829. 
His father, John Hoaglin, was a native of Holland, 
and came to this country with his parents in child- 
hood. His mother, Rachael Campbell, was born 
and reared in this country, but is descended from 
the old Scotch family of Cam[)bells. John Iloaglin 
was a quiet, unasumingand good man, and a mem- 



478 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



bcr of the Methodist Chuix-h. His wife was a 
woman of a great deal of natural force of char- 
acter, and a prominent member of the Methodist 
Church, with which she had been connected from 
cliildhood. She was. indeed, a superior woman, 
and has been remembered witli a peculiar degree 
of reverence by her children, especially by the one 
of whom we write, who always speaks, and liears 
others speak of her. with a great amount of 
pride that slie was his mother. Eight sons. and 
tliree daughters were given to this lady, all of 
whom have met with unusual success and have 
made their iioraes in the Western States. 

After receiving a common-school education, 
Ward S. Iloaglin was left to himself to secure 
a better one if he wished, and desiring to do 
so, he exerted himself and husbanded liis re- 
sources to that end. He entered the academy at 
Plattsburg, N. Y., from which he was graduated 
in 1852, after which he went to Winnebago 
Count3', Wi.s.. where for two years he was engaged 
in lumbering and several other enterprises, and at 
the same time was studying for the profession of 
the law, spending the moments which most young 
men would have devoted to recreation in this 
way. He also assisted his' brother's son, John M. 
Iloaglin, who has since become one of the most 
prominent educators in that eountr}-, in his sUidies. 
Going from tliat place to Jo Daviess County. 111., 
he continued his study of tlie law in connection 
with other business operations. Here he became 
acquainted with and married Miss Virginia Fitz- 
simmons. 

About Ibis time the question as to wliether Kan- 
sas should be a slave or a free State began to 
strongly agitate the people, and in the fall of 1856 
Blr. Iloaglin decided to come to the TerriJ;or3', 
but did not carry out his decision until the follow- 
ing spring. He first took a claim and made his 
home at the place that is now called Circleville, 
where he remained until June, 1859, when he 
moved to Holton, the county seat. "Being a Re- 
publican and strong in his [yolitical views, lie soon 
became prominently identified with tlie Free State 
party, and was intimately connected with all its 
leading movements and many of the warm advo- 
cates of these measures, among whom were John 



Brown and James II. Lane. He was a member of 
nearly ail the Republican conventions from that 
time up to 187G. He still continued the study of 
the law. and in 1860 was admitted to the bar. 

Wlien Mr. Hoaglin came to the county, the Re- 
publicans were greatly in the minority, and h.ad 
but a poor chance for representation bj' men of 
their own party. But. in 1858, our subject was in- 
duced to run for Probate Judge, and as the strength 
of the Ropul)lican party had somewhat increased, 
after a close race lie was elected b}- a majority of 
one — the decisive \'ote having been cast by a man 
of the opposite party whom lie had chanced to be- 
friend at an early date. Judge Hoaglin was elected 
three consecutive terms, each time liy a gradually' 
increasing Republican vote. In 186.3, besides fill- 
ing the office of Probate Judge, he was also Dep- 
uty County Treasurer. In 1864 he resigned his 
seat on the bench, and then filled the office of 
Countj' Attorne}' Tor a term or two. Since that 
time he has never really aspired to any official 
position, but has served on the School Board and 
as one of the Countj^ Board of Examiners all the 
time. 

When the war broke out, in 1861, Judge Hoag- 
lin enlisted in the United .States service to help 
crush out the rebellion, but was rejected on account 
having a fractured limb that somewhat disabled 
him for active field duty. This did not deter 
him, however, from doing the utmost in his power, 
and he organizeil a company of militia, of whicli 
he was commissioned cajitain, and when, in 1864, 
Gen. Price made his raid, the Judge participated 
in the battle of Westport, and aided in driving the 
rebel general from the borders of Kansas. 

Since the war Judge Hoaglin has given his time 
almost exclusively to his profession, and has be- 
come one of the most successful criminal lawyers 
in this part of the State. As a speaker he is forci- 
ble and argumentative in st3'lc, the pointedness 
of his remarks never failing to affect a jury and 
give him promise of success, even in doubtful 
cases. The logical force of his addresses is aided 
by the flashing of a keen black eye, that gives 
emphasis to his words and makes it no liglit thing 
to compete with him or throw him off his guard. 

Judge Hoaglin's first wife died in Holton, Aug. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



479 



5, 1874. His second marriage w.ts to Minerva 
Brown, a native of Indiana. Tliere were six cliil- 
dren by tlie first marriage and two by tlic second. 
Livingston, the eldest, is engaged in tlie iiardware 
fiusiness at Seranton, Kan.; Ward is a doctor, and 
located at .St. .lolin: Rosa married M. A. Kiinchess, 
and lives in Netawaka; Susie is County Su|K'rin- 
tendent of Schools in this county; John resides in 
Kansas City, Mo.; Mary. Claude and Maud (the 
two latter children of tlie second maniage) are 
still at home witli their parents. 

Judge lloaglin and his wife are both influential 
members of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
helped to organize the society at Holton. and by 
his influence and liberality has contributed greatly 
to the upbuilding of the church. He has been con- 
nected with the Union League, Odd Fellows, the 
higher order of iMasonry, and the various temper- 
ance societies. He is a man who possesses force of 
character and a great amount of enterprise, and 
the people look upon him as one of their most re- 
liable and substantial citizens. His social qualities 
are almost unlimited, and he is impulsive and 
sti'ong-willed. proving a bitter enemy, but a warm 
and generous friend under all ciicumstances, and 
one of the most noble-hearted of men. 



-^-^--^ ^^- 



HRI8TIAN MILLER is a well-known and 
lighly-respected citizen of Mill Creek 
^i^' Townshi)), Pottawatomie County, where he 
has lived for a score of jears, and where he now 
owns a fine farm. The estate lies on section 30, 
and consists of 160 acres, less what the railroad and 
school-house have taken out. The place is well 
improved, well stocked, and is well watered by 
Mill Creek. Among its improvements are an ex- 
cellent stone house and stone born, and its fine 
condition is due entirely to its enterprising and in- 
dustrious owner, who was quite poor when he took 
possession of the unbroken laml. 

The father of our subject was Mathias INL'ller. a 
native of Wurtemburg, and a farmer bj' occupa- 
tion. He married Miss Maria Shumacher, who 
was born in the same kingdom, and like her hus- 
band was a descendant of old and respected Ger- 



man stock. After their marriage they remained in 
their native land for some years, and the father 
served his country as a regular soldier. In 181(5 
the parents and the younger children came to the 
I'nited .States, and settled in Milwaukee Count\-, 
Wis., where the last years of the parents were 
spent. Tlie mother died in 1879, ripe in years, her 
birth having taken place in 179G. The father was 
born in 1802. and departed this life in 1881. being 
nearly four-score years old. Loth were all their 
lives active memliers of the Protestant Church. 

Mr. Miller, of whom we write, was born in 
Hidem Himer. Wurtcmbuig. (;erman\-, July 18, 
1819. and was reared and educated in his native 
kingdom, learning the trade of a wf)ol-carder, 
weaver, and dyer. In 1814. two years before the 
departure of his parents from the Fatherland, he 
set out to the United States, going from his native 
place to Bremerhaven, and thence taking pass.age 
on the sail-shi|) "Charlotta," under command of 
Capt. Wj'm.an. After a stormy passage of forty- 
eight days, during which the passengers suffered 
much from a scarcity of food and water, they 
landed in Xew York, somewhat over due. They 
set foot upon the American shore June 18. and 
three days later Jlr. Miller arrived in Philadelphia, 
where he followed his trade for twf> years. He 
then went back to Germany to rejoin his parents, 
but found upon reaching there that the^^ had sailed 
for America some days before. lie at once turned 
back, and crossing the ocean on a fasier vessel 
than the family, he arrived in New York City in 
advance of them, and there awaited their coming, 
accompanying them to Wisconsin. They leached 
Milwaukee Sept. 10, 184(j. an<l in that city our 
subject worked at his trade for some time. He 
subsequently purchased IGO acres of land, and 
operated it for a year, but at the expiration of 
that period sold out and again took up his trade. 
He gave his attenti >n to weaving near the Cream 
Citv until 1869. when he took up his residence in 
this .State, where he has been so successfully em- 
ployed in agricultural pursuits. 

Mr. Miller was married, in Milwaukee, to Miss 
Magdalina Wagner, who was born in the same vil- 
lage in which her husb.'ind first saw the light, her 
natal d.ay being Ai)ril 27, 1823. She grew to wo- 



480 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM, 



inaiiliooil in her native kingdom, and accompanied 
tiie father of our subject to this country. Her 
father. Michael Wagner, was a miller, and lived 
and died in the fatherland, departing this life when 
quite old. Her mother bore the maiden name of 
Regina Frenglen, and she also spent her entire life 
in her native land. To Mr. and Mrs. ^lillerjseven 
children have been born, two of whom, Christian 
A. and John, are deceased. Franklin married Miss 
Josena Koentz, and lives in Ou.aga. where he is 
carrying on a hardware store in companj' with his 
next eldest brother, Washington, who is still un- 
married. Paulina is the wife of Nicholas Hirscb, 
and the}- live on a farm in this count}-. Chvistian 
is at home, and assists in cultivating the farm, as 
does the joungest son. Jacob. Mr. Miller and his 
sons are all sound Republicans. 

The family of which our subject is a member 
consisted of two sons and two daughters, he of 
whom we write being tlie first born. Maximillian 
is now a baker in Emaus, Lehigh Co., Pa.: he is 
married, and h.as a family. Catherine is the wife 
of George Schweickhart, who is a dealer in stone, 
owning a quarrv and living in a suburb of Mil- 
waukee. Wis. Mary was the wife of Leopold 
Hepp; she died at her home near ^lilwaukee. in 
1887. 




BNER PRENTICE DAILEV. Among 
the 3'oung business men of Pottawatomie 
Count}', the above-named gentlem,in de- 
serves notice as one who is developing a 
high degrte of ability in the affairs of town life, 
and who is regarded with respect by those who 
know him, for his manly character and upright 
principles. He is a member of the firm of Dailey 
& Hazen, grocers, at Westmoreland, having been 
located in business here since March 1888. 

Mr. Dailey was born in Fremont County, Iowa, 
Nov. 12, 1864. and lived in that county until 1875, 
when his parents moved to Union Township, this 
county. There our subject grew to maturity, 
finishing his education in this city, and afterward 
engaging in the busines.s which he and his partner are 



now successfully carrying on. He is a Republican, 
giving earnest support to the party of his choice. 
John Dailey, the father of our subject, was born 
near Terre Haute, Ind. He married Miss Margaret 
Ricker and soon afterward came to this .State, en- 
gaging in farming. Subsequently he removed to 
Iowa, returning here in 1875, since which time he 
has been pursuing his former employment in Union 
Township, where he now has a fine farm of 160 
acres. His family was made up of six children. 



-4- 



vS^ -iL, 



Jl^^ ENRY KNOLL. The thrifty German ele- 
ment of Liberty Township recognizes in 
Mr. Knoll one of its best men. His career 
(^j has been marked by great perseverance and 
industry, and as a tiller of the soil he has been an 
unqualified success. He has a fertile farm of 280i 
acres, where he has erected excellent buildings, the 
dwelling being especially neat and comfoi table. 
The other improvements reflect great credit upon 
the proprietor, who has accumulated his property 
by the exercise of the most unflagging industry 
and good man.agcment. 

A native of the Province of Schlaschan, Ger- 
many, Mr. Knoll wjis born March 10, 1827, and 
spent his early years mostly in the agricultural dis- 
tricts, acquiring a practical education in the com- 
mon schools. Upon reaching manhood he entered 
the German army, serving the required three and 
one-half years. When twenty-seven years old, he 
decided upon emigrating to the United States, and 
after a safe ocean voyage, arrived in New York 
City in May, 1854. He resided in the Empire 
State five or six months, then emigrated Southwest- 
ward to St. Louis, Mo., and after an unsuccessful 
search for work went on down to New Orleans. 
There he w.as more fortunate, and spent three years 
in the Crescent City, employing himself at what- 
ever he could find to do. 

We next find Mr. Knoll in Buffalo County, Wis., 
where he remained two years, .and then changed 
his residence to LaCros*e. He sojourned there. 
however, only about three months, then coming to 
Kansas, spent the winter of 1864. in Leavenworth 
Countv. Prior to this, he lived in Missouri, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



483 




for three years farmed on rented land in Platte 
County. At the expiration of this time, he came 
to Kansas, and locating in Leavenwortli County, 
oi)erated on rented land in the vicinitjof Kicl^apoo 
for about tliree years. His nest removal was to 
.Jackson County, where he inircliased eight}' acres 
of land on section 11, Liberty Township. There 
were no improvements upon it, and lie first built a 
small frame house, and in connection with the cul- 
tivation of the soil, added other buildings as he 
was able. 

Mr. Knoll was married in LaCrosse, Wis., about 
1858. to Miss Christina Weber. Mrs. Knoll was 
born in Germany, Jan. 5, 1826, and by lier union 
with our subject, became the mother of six chil- 
dren, viz: Christina, the wife of Isaac Ilaag; Jane; 
Lillj% Mrs. George .Stouse; Minnie, Hannah, and 
Rosa. Mr. and Mrs. Knoll are both members of 
the Evangelical Society, and in politics Mr. Knoll 
is a sound Republican. He is a man generally re- 
spected in his community, kind and courteous in 
his demeanor, and has made for himself the record 
of an iionest man and a good citizen. i 

AIR D. HART. lu looking over the his- 
tory of Kansas of the present day, one is 
forcibly impressed with the number of i 
j'oung men who are occupying places of |)ublic 
trust and res[)onsibility, or are prominent in busi- 
ness circles. It is a pleasure to note that they are 
faithful and efficient in the discharge of their du- 
ties, and enterprising in the pursuit of their worldly 
affairs. One of this class is the gentleman whose 
name heads this sketch. He occupies the position 
of Clerk of Pottawatomie Count}', having been i 
elected to that office in 1887. and re-elected in 
1889. ' 

Mr. Hart is the son of Hugh S. and Elizabeth R. 
(Harper) Hart, who are now living in Ilavensville. 
this county. The Hart family are of Scotch origin, 
and trace their ancestry back to John Hart, of 
New Jersej', one of the signers of the Declaration 
of Independence. Hugh S. Hart was born in Ran- 
dolph County, W. \n., Oct. 15, 18-'8. and grew to 
maturity on a farm. He engaged in the mercantile 



business at Beverly, and was married there in 
1853. He and his wife remained in Beverly about 
six year.* after their marriage, removing thence to 
Jackson County, Mo., where the}' sojourned about 
nine months, and in the fall of the same year came 
to Jackson (bounty, Kan. Mr. Hart entered land 
near where Circleville now stands, and turning his 
attention to agriculture, continued so employed for 
twelve years, lie at that time formed a partner- 
ship with R. Oursler, in the mercantile business, 
and engaged in this occupation until tiie spring of 
1877, when he removed to his present location. In 
June, 1886, he gave up his business in Havensville, 
and now iives retired from the more active duties 
of life. 

In 1862 Hugh Hart enrolled himself among the 
defenders of the Union, his name being placed on 
the muster roll of Company 15, 11th Kansas In- 
fantry, in which he served over three years, the 
first two being spent in the general army, and the 
last in service on the frontier. He has held the 
office of Justice of the Peace in Jackson and Pot- 
tawatomie counties for fifteen years, and during 
his residence in Mrginia served as Sheriff. He has 
had no political aspirations, but has always been a 
hearty Republican worker, attending conventions, 
etc. He belongs to the I. O. O. F., M.asonic order 
and G. A. R. He and his wife belong to the Chris- 
tian Church. 

The parental family comprises four children, 
three girls, and the subject of this sketch. Mary 
A. isthe wifeof E. H. Wilson, and their home is in 
Caldwell. Idaho; Lucy E., now Mrs. R. M. Fry. 
lives in Circleville, this .State; Lizzie K. is the wife 
of T. J. Richardson, of Havensville. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this biog- 
raphy was born in Randolph County, W. \:i.. July 
31, 1856. and was a c'sild of two years when his 
parents removed to the West. He grew to man- 
hood in Circleville, obtaining an excellent educa- 
tion at the Circleville Seminary, after which he 
spent some time in his father's store, and acquired 
a good commercial training. In the fall of 1878 
he was married, and afterward spent four years on 
a farm in Jackson County. Leaving that he en- 
tered the mercantile business with his father at 
Havensville. continuing in the same until his elec- 



484 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tion to the office wliich he is now holriing. He 
then closed out his business, and removed to 
Westmoreland with the intention of making it his 
home during his term of office. That he has filled 
the position with credit to himself, and in a manner 
acceptable to the people, is abundantly' proved by 
his re-election. 

The marriage of Mr. Hart took place Oct. 31, 
1878, the lad^' to whom he gave his baud l)eing 
Miss Laura E. Stanley-, of Jackson County, an edu- 
cated and cultured young lady who was born in 
Missouri, but from early life has resided in this 
State. She is a daughter of Henry Stanley, and 
her mother dying soon after the familj- came to 
Jackson County, she grew to years of maturity un- 
der her grandmother's roof and kindly care. Her 
union with Mr. Hart has resulted in the birth of 
five boys — Frank, George E., Clyde H. and Harry 
L. (twins), and Fred. They are bright, intelligent 
children, and will be given good educational ad- 
vantages, in accordance with their years. 

A portrait of Mr. Hart will be found on another 
page. 

^ • 3 ' 1 ' ^ ' I" *°' — 

OCRATES Q. WHITE. It is seldom the 
lot of the biographer to meel a more con- 
genial or companionable man than Mr. 
While. He is a general favorite in Lib- 
ertj- Township, Jackson County, of which he has 
been a resident since the spring of 1882, having 
200 acres of good land on section 23. Here he has 
erected substantial buildings, besides making many 
other improvements and bringing the soil from its 
primitive state to a fertile condition. He raises 
the crops usual to Northern Kansas and is consid- 
erably interested in all kind of registered stock, and 
exports horses whicii are of a high grade. He also 
makes a specialty of registered Short-horn cattle, 
Berkshire hogs and standard poultry. Without 
making any pretensions to style or elegance, he 
lives comfortably, at jjeace with his neighbors and 
enjojs in a marked degree their confidence and es- 
teem. 

Vinton Count}', Ohio, was the early tramping 
ground of our subject and where his birth took 
place Feb. 28, 1842. He lived there until a young 




man of twenty-one jears, receiving the advantages 
of the common school and becoming familiar with 
farming as conducted in the Bucke3'e State. Upon 
leaving home he went into Ross County where he 
remained until 1867. In the fall of that year he 
set out for tlie farther West, coming to Kansas and 
settling in what is now Garfield Township, on Elk 
Creek. He only spent one winter there, however, 
removing in the spring to Straight Creek Town- 
shi|), and renting land on the creek until 1877. 
Having now a little capital he purchased a farm on 
section 26, which he occupied until the spring of 
18S2. Then selling out he removed to Cedar 
Township where he sojourned one 3"ear, then re- 
turning to Liberty Township, located on sections 
23 and 2.5 where he has since lived. 

In Ross Count}-, Ohio, Mr. White was married 
Oct. 1, 1863. to Miss Mary J Whceland. Mrs. 
White was born in that county, Oct, 22, 1830, and 
is the daughter of Samuel and Margaret Wheelaud, 
who are natives of Ohio and who spent their last 
j'ears in that State. Mr. and Mrs. AVhite have no 
children. Mr. While, politically, votes the straight 
Democratic ticket and is a member in good stand- 
ing of the I. O. O. F. and the Farmers' Alliance. 

The parents of Mr. White were David and Deli- 
lah (Francis) White, natives respectively of Hock- 
ing and Vinton Counties, Ohio. D.^vid White was 
born April 30, 1813, and makes his home on the 
farm with our subject. After their marriage they 
settled in Vinton County, Ohio, and liecame the 
parents of four sons and four daughters of whom 
Socrates (^ was the fourth in order of birth. 



-l-<-i.^^t4-H- 



^ J^ILLIAM B. ALLEN. This gentleman is 
\/\l/l '^ member of the firm of Bringle & Allen, 
W^ who own and operate the best equipped 
blaeksmithing shop in Jackson Countj% having 
among their facilities a five horse power engine 
for repaiimg plows. Thev are located at Wiiiting, 
and our suliject owns an excellent residence there 
and a farm of eight}' acres of outlying land in 
the county, the latter being under good cultivation. 
Before oullining the history of our subject, a 
few words regarding his parentage will not be 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



485 



amiss. His father, David Allen, a native of County 
Armagh, Ireland, early in life emigrated to Canada. 
Mr. Allen was of Scotch-Irish descent, his mother 
having been a member of the O'Connell famil}-. 
In Toronto, David. Allen met and married Miss 
Margaret Brown, who had come from County 
Tyrone, Ireland. To this worthy couple our sub- 
ject was born Aug. 16, 1848, in the Province of 
Ontario, which was the liome of tiie family. W. 
B. Allen acquired a good fundamental education in 
the graded schools of Canada, and at the age of 
seventeen began an apprenticesliip at tlie trade of 
a blacksmith, serving three years and six months 
with .Tames Steel, of Paisle}-, County Bruce, Ontario. 

After working at journey-work for a year or 
two, lie of whom we wiile came to Kansas and 
opened a shop in Hiawatha, where he lived seven 
years. He then, in 1878, moved with his family 
to tliis place and opened up business with his pres- 
ent partner, the connection having continued unin- 
terrupted to this day. In 1883, the}' were burnt 
out, suffering the loss of $1,000, but have since 
erected a larger and better shop and fitted it in the 
best manner, where they are meeting with merited 
success. 

At the home of the bride on Oct. 5, 1872, 
the interesting ceremony was performed which 
transformed Miss Elizabeth Hatch into Mrs. W. B. 
Allen. The bride is a daughter of George and 
.leanette (Dinsmore) Hatch, of Jackson Countj-, 
and the father now resides in Hiawatha. Mr. 
Hatcli is of English descent and birth, having 
come from Dorsetshire to America when a lioy of 
six years. His wife was brought from Scotlami at 
the age of five and a half years and the paternal 
families of both located in Siincoe Countj'. Canaila. 
The Hatch family, cjmpiisiiig father, mother and 
ten children, moved from Canada to this county, 
and the father bought land four and a half miles 
southwest of 'Whiting. There on the bleak prairie 
he budt a -shack" 14x24 feet, with a shed roof, 
and constructed of Cottonwood boards which 
warpeil so nuich tliat a frying-pan could be p.assed 
through the cracks to the fire outside, where the 
cooking was done. All the water was carried for 
more than a mile. '-The roof let in the sunshine 
<ind the rain," and many a rainy night tliC members 



of the family had to stand up in a dry spot. So 
scattering were the few cabins i)i the neighborhood 
that Mr. Hatch frequently kei)t under his roof over 
night people who would come that way and who 
needed shelter, liis own large family and his in- 
adequate quarters not being sufficient reason to 
withhold the poor hospitality the family could 
show, and witii true AVestern heartiness all who 
passed were made welcome. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Allen seven children have been 
born, two now surviving. George, a j'oung man, 
is now attending the academy and fitting himself 
for a course in a business college. Mr. Allen is a 
Repulilican and ever ready to bear his part -when 
the fight is on."' He belongs to the I. O. O. F., 
and the Masonic fraternity and is a charter mem- 
ber in both orders in this place. He and his wife 
are members of the Methodist Church. Intelligent, 
upright, public-spirited and social, the}- are justly 
esteemed by their fellow-citizens. 



ENRY R. MOORE is one of the pioneers of 
Jackson County, to which he came Nov. 17, 




1856. His residence is near Circleville, in 
\^^ Jefferson Township, and his farm is well 
improved and intelligently conducted. Mr. Moore 
is widely known for his hospitable and generous 
spirit and the whole-souled manner in which a 
stranger is welcometl into his home. His circum- 
stances are such that he is enabled to gratify his 
tastes, and many have enjoyed the good cheer and 
friendly intercourse which abountl under his rouf- 
tree. The many experiences which prove so inter- 
esting in tlie recounting, and in nhich he was a 
participant in the '50's, though somewliat trying 
at the time, afford most entertaining converse to 
those who have a taste for adventure and a desire 
to understand pioneer life. 

Mr. Moore is a native of Tippecanoe County, 
In<l., and his natal day w.as Feli. 11, 1827. His 
father, Tol)ias Moore, was born in IMaryland, and 
his motlier, Racliael Newland, in Ohi(j. Both were 
members of the Jlethodist E|jiseopal Church, and 
thej' were among the early settlers in Indiana, Mr. 
Moore beginning his residence there about the 



486 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



year 1812. Tliey reared a family of seven cliil- 
dren. In tlie year 183:3 the father moved to Iowa, 
and took up a claim of Government land in Jeffer- 
son Count}', improving the same and making it his 
home until 1861, when he I'emoved to this county, 
where he spent the remainder of his days. His 
death occurred in 1881, when he had reached the 
ripe age of eighty-two years. His widow survived 
until- 1884, and attained to the age of eighty-four. 
The paternal grandfather of our subject was John 
Moore, a native of Germany, who came to the 
United States jirior to the Revolutionary War and 
participated in that struggle. 

The gentleman of whom we write was reared on 
a farm, and the most of bis earl>- life was spent in 
Iowa, in a new country, where he had very poor 
advantages in the way of schooling, and where his 
years were principally spent in assisting to improve 
the farm and change it from raw sod to fertile 
fields. At the age of seventeen 3-cars he left home 
and went on the Mississippi River, following steam- 
boating in various capacities, from deck-hand to 
watchman, during the next three years. When the 
precious metal had been discovered on the AVestern 
Coast, and the cries of "Gold! Goldl" and "On to 
California!" echoed across the plains, he joined the 
throne who were seeking their fortunes in the gold 
fields. Crossing the plains with an ox-team, he spent 
about six years in the mines of California, and 
then returned, via New Orleans and the Mississippi 
River, to the Ilawkeye State. 

Feb. 13, 1856, Mr. Moore was united in marriage 
with Miss Phfvbe J. Nelson, a native of Virginia, 
their marriage taking place in Iowa. The fall of 
the same year he came with his bride to this State, 
and settled near Holton, where he took a claim, 
which he improved and made his home for some 
vears. He then sold it and bought another piece 
of raw land, the second farm being also located near 
Holton. This estate also he improved, living upon 
it until 1863, when he bought the farm near Circle- 
viUe upon which he now resides. For a number 
of years he was engaged quite extensively in the 
stock business, but he has more recently devoted 
his attention to farming alone. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Moore has been 
blessed by the birth of eight children: Ephraim is 



engaged in farming in this county; Mary J. is the 
wife of J. A. W. Gillfillin, of Eureka, Cal.; Effie is 
the wife of W. R. Anderson, of this county; Annie 
is the wife of William Bailev. of Circlcville; Dollie; 
Tenie, now Mrs. H. C. Hinkle. lives in Iowa; Flora 
and Hattie are yet at home. 

Mr. Moore aflBliates with the I. O. O. F. A close 
observer, a reliable citizen anfl a kind husband and 
father. Mr. Moore has many friends in the com- 
munit\'. and is widely and favorably known as a 
frontiersman. 




RANCIS M. SMITH. The cultivation of 
the soil is a noble art and one that man}' 
who are weary of the trials and turmoil of 
other occupations resort to, not alone for the profit 
to be reaped, but also for the pare pleasure of 
watching and experimenting with the productions 
of " Mother Earth." The subject of this notice 
was a follower of fortune on most of the large 
rivers of the West and held the ottico of first mate 
when he finally decided to give up that occupation 
and become a culti\\ator of the soil. 

Our subject was born in Gallia County. Ohio, 
Feb. 14, 183"2. He lost his mother when an infant 
of a few months and was then taken in charge b\' 
an aunt with whom he resided until he was about 
fifteen jears of age. He then began to take care 
of himself and secured employment on a steam- 
boat plying on the Ohio River. He continued in 
that business until December 1864, being employed 
on different rivers and under various captains. 

On the date aliove mentioned, Mr. Smith took 
up his residence in Jackson Count}', Kan., locating 
on section 10, Liberty Township, which has been 
his home almost continuously from that time to the 
present. He lived one 3'ear in Holton where he 
was engaged in trade, and two years in Netawaka. 
During the Civil War he served tlie Union with 
zeal and fidelity in the marine service of the Gov- 
ernment. Since becoming a citizen of Kansas' 
fertile soil he has been engaged in farming most of 
the time, the exceptions being noted above, and 
finds it a profitable and fascinating occupation. He 
has made good improvements on his place, which 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



487 



comprises 240 acres of Land, and adds to the tilling 
of tlic ground the kindred business of stock-rais- 
ing. He has been quile successful in both branches 
of agricultural life which is owing to his push, 
eaerg3", and methodical habits of work. 

Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss 
Eliza Hill, a native of Weslinoreland Count}-, 
Pa., in Pittsburg, Pa. Three children are the fruit 
of this union, named respectively: Leonora who 
is the wife of Thomas Hatch; Charity who is the 
wife of L. A. Trundcl and Francis M. Jr. Our 
subject has been honored by his fellow-citizens 
with several ofHces in connection with the school 
work of the district, and has also held the position 
of Road Overseer. In politics he is in harraonj' 
with the Republican party and is quite prominent 
in its councils. The faniil}' attend the services of 
the Baptist Church, of which Mrs. .Smith is a de- 
voted member. 

The parents of Mr. Smith. AVashington and 
Elizabeth (Rice) Smith, were natives respectively 
of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The family resided in 
Ohio until sometime after the death of the mother 
which occurred in that St ite, as stated above, in 
1832. The death of the father took place some 
years later in Chicago. Our subject is a pleasant 
gentleman who is held in high esteem by all who 
have the good fortune to become acquainted with 
him. 

I ADISON WOODS. This gentleman though 
not so old in }-ears as some of the resi- 
dents in Jackson County, is one of its 
oldest citizens, having become a settler in 
Garfield Township before this county was organ- 
ized and while the land upon which he lives formed 
a part of Calhoun County. His removal thereto 
was in April 1857, and he came from Clay County, 
Mo., where he had been born and where his life had 
previously been spent. His natal day was Sept. 3, 
1830, and his parents were Archibald and Jane 
(Hudson) Woods, both of whom died in Claj- 
County. He was reared upon his father's farm, re- 
maiiiiug under the parental roof until his twenty- 
fifth year, when he was married and set up his own 
household. About two years later he moved to 




this region, locating on section 10. where he first 
purchased 160 acres, to which he subsequently 
.added 320. 

The hare, bleak |)rairie [)resented no attractions 
to the sight, and the sparsely settled region held 
dangers from man and beast within its bounds, but 
-Mr. Woods had confidence in the resources of the 
country, and with the dauntless spirit of the pioneer, 
and assured of the synipath}' and assistance of his 
noble hearted wife, was willing to endure the hard- 
ships, privations and dangers of frontier life, look- 
ing toward the years when comfort and [ilenty and 
all the joys of civilization should surround them. 
It is needless for us to give the details of his early 
life in this broad State, even were it possible in the 
limits of a volume like this. Life on the frontier 
has been the subject for both pen and pencil, and 
the outlines are familiar to us all. Suffice it to say 
that the hardships and trials have onl}- strengthened 
the stnrdiness of character with which our subject 
began his race in life, and his efforts have been 
crowned with a success both merited and appre- 
ciated. His land is intelligently and carefully 
tilled and managed, his residence is an exceptionally 
good one, and all the improvements upon the place 
are adequate for the purpose for which they were 
built, and indicative of the thrift of the owner. 
Mr. Wood has been actively engaged in both farm- 
ing and stock-raising for many j-ears, but is now 
in a great measure retired from the fields in which 
he so long labored. 

The lad}' who has so nobly stood by her hus- 
band's side in all the exi)eriences of life since June 
22, 1855, bore the maiden name of Miss Martha 
Hammond. She was born in Woodford County, 
K_y., Nov. 13, 1833, her jiarents, Amos and Mary 
Ann (Thompson) Hammond having been natives 
of the same State. In 1 858 the parents came to 
Kansas, making their home in Atchison County, 
where Mr. Hammond died Dec. U. 1888. Mr. and 
Mrs. Woods are the parents of five children — 
William. Mary J., John W. and Simon H. (twins) 
and Emma. The eldest daugliter is now the wife 
of Eugene Marriott. 

In his political Ijelief Mr. Woods is a Democrat 
and gives a stanch adherence to the party of his 
choice. Both he and his wife are members of the 



488 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 




Christian Cliurch. They are intelligent and well 
read, taking a warm interest in anything which 
pertains to the good of tiie community where their 
kindly natures and Christian characters are well- 
known and highly valued by the large circle of ac- 
quaintances their extended residence here has given 
them. 



ENRY STANLEY. This gentleman is the 
owner and occupant of a pleasant farm in 
i^\^' Jefferson Township, Jackson County-, and 
'i^> is an old settler of this Stale, to which he 
came in 1859. The determined perseverance and 
willingness to labor, together with the adventurous 
spirit, which are leading chai'acteristics of the pio- 
neer, are an honest inheritance from a father wlio 
assisted in opening up the frontier in more than 
one part of our country, and it is not strange that 
the subject of this notice should have borne his 
share in a similar work here. 

Both lines of descent of the gentleman of whom 
we write are English, both his grandfathers having 
come from that conntrj- to the Colonics. The pa- 
ternal grandfather was killed during the Revolu- 
tionary War, and the maternal grandfather, Nathan 
Basham, having emigrated to the Colonies prior to 
that struggle, also took a part therein. Virginia 
became the home of both families, and both Page 
Stanley and his wife, Winnie Basham, were born 
in Bedford Countj'. The father of our subject, 
the aforesaid Page Stanley, was rcareil on a farm, 
having very limited educational advantages. He 
participated in the War of 1812, and was present 
at tlie famous battle of New (Orleans. Shortly 
after his marriage he took up the pioneer work in 
Campbell County, Tenn., where he improved a 
farm, upon which he lived until about the year 
1830, when he again went to the frontier, as the 
country about him was becoming too well settled 
to longev bear that name. Putnam County, Ind., 
was his ne.xt location, and there, from amid the 
heavy timber, he made a productive and attractive 
farm, which was t'le family home for about nine 
years. He then came farther West, and once more 
numbering himself among the first settlers of the 
section in which he decided to locate, continued 



the pioneer labors in which he had so long been en- 
gaged, taking his part in the improvement and de- 
velopment of Dallas County, Mo. In all the trials 
and privations of pioneer life the mother of our 
subject had borne her part with the same spirit of 
faith in the future civilization and the same willing- 
ness to undergo the dangers and arduous labors 
which are ever its forerunners. Both the parents 
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and took an active part in church work, and they 
reared all their children iirthe Christian faith, all 
becoming members of that church. The parents 
departed this life in Missouri, where their third 
season of pioneer enterprise had been spent. Their 
family comprised nine children, and though all 
grew to maturit}', our subject is the only one still 
living. William, Horace, Nathan and Archibald, 
each died in Dallas County, Mo., leaving a family; 
John, who died in the same county, was unmarried 
and had been a soldier in the Mexican war; Polly 
was the wife of Thomas Doak, Nancy the wife of 
Russel Shar|), and Elizabeth the wife of Samuel 
Pharis. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Campbell 
[ County, Tenn., March 12, 1826, and had very lim- 
I ilcd educational advantages, as his earlv years were 
1 sjient under the parental roof, and mo-t of the 
time in a new country. He assisted in the im- 
provement of the home farms in the wilderness of 
three States, and at the age of sixteen 3'ears be- 
came his mother's support, as his father was at that 
pi'riod called from earth. Mr. Stanley remained 
with his mother until his marriasje in 1846, and 
continued to reside in Dallas County, Mo., until 
1849. nhen he removed to Raj- County, in that 
State, and for several years worked at the carpen- 
ter's trade. In the spring of 1859 he came to this 
State and bought a raw claim of 160 acres on Elk 
Creek, Nemaha County, which he iiniiroved and 
made his home for four years. He then traded for 
the farm upon which he now lives, and which com- 
prises sixtv acres, near Circleville — a farm well 
fitted and well managed, and affording a very com- 
fortable home and sustenance to the family which 
occupies it. 

The Lady who in 1846 became the wife of Mr. 
I Stanley was Miss Sallie Ann. daughter of James 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



489 



and Ruth Campbell. She was a native of Blissouri. 
and her parents li.irt been born in North Carolina. 
Mrs. Stanley departed this life in 18()3, a:ter hav- 
ing borne five idiildren. of whom we note the fol- 
lowing; Kdwin is engaged in the ministry in the 
Methodist K|)iscopal Cluireh, and is now located 
in Montana; Laura E. is the wife of L. I). Hart, 
now Clerk of Pottawatomie Count)-; J. Alice is the 
wife of Albert Chamberlain, and their home is in 
Montana; John Green is now living in Circlcville; 
AVilliam B. is mining in Utah. 

Mr. Stanley was a second time nianied, the lad}' 
with whom he was united being Miss Lutitia Bax- 
ter, a native of Tennessee. This union has resulted 
in the birth of the following children: Bessie, Julia 
May. Stella, Maud. Lulla, Allen and Henry. 

Our subject is a decided friend of education, and 
his own limited schooling makes him the more 
anxious to bestow the best advantages upon others. 
He has held school ollices. and filled his positions 
in an honorable and prudent manner. He has ob- 
served closely, and his desire is to keep up with 
the progress of the time in every worthy w.aj'. He 
is liberal and ])ublic-s|)irited, and has contributed 
generously to church and benevolent institutions. 
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
South, and has for thirty yeais liecn an ordained 
minister, and takes an active part in the work, hav- 
ing done a great deal in various wa3's for the 
cause of Christianity. His wife is a member of 
the same church, and so also was his deceased 
partner. 



-*-r^ 



jps^ TEPIIEX A. EYTCHISON,a worthy resi- 
^^^ dent of Mill Creek Township, Pottawato- 
'\U\OJ mie County, has a good farm, eighty 
acres of which is his own property. I'pon 
this homestead he was born April 14, 1860, and is 
thus still on the sunny side of thirty. A life-long 
resident of this section, he has become closely iden- 
tified with its material interests and is looked upon 
as one of its chief landmarks. 

The father of Stephen A., was William P. Eytchi- 
son, a native of North Carolina and born Sept. 22, 
1816. He was of English descent and the son of 
Jesse Eytchison, likewise a native of North Caro- 



lina, whose father did good service in the Revoln- 
tion.'iry War. It is supposed that the latter subse- 
quently spent his da^s in North Carolina. Jesse 
Eytchison was the owner of a iilantation which de- 
scended to him from his father, who had been a 
large slaveholder. Jesse Eytchison was married 
in his native State to a Southern lady an<l after the 
birth of several children the_v, in 1823; leaving the 
South, emigrated to Indiana locating in Madison 
County. It is possible that the first wife of Jesse 
Eytchison died in North Carolina and if so, he was 
a second time married to an Indiana lady. He was 
an early pioneer of Madison County and improved 
a large farm from the wilderness. He there spent 
the remainder of his days, dying about 1855, when 
ripe in years. His last wife survived him until 
nearly sixty years old and died leaving no chil- 
dren. 

William P. Eytchison, the father of our subject, 
was a boy of seven years when his father's 
family removed to Indiana where he grew to man- 
hood and married Miss Elizabeth Moler. This 
lady was born in Gallia County, Ohio, Oct. 18th, 
1820. The 3'oung people began the journey of 
life together on a new farm in Madison County, 
lud., where were born all of their children with 
the exception of the two 30ungest. Later they re- 
moved to Missouri, where Nancy was liorn, and 
afterward to Kansas, and became the parents of one 
more son, Stephen A., the subject of this sketch. 
I In LS55, the family, crossing the Mississippi from 
Indiana, settled in INIarshall County. Iowa, and the 
following j'ear moved to Missouri, locating twelve 
miles from St. Joseph. Thence in May, 1857, they 
came toi this State and landed in Mill Creek Town- 
ship on the 15th of that month. The father en- 
tered a claim on section 23, lying on either side of 
French Creek, a little stream of water which added 
greatlj' to the fertility of the soil, and at one time 
was the owner of 240 acres. The country abounded 
with wild game and Indians, and the nearest market 
was across the Missouri River. The sturdy 
pioneer proceeded as before, opening up a farm 
from the wilderness and here spent his last days, 
passing away April 20, 1878. 

William P. Eytchison, was a man highly respected 
in his community and well known to a large pro- 



490 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



^jortion of its people. He was a stanch supporter 
of Republican principles and an active member of 
the Methodist Episcoi»al Church in which for years 
he was Class-Leader. His wife is yet living, being 
now sixty-nine years old, and is quite active in 
mind and body. She has for years been an earnest 
and consistent member of tiie Methodist Episcopal 
Church wliieh she joined upon first coming to Kan- 
sas. Of the nine children liorn to her and her hus- 
band, six are still living. William and Elsberry, 
served during the late Civil War in a Kansas regi- 
ment; AVilliani died at Ft. Smith, Ark., from 
illness contracted in the army. Elsberr^y lived to 
return iiome although greatly broken down in 
health. 

Stephen A. Eytchison has spent the greater part 
of his life at the homestead wjiicli he now occupies, 
growing up among the peoi)le who have learned to 
respect him for his sterling worth and integrity of 
character. Politically, he is a Republican of the 
first water and an active, local politician. He has 
fulfilled all the duties of an honest man and a good 
citizen, with the exception that he still remains un- 
married. As a farmer, he is progressive and suc- 
cessful and keeps well posted upon the matters 
pertaining to his vocation. 






OMER HEATHMAN. The history of the 
|] Sunflower State is inseparably connected 
with that of its pioneers. Thej- were a 
peculiar race of men. possessing moi.'e than 
ordinarj' courage and hardihood, and came to this 
region expecting to endure many hardships and 
privations. They had their full measure of those 
and also tlie dangers attendant upon the political 
issues of that time when Kansas was m.ade a battle- 
field in determining the question of freedom and 
slavery. Mr. Heathman pressed the soil of Kansas 
in 1857 while it was still a Territory, and has been 
a resident of Jackson County for the long period of 
thirty-two years. The scenes which he has wit- 
nessed, the changes and the vicissitudes through 
which he has passed, it properly written up would 
make a tale more strange than fiction. As having 



made for himself a worthy record, he is deserving 
of more than a passing mention in a work designed 
to perpetuate the names of the early settlers of 
Jackson County. 

The subject of this sketch, a native of Medina 
County, Ohio, was born Oct. 18, 1831, and is the 
son of George and Elizabeth (Curtis) Heathman, 
who were natives res|)ectlvely of Maryland and 
Connecticut. The father served in the War of 
1812, and was by occupation a farmer. The pater- 
nal grandfather, George Heathman, was of Scotch 
birth and ancestiy and emigrated to America In 
time to do valiant service as a soldier in the Revo- 
lutionary War. He fought in the battle of Brandy- 
wine and was wounded in the leg by a bayonet. 
After the war he settled on a farm in Maryland, 
where he lived a number of years, then emigrating 
to Ohio located among the earliest pioneers of Me- 
dina County. He became a prominent man and 
there spent his last days. 

George Heathman, the father of our suliject, 
spent his bojiiood and youth on his father's farm 
and obtained his education In the primitive schools 
of Maryland. He was married in his native State 
and shortly afterward removed to Medina County, 
Ohio, being like his father also one of Its pioneers. 
He improved a farm from the wilderness, sojourn- 
ing in Medina Count}' until 1839. That year he 
removed to Hancock County and again taking up 
new land built up a homestead which he occupied 
until 1852. Then pushing on further Westward 
he settled In Allen Ctninly, Ind., where he remained 
until his death which took place in February, 1864, 
after he had arrived at the advanced age of sevent^'- 
three years. The wife and mother survived her 
husband until 1869, dying at the age of seventy- 
seven. Both were members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church and the father was active in the 
Master's vineyard, being an ordained minister. He 
was greatly assisted in his pious labors by his esti- 
mable wife, who was a devoted Christian. George 
Heathman was likewise a leading man in politics, 
belonging to the old Whig party. He was person- 
ally acquainted v.ith the Mormon, Joseph Smith, 
and was strenuously opposed to that religious sect, 
especially their practice of polj'gamy. 

To the parents of our subject there was born a 



^ 




Jeremiah 5. Force, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



493 



family of nine cliildren, the record of whom is as 
follows: Lorinda became the wife of Erastus Root 
and settled in Trumbull County. Ohio; David and 
Hiram both died in Wisconsin about 1884; Elias 
died iu Dayton. Ohio; Bradley is a farmer by oc- 
cupation and a resident of Rush County, this State; 
Amanda married David Brundage of Alleu County, 
Ind.. and is now deceased; Homer, of this sketch, 
was the next in order of birth; Erastus is conduct- 
iuij: a hotel iu Jackson County, Kan.; Mary became 
the wife of JIathias Markly and died in Hancock 
County, Ohio. 

The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood 
days under the parental roof on the old homestead 
in Ohio, and wheii twenty-one years old started out 
for himself and began operatint( on rented land in 
Hancock County, that .State, being thus occupied 
four years. He then removed to Whitley County', 
Ind., where he farmed one year on rented land, 
then coming to Kansas pre-empted land in Jefferson 
Township, Jackson County. Two years later he 
rented a mill of Rufus Oursler, which he operated 
until 18G8, and wliich was the first mill in the 
county. There came to this mill people from 100 
miles away. When withdrawing from the milling 
business Mr. Ileathman returned to his farm upon 
which he lived until 1872. Removing then to 
Holton he operated a mill there for six years, after 
which he returned to Circleville and operated a 
mill until 188."). In 1888 he put up the Windsor 
Hotel where he now olHciates as "mine host." He 
has become widely and favorably' known to the 
people of this region and is popular both with his 
fellow citizens and the traveling public. 

Mr. Ileathman was first married Feb. 10, 1852. 
at the bride's home in Hancock County, Ohio, to 
Miss Sarah A. Woolheater, a native of th.at county. 
They became the parents of eight children, seven 
of whom are living: George is a harness-maker of 
Blue Rapids, tiiis State; William, a tinner by trade, 
sojourns in Holton ; Jane is the wife of C. A. Cooper, 
of Marshall County; Lincoln is farming in the 
vicinity of Circleville; Ella is the wife of Frank 
Newell, of Denver. Col.; Frank and Flora are at 
home with their father. Mrs. Sarah Heathm.an 
departed this life in 1883. 

Mr. Heathraan in 1 885 contracted a second mar- 



riage, with Miss Anna D. Brown, and to them there 
has been born one child, a daughter, Laura, Mr. 
Heathman takes an active part in jtolitics, voting 
the straight Republican ticket and has hehl tiie 
office of Township Trustee. He has some town 
property besides his hotel and lives comfortably, 
without und;ie anxiety for the future. He served 
in the State Militia during the late war. 



11EREMIAHS. FORCE. The results of indus- 
trj', economy and perseverance, find no bet- 
ter illustration in the career of any citizen of 
Lone Tree Township, Pottowatomie County, 
than that of ^Mr. Force, who is a plain, hard-work- 
ing, painstaking and economical farmer and one 
who by his sterling worth of character long .ago es- 
tablished himself in the confidence and esteem of 
his fellow-citizens. A pioneer of 1871 he settled in 
Lone Tree Township when his neighbors were few 
and far between, homestead ing the north half of the 
southeast quarter of section 4, and subsequently 
purch.asing the northeast quarter of section 9 ad- 
joining that which he now owns. He has 160 acres 
under cultivation with a fine orchard, a grove of 
forest trees, a comfortable dwelling, a good barn 
and other buildings required for the general pur- 
poses of rural life. The fields are largely enclosed 
with hedge fencing wliich presents a beautiful ap- 
pearance especiall}' in the summer season. Mr. 
Force has served a thorough apprenticeship at 
farming and by the exercise of industry and sound 
judgment has met with success. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town- 
ship of Burford, Canada, May 15, 1824, and re- 
m.ained in the Dominion until a youth of eighteen 
years. He then came over into the .Stales, settling 
first in Mornence, Kankakee Co., 111. He employed 
himself at farming pursuits and sojourned in the 
prairie State until coming to Kansas. About the 
time of reaching his majority he was married in 
Kankakee County, 111., Aug. 31, 1845, to Miss 
Caroline, daughter of Jacob Hess. Mrs. Force is 
a native of the same place as her husband and was 
born Sept. 16,1827. There have been born of 
this union the following children, viz: .lacob R., 



494 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Jeremiah Nelson, Herbert, Clarence, James, Jane. 
Elizabeth, Carrie. Ida and Tennie. Jane died in 
Pottawatomie County when twenty-eight years 
old. The others with the exception of the young- 
est son are married and comfortably settled in life 
with their families around them. The family oc- 
cupies a high social position and numbers its 
friend.s and acquaintances by the score in Potta- 
watomie County. 

The fatlier of our subject was Reziah Force, a 
native of New Jersey, but who went to Canada 
with his parents when a boy and was impressed 
into the British service in the AVar of 1812, before 
reaching manhood. He learned the trade of a car- 
l)enter which he followed in the Dominion many 
years. He joined his son in the United Slates.and 
in Pottawatomie County in 1881, in the eighty- 
sixth year of his age. He was a good man in the 
broadest sense of the term, highly respected and a 
consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. 
Tlie mother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Scran) Force was 
born in Burford, Canada, and died in Kankakee 
County, HI., some years ago. The parental family 
consisted of fifteen children. All are deceased ex- 
cept five. 

A portrait of Mr. Force may be found on another 
page of this volume. 

* HARLES W. KUNKEL. Tiiis peaceable 
and law-abiding citizen pursues the even 
tenor of his way on a good farm occupying 
a part of section 5, Kentucky Township. Jefferson 
County. During the earlier years of his residence 
in the Sunflower State he experienced more than 
the usual hardships of life on the frontier, but by 
the exercise of great energy and perseverance has 
become well-to-do. and been enabled to surround 
himself with all tlie comforts of life. Tiie close of 
the war left iiim greatly cripi)led financially, but 
after years of labor and vvaiting he attained to a 
solid footing, and has sufficient of this world's 
gOdds to insure him against want in liis old age. 

A native of Lj'coming Count}', Pa., ilr. Kunkel 
wa? born March 14. 1831, and enjoyed very lim- 
iled educational advantages during liis youih.only 




attending school three months. He assisted his 
fatlier in clearing the farm, and remained under the 
iiomeroof until reaching his majority. He then be- 
gan work as a carpenter, which trade he followed 
until the spring of 1858 in his native State. 

At the date above-mentioned Mr. Kunkel made 
his way to Kansas, journeying from Pittsburg to 
Wyandotte b}' boat, and thence by stage to Le- 
compton, then tlie capital of Kansas. Locating there, 
he operated a rope ferry on the Kaw River in the 
interests of his brother for two j'ears. Next he 
engaged in farming on Prairie Creek, and after- 
ward farmed until the fall of 1863. In the mean- 
time the city of Lawrence was overrun by the rebel 
element, which threatened its entire destruction. 

Finally, determining to assist in the |n'eservation 
of the I'nion, Mr. Kunkel enlisted in Company C, 
15th Kansas Infantr}', being mustered in at Leaven- 
woith, and was sent to different places after bush- 
wackers and after Price, in the fall of 1864. He 
participated in the battle of Lexington. Mo., and the 
following spring was taken ill and sent to the hos- 
pital at Paola. He remained there until tlie cl(>se 
of the war, after which he was sent to Leavenworth 
and mustered out in May, 1865. 

For seven years after his army experience Mr. 
Kunkel was unable to do a day's \vork, and is still 
suffering from the effects of disease contracted 
therein. In the fall of 1865 he purchased forty 
acres of his present farm, for which he paid -i;12 an 
acre. Later, he added to his landed [jossessions at 
an increased price. His farm lies on the Delaware 
Bottoms, and comprisesa fine bod}' of fertile land, 
embellished with modern improvements, including 
a neat and tasteful residence. During the earlier 
J'ears of his sojourn in Kansas he hunted deer and 
wild turkeys, and lived in a log cabin. He makes a 
siiccialty of fine stock, including graded Norman 
horses, of which he keeps .about ten head, mostly 
roadsters. 

Mr. Kunkel was married in the county of his 
birth, .4ug. 2, 1855, to Miss Anna McCoy, who 
was born and reared in the Kej'stone State. The 
four children of this union are I'ecorded as follows: 
Luc}', the eldest, comiJetcd her studies in Baker 
rniversity and the Normal Scliool at Emporia, and 
now occupies herself as a teacher. Robert M. is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



495 



at home witli his parents; John W. is in the em- 
ploy of his uncle, a coal dealer of Kansas C'it}'; 
Ga}'! remains with his parents. Mr. Kiinkel was 
was the first School* Director in his district, and 
serve(i until 1888, when he resigned. He is a mem- 
ber and Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
at Thompsonville, while his son, Robert M., is 
Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Mr. Kunkel 
is in favor of a third political party, if necessar}'. 
and has, accordingly, identified himself with the 
Prohibitionists. 

-SS?^- 



Among the many fine 
none are 



\f^DGAR S. LEWIS. 

pp^ farms in Pottawatomie C(^unty 
, ^ — -^ more pleasantly located or bear the appear- 
ance of greater i>rosperity than that which is owned 
and occupied bj- the above-named gentleman, and 
which is situated on either side of Red Vermillion 
Creek in Vienna Tow-nshi|i. The residence is lo- 
cated on section 7. and is accompanied by all nec- 
essary and adequate outbuildings. The estate now 
consists of 440 acres of well-watered and fertile 
land, and is well-stocked with Clydesdale horses 
and good breeds of cattle and swine. Mr. Lewis 
has lived on this farm since 1865. and was one of 
the first settlers iu the township, where he has met 
with marked success in hi.s chosen vocation. He 
has experienced and witnessed all that is known to 
the pioneer settler, having come to this county 
when it was an almost unbroken wilderness, and 
when for all his marketing he liad to go to Atchi- 
son, Leavenworth and Ft. Rilej', the latter being 
the best market for corn, etc. On a ])iece of raw 
land Mr. Lewis set up his bachelor's home, and at 
once began to make improvements on the estate, to 
which he sub.sequently brought a bride. 

He was Ijorn in Pliarsalia, Chenango Co.. N. Y., 
Nov. 19, 1842, and was reared in his native State, 
chiefly in Tioga, obtaining a good education in the 
common schools. He came from his native State, 
to Atchison, Kan., and thence by teams to this 
county and township, where he now has so fine a 
property. His marriage took [ilace in what is now 
Lincoln Township, the lady with whom he was 
united, being Miss Minnie Michael, who was born 
in Bruceton. Preston Co., W. Va., Dec. 16, 1858. 



but whose education and training were ijrincipally 
obtained in this State. This estimable lady has 
borne her husband six children, who form an inter- 
esting group around the family fireside. They bear 
the names of Jennie A.. James B., Lena A., Fldgar 
E., Annie L., and Jessie ^'. 

The parents of Mrs. Lewis, Benjamin and Sa- 
mantha J. (King) Mich.ael. belonged to good old 
West Virginian families, and vicxq reared and mar- 
ried in their native county (Preston), where they 
lived until 1860, when they removed to Wayne 
County, Ohio, where they sojourned about six- 
years. They then came to Valley Falls. Kan., and 
lived on a farm there until about the year 1871, 
when they came to this county, and located one of 
the first homesteads in Lincoln Township. It is 
situated on section 4. and there Mr. ami Mrs. Mich- 
ael are still living, the father having now reached 
his threescore years and ten. and the mother being 
about ten years younger. 

Jephtha Lewis, the father of our subject, was 
born in Rhode Island, and is a son of an English 
couple who spent the latter years of their life in 
New York State. He grew to manhood in Rhode 
island, going tlience to the Empire State, and in 
Chenango County, married Miss Aliigail Griswold. 
who was born in Vermont, of New England parent- 
age, and had accompanied her parents to New York 
State in her girlhood. After his marriage. Jephtha 
Lewis began life as a farmer and dairyman, remain- 
ing in Chenango County until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1849. when he was in middle life, he 
having been born in 1794. The mother of our sub- 
ject was his .second wife, and bore him four chil- 
dren. The first wife had been Miss Betsey Sabin. 
also a native of New York State, who had left six 
children. After the death of Jephtha Lewis, his 
widow in 1850. removed with her family to Tioga 
County, and there the children grew up. In 1865 
the widowed mother came to Kansas with her son, 
our subject, and died hei-e in January, 1888, being 
then nearly eighty years of .age. She passed away 
in the faith of the Congregational Church, though 
formerly a member of the Baptist denomination, as 
was her husband, who had filled the office of Dea- 
con. 

Mr. Lewis has a sister, Mrs. Anna E. Merrill. 



496 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



living in Pliiladelpbia, Pa.; a half-biotlipr, .Tames 
Lewis, in San Diego, Cal.; a half-sister, Mrs. Betsy 
P. Benton, in Oberlin, Kan., and these constitute 
all the children now living, of the ten who were 
born to his father. Mr. Lewis has been Township 
Treasurer, filling the office in a creditable manner. 
He gives his suffrage to the Republican iiarty, be- 
lieving that its principles are best adapted to the 
needs of the Nation. An enterprising and progress- 
ive farmer, a reliable citizen, possessing a compan- 
ionable nature, and good principles, Mr. Lewis is 
highly resjjected by all with whom he comes in 
contact, and the energy, intelligence, and womanly- 
virtues of Mrs. Lewis procure her also many friends. 
Mr. Lewis has in his possession a Bible "2.50 years 
old, which belonged to his grandfather, and whicli 
is a highly prized heirloom. 



+*&- 



m 



\f' OHN P. KOENTZ, M. I). In the career of 
the subject of this sketch we have that of 
one of the earliest pioneers of the Sunflower 
Stale, who set foot upon the soil of Kansas 
in 1856, while it was yet a Territory. He settled 
first in what was then the hamlet of Leavenworth, 
and during the years wiiich have intervened he has 
been prominent in the [)olitical, military and civil 
history of this now great commonwealth. Active, 
liberal and public spirited, he has always been 
found on the side of ihose enterprises calculated to 
benefit the people and istacitl}' acknowledged as 
(jne of the benefactors of his community. After 
pursuing the practice of medicine for a period of 
thirty-one years, he retired from its arduous duties 
and now surrounded by all the comforts of life is 
situated in a pleasant home at Onaga, Pottawato- 
mie County, where he is respected bj' the people 
around him and is passing his life's decline full of 
years and honors. 

Practicing first three years in Leavenworth, Dr. 
Koentz concluded to try farming and accompanied 
by others, went into tlie Shawnee Nation and se- 
cured a claim. Finding the people in that vicinity 
ilnfriendly to a Free Stale man, he abandoned his 
claim .'ind returned to Leavenworth. Ten months 
latir he came to Pottawatomie County and secured 



land along Mill Creek in the spring of 18.59, and 
since that time he has been a resident of Mill Creek 
Township. He was one of the pioneer physicians 
of this region and had a practice which took in a 
circuit of many miles. Frequently when belated he 
would lose his way over the untraveled prairie 
and be obliged to lie upon the bare ground until 
morning, attaching himself to his horse with a rope 
tied around his foot. 

Although quite well advanced in years, Dr. 
Koentz possesses a clear remembrance of many in- 
teresting events which transpired during the period 
of his pioneership in Kansas, and could he write 
out his experiences they would make a good sized 
volume and one of great interest. When taking 
up his residence on Mill Creek the nearest depot 
for supplies was Leavenworth, eiglity-five miles 
away, and St. Mary's was the nearest post-office. 
To this point one of the settlers would repair each 
week to obtain the mail. The drouth of 1860 en- 
tailed great hardsliips upon the settlers, destroying 
their crops, and in tlie winter of that year a num- 
ber of them repaired to Atchison for aid, making 
their way through two feet of snow the entire dis- 
tance. After the town of Onaga was established, 
Dr. Koentz left his fine farm of 280 acres which he 
had imi)roved and established himself in the new 
town as one of its leading pl;ysicians. After a few 
years he was enabled to retire but since that time 
he has been largel3' interested in the various enter- 
prises calculated for the growth and development 
of the city. 

A native of the Kingdom of Holland, Dr. Koentz 
was born in Colderand Province, .Ian. 27, 1823, 
and couies of substantial ancestry. His father was 
Mayor of the town of Wj'clien, wliicli i)Osition lie 
held nearly all the years of Ills acti\e life. Wiieu 
leaving it he was succeeded by his son, Mathias, 
brotlier of our subject, who held the office until his 
death in .laniiary, 1840. 

The maiden name of the mother of Dr. Koentz 
was Maria Louisa ^■anDicren. This lad^- descended 
from an illustrious ancestry, being the niece of 
Emperor William I, and daughter of G. M. ^'an 
Dieren, who was a Colonel in the National Ma- 
rines. The motiier and the maternal grandmother 
both died in their native town of W\chen. .lohn 



PORTRAIT AISD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



497 



P. was the youngest but one of seven sons, the 
most of whom have been in the emplo3- of tlie Gov- , 
ei-nment. Two of them were sohliers and maj'Oi's 
of cities and one was a Secretai'v of State in the ■ 
East Indies, on the Island of Java. Another died 
ill the army when about twenty-four years old. Two 
of the sons died in their boyhood. 

The subject of this sketch was well educated in 
his native city and later attended the medical 
school at Amsterdam. In 1849. while still unmar- 
ried, he emigrated to the United States on the ! 
sailing vessel "Rose Standish" which after a si.x 
week's voyage landed him safely in New York 
Citj-. The vessel, however, bad encountered ] 
severe storms and came very near being wrecked, 
the masts having been torn from their fastenings. 
After a short time spent in Dunkirk, young Koentz 
made his way to Wisconsin and settled near She- 
boygan Falls. He there followed the practice of 
his i)rofession for two and one-half j-ears, spending 
his time mostly in the woods as a member of the 
Winnebago tribe of Indians, living in their tents 
and being treated by them as a friend and brother. 
Upon one occasion he cured the illness of the 
Chief's daughter and was not only offered her fwV 
a wife, but was promised a Chieftainship himself. 
He declined these honors with the best grace pos- 
sible and wlien leaving them received many proofs 
of their .attachment and appreciation. He considers 
that his experience with the Indians was a great 
benefit to him, teaching him courage and hardihood 
and also the art of hunting. 

F'rom Wisconsin Dr. Koentz repaired to .Si. 
Clair County, HI., and in 1819 having become 
.seized with an attack of the gold fever he resolved 
to seek the Pacific Slope. He was to join a train at 
Leavenworth, Kan., but on his arrival there he 
found the train had gone and he also found that it 
was a very fortunate thing for himself, as it proved 
the ill-fated caravan which was put to death by the 
Mormons in the never-to-be-forgotten "Mountain 
Me.adow massacre" which has become a part of his- 
tory. His subsequent movements we have already 
indicated. 

In September, 1862, during the progress of the 
Civil AVar, Dr. Koentz enlisted as a surgeon in 
Company K. Utli Kansas Infantry, which was soon 



ordered to the front. The Doctor was promoted to 
be Hospital Steward and thereafter was mostly on 
detached duty, acting as surgeon at different posts. 
He was with his regiment at the battle of Obi Ft. 
W.a3iie, Cherokee Xation, and Prairie Grove, Ark., 
being at the latter place wounded in the right arm 
and disabled for duty for some months. He also 
engaged in the battles of Price's raid, Lexington, 
Independence, Little Blue and Westport, Mo. 
During his army life he did a large amount of sur- 
gical work, upon one occasion removnig the limbs 
from eighty persons in one half d.ay. After a faith- 
ful service of three years he received his honorable 
discharge with a military record, of which he is 
justly proud. 

Repairing to Missouri after the war. Dr. Koentz 
was married Sept. 2:3, 1865, to Miss Sarah M. 
White. This l.ady was born in Illinois Jan. 16, 
1846, where she spent her youthful years and re- 
ceived her education. She went to Missouri with 
her father, Benjamin White, now deceased, about 
1858. Mr. White was a farmer by occupation and 
while striving to prosecute his calling in Missouri 
suffered great loss of property on account of bush- 
whackers, be being a Union man. Mr. and Mrs. 
White spent their last 3'ears in Lynn County, Kan. 
The Doctor and his estimable wife became tlie pa- 
rents of eight children, five of whom are deceased. 
The survivors are Walter W., Charles E., and 
Christian IL, all at home with their parents. Mrs. 
Koentz. religiously, is a member of the Baptist 
Church and the Doctor, politically, is a sound Re- 
publican. 



^S-<^ 



♦r^«-' 



ijARNEV P. FUNCHESS, M. D., is a well- 
-J^. known and popular resident of Xetawaka, 
•[^)|i Jackson County, and a skilled and experi- 
enced phj-sician, with a tine practice in the 
country contiguous to his home. His parental an- 
cestry were from Holland, and the maternal from 
England, and for a few generations both families 
belonged to the Southern States. Dr. Funchess 
has the fine education which the better class of 
whites in the South before the war gave their 



498 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cliililreii. an<l the "ood breeding of tbe real South- 
eru gentleman. He is a son of George and Dorcas 
(Berry) Funcliess, and his paternal grandfather 
bore the name of Daniel. His father served during 
the War of 1812, winning an honorable record. 
His mother was a daughter of John Berry, and her 
familj- were of Orangeburg District, S. C. 

Dr. Funchess was born near Jackson, Mines 
Co., Miss., his natal day l)eing ]3ec. 4, 1828, and 
forty-two years of his life were spent in his 
native State. His early education was obtained in 
the county of his birth, and he took up the higher 
branches in the Academy in Simpson Count}', 
where, after finishing his other studies, he began to 
read medicine with his elder brother, a leading 
physician tliere. This was in 1849, and two years 
later he began practice with his brother, with whom 
he continued his jn'ofessional labors until lis.53, 
when he ■•hung out his shingle" in Westville. the 
county seat. There he remained three years, thence 
moving to Good Hope, where he practiced four 
years, thence going to Crystal Sjirings. where he 
remained during the war, his health not being suf- 
ficiently good for army service. 

At the close of the war Dr. Funchess was penni- 
less, but during the next few years he recovered 
somewhat from his financial disabilit}', and in 1869 
he came to Kansas to look at the country, having 
determined to depart from his native State and 
seek home and friends elsewhere. He brought his 
family to Netawaka, and put up a fine residence 
just east of the village, which he afterward sold, 
removing to Oskaloosa on account of the better 
facilities afforded there for the education of his 
children. Three and a half 3'ears later the family 
journeyed to Dallas, Tex., where Dr. Funchess 
worked up a very large pr.actice, during a sojourn of 
eishteen months, but as the climate did not agree 
either with himself or wife, they returned to Ne- 
tawaka. .Since that time (1884) Dr. Funchess has 
continued his professional labors here, and become 
thoroughly- identified with the interests of this place. 

In 1853 Dr. Funchess was married to Grace 
Catherine Rutherford, a cultured and refined" 
young lady, belonging to an honorable Tennessee 
family. Her parents were James and Kate (Hart- 
grove) Rutherford, and her father was a son of 



John Rutherford, all of the Turpentine State. 
Four children have been born to our subject and 
his wife, and all have acquired excellent educa- 
cations, the Doctor having spent much of his means 
upon them, and iie and his wife having endeav- 
ored to add to the cultivation of their minds the 
manners and morals of Christian manhood and 
womanhood. The first-born, M. A., was educated 
as a piiarmacist, after finishing his education at 
Highland College. He has been engaged in the 
drug business for the past ten years, and his busi- 
ness and home are in Netawaka. His famil}- con- 
sists of a wife and four sons. Zoulie Z. is the wife 
of Prof. G. T. Nunn, formerly Professor of Lan- 
guages in the college at Dallas, Tex., and now 
President of the Crockett Academy, at Crockett, 
Tex.; ihey have two children. Bertha is the wife 
of R. M. Atkinson, a dealer in general merchan- 
dise in Crockett, Tex. May J., the youngest child, 
' is now a young lady, and has charge of the t3'pe- 
i writing class in Crockett Academj', and has also 
made music a study. 

Dr. Funchess belongs to Polar Star Lodge, No. 
130. A. F. & A. M.. at Netawaka. In politics he 
is a Democrat, and earnestly supports the princi- 
ples in which he believes. The entire family be- 
long to the Methodist Church. 



REDFRICK DACHENHAl'SEN. late a rcs- 
dent of Lil)erty Township, and a citizen 
held in high esteem, departed this life at his 
homestead on section 29, Aug. 6. 1881. He was 
born in the Province of Hanover, Germany, Feb. 
23, 1820, and in accordance with the laws and cus- 
toms of his native land, acquired a practical educa- 
tion in the common schools, attending from the age 
of six until fourteen. After leaving school he 
learned the trade of a brickmason ami emigrated to 
America about 1848. On the 7th of June, 1855, 
he was united in marriage, in Chicago, 111., to Miss 
Sophia Segebrock, and the}' continued to live in 
Chicago until the summer of 1870. 
• At the expiration of this time Jlr. and Jlrs. 
]-)aclienhausen decided upon settling in the farther 
West, and coming to Kansas located in Holton, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



■4i)'J 



.Taolcson County, where they sojourned eight years, 
and wlu'ie the husband and father followed his 
Irade and secured the means with which to pur- 
ciiasc a farm. Then, selecting a quarter section of 
land in Liberty Township, the faii)il3'' removed to 
this, and during the ten years which followed ef- 
fected the iniprovetnents which lias made of it one of 
the desirable homesteads in this region. Since the 
death of the proprietor his widow has carried on 
the farm with excellent good judgment, assisted 
by her children, who have grown up to be an honor 
to their parents. Of these there aie five living, 
namely, Henry, Fredericl<, Bertha, August and Ed- 
ward. The eldest son is married and resides in 
Jefferson Township. The others ren^ain at home 
with their mother. 

Mrs. Dachenhausen was born in the Province of 
Hesse, Germanj, Nov. 17. 1833, and lived there 
with her parents until she was over eighteen years 
old. She received her education in the common 
schools, and was trained by an excellent mother in 
those housewifely duties, a knowledge of which has 
so much to do with the happiness and comfort of a 
home. She was accompanied by friends to America, 
and landing in New York City proceeded at once to 
Chicago, where she remained about four j'ears and 
was then married. She has many friends in her 
ad(jpted townshii) and lias been in all respects a 
devoted wife and mother, a kind neighbor and a 
hospitable friend. She has a pleasant home where 
it is hoped her declining years will l)e spent in the 
ease and comfort which she so justly deserves. 






-i— 



^f RCHIBALD D. ABEL has been a sojourner 

^fu I among the people of Jefferson Township. 
jjj (!) Jackson County, for a period of twenty- 
four years, and has become widely and 
favorably known to the citizens of this region. He 
came with his parents to Kansas in 1864, during 
the third year of its dignity as a State, and has en- 
dured all the hardships and privations of life on 
the frontier. He is of Southern parentage, his 
father, Thonias Abel, having been a native of North 
Carolina, and his mother being born in Kentucky. 
The paternal grandfather, James Abel, was likewise 



a native of North Carolina and a farmer bv occu- 
pation; he spent his last years in Kentucky. 

Thomas Abel went to Pulaski County, Kv.. and 
lived there until 18.j(i. There .also he was married, 
and with the exception of one year lived in that 
county until coming to Mi.ssouri, in 1850, In 
1864 he came to Kansas. In this State he settled 
on section 27, Jefferson Township, taking posses- 
sion of a traot of wild land, from whicli he im- 
proved a farm, and made it his liome until his 
death, which occurred in 1880, at the age of fifty- 
seven years. The mother survived her husband a 
number of years, dying Dec, 24, 1887. aged sixty- 
seven. Both were members of the Baptist Church, 
and took an active part in church work. They 
contributed liberally to its su[)port, and carefully 
reared their children in its doctrines. The father 
served in the Slate Militia in JNIissouri during the 
Civil War. He took an active part in politics and 
voted the Reiiublican ticket. A man of decided 
views and strong convictions, he was likewise gen- 
erous to a fault, liberal to the poor, and one who 
sought to do good as he had opporlunit\-. He 
held the office of Township Treasurer and other 
positions of trust and responsibility, alw.ays taking 
an active part in politics. 

Twelve children, six of whom lived to maturity. 
were born to Thomas and Mary Abel, the subject 
of this sketcli being the eldest: Rebecca became 
the wife of William Sharp, and died in Blue Rapids, 
this State; Samuel L. is a farmer of Jefferson 
Township; Nanc}' Jane is the wife of Solomon 
Reutter. of Circleville; Alvin is farming in Jeffer- 
son Township; Jerusha married James Fisher, and 
died at her home in this township in 1886. The 
parents became well-to-do, the father leaving at the 
time of his death a good farm of 2G8 acres of land, 
besides valuable personal property. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Pul.aski 
County, Ky., March 31, 1844, but was reared in 
Missouri. He acquired a very good education in 
the common schools, an<l during the second jear 
of the Civil War. when a youth of eighteen years, 
enlisted in the 18th Jlissouri Infantry, t'ompany K., 
and served until its close. He participated in the 
battle of I'ittsluu'g Lauding and in all the battles 
of the Atlanta campaign. He -also accompanied 



500 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Sherman on the fiinioiis marcLi lo the sea. and later 
was at the Grand Review in Washington, after 
which he received his honorable discharge, July 18, 
1865, being mustered out with the rank of Cor- 
poral. 

Not long after leaving tlie army, Mr. Abel set 
out for Kansas, and for two years thereafter was 
employed as a farm laborer in Jefferson Township. 
In the meantime he formed the acquaintance of 
Miss Cynthia H. MeComas, and their mutual at- 
tachment resulted in a marriage, whicli was cele- 
brated Oct. 24, 1867. Mrs. Abel is the daughter 
of S. W. McComas. one of the pioneers of Jackson 
County. Immediately after the wedding the young 
people removed to a farm, which they have since 
owned and occupied. They labored witli a mutual 
purpose of building up a comfortable home, and 
were prospered. The farm proi)erty of Mr. Abel 
now embraces 234 acres in Jefferson Townsliip,"be- 
sides 160 acres in Gove County. Eight children 
have been burn to Mr. and Mrs. Abel, the eldest 
of wliom, a daughter, Louarie. remains at home 
witli lier parents ; KUa, who became a prodciout 
music-teacher, is now the wife of Henry Elliott, of 
Jefferson Township; Thomas is preparing himself 
for the profession of a school-teacher; Sanders L., 
Millie, Nannie and Jesse are at home; David S., the 
second child, died when two years and ten montlis 
old. Mr. and Mrs. Abel are prominently conrected 
witli the First Baptist Church at Holton, in which 
Mr. Abel officiates as a Trustee and takes an active 
part in cliurch work. In bis political views he 
affiliates with the Republican party, and has served 
as Township Trustee two years. His farming op- 
erations are carried on in that systematic manner 
which seldom fails of success. 



'->'^^^:i?t^^^r5<^ 



-<■ V*" 



i OSEPH N. BROWN, Justice of the Peace 
of Kentucky Township. Jefferson County^ 
is a popular citizen and a prosperous, intel- 
ligent and progressive farmer. He owns 
and operates an estate comprising 250 acres on 
sectii)ns 21 and 16. whicli has been his home since 
tlie year 1876, when he broke ground upon it and 
began his life as a Kansas farmer. He brought to 



his new location a practical knowledge of the 
work of agriculture and an intelligent comprehen- 
sion of the needs of the time, and has been enabled 
to carry on his labors in such a manner as to secure 
a fair degree of this world's goods and the hearty 
respect of his neighbors. 

Going back four generations in the paternal line, 
we find John Brown who was a soldier in the war 
of 1812. and an early settler in Hamilton County, 
Ohio, to which he removed from Susquehanna 
County, Pa. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. His 
son INIatthew was a young man when the family 
moved to the Buckeye State, and there he became 
a prosperous farmer and stockman, and there a son 
was born to him on .Sept. 15, 1824, who was 
christened Joseph and who became the father of 
our suliject. 

Joseph Brown followed in the footsteps of his 
predecessors and engaged in farming and stock- 
raising, improving a valuable estate. lie was a 
sturd}' Republican, after the birth of that party. 
His death occurred Feb. 14, 1861. His wife. De- 
borah Brown, was l)orn in Butler County, Ohio, 
on the day before Christmas, 1825, and was a 
daughter of Daniel Brown who in 1805 came from 
his native state — Mrginia, to that county, and in 
manhood engaged in tiie pursuit of agriculture. Mrs. 
Deborah Brown departed this life Dec. 4, 1862. 
after years of consistent faith and practice, having 
been a member of the Presbyterian Church. To 
this couple seven children were born, our subject 
being the second in order of birth. Matthew died 
when twenty-one years old; Millie died in child- 
hood ; A. B. is a farmer in this county, his land 
adjoining the town of Perr}'; Aurilla, Marj- and 
Augusta died in childhood. 

He whose name initiates this notice was born in 
Butler County, Ohio, March 10, 1848, and passed 
his early years on tlie parental homestead receiv- 
ing such educational advantages as accrue to the 
lot of a farmer's son in a well-settled locality. He 
was thirteen years old when his father died and he 
remained at home with his widowed mother until her 
death, nearly two years later. He attended the 
High .School at "N'enice and vvorkeil on a farm for 
his grandfatlier and his uncle, Val. Brown, until 
twenty-one, when he took cjarge of the home 



~"^^^^1- 








PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



503 



farm, his sliaie of which was eighty-seven acres, 
and carried it on until he determined to come to 
tlie West, wlien he sola and came at once to Me- 
dina, Kan. 

Mr. Brown is engaged in raising wheat, corn and 
hogs, keeping a good grade of tlie latter, and 
shipping his own stock. His estate bears excellent 
improvements and all have been made b}' himself, 
as the ground was void of any when he took pos- 
session of it. There are now upon it a well-built 
and sutticiently commodious dwelling and barn, 
and other needed outbuildings, and the lands are 
enclosed ami divided by neat wire and hedge fences. 
The estate is watered by the Delaware River and is 
a vahiable and productive piece of property. 

The marriage of our subject took place in Butiei- 
County, Ohio, Jan. 28, 1869, and the l.ady whom 
he chose as his companion in life was Miss Lizzie 
Morton, a native of that county and a daughter of 
(Jeorge Morton. The father was born in Delaware 
and is now a prosperous and prominent farmer near 
Liberty, lud. Mrs. Brown has borne her husband 
two children, Nannie and Jessie, in vviiose training 
and development both parents take great delight, 
and wdio have ahead}' been taught useful habits by 
their estimable mothei'. 

Mr. Brown is a true-blue Repidjlican. He has 
been Justice of the Peace three years and has 
served as .School Clerk, holding the office of Di- 
rector at the pre^ent time. His ready intelligence, 
his genial manners, and his upright character, com- 
bine to ensure his pciindarity and give him a high 
place in the respect of the citizens of the township 
and of others bv whom he is known. 



^^EORGE T. WATKINS. Among the rcsi- 
||| (- — dents of Jackson Count}', an honored place 
^^^ is held by this gentleman, who belongs to 
that class which has furnished so many of the 
ablest men of our land — the dwellers upon the 
farm lands of our Nation. He has a beautiful 
estate comprising 560 acres, and is one of the 
prominent cattle-men of this section, devoting 
much of his land to pastures for the immense herd 
of Short-horns which he keeps. His residence, a 



fine structure in the village of Whiting, was erected 
in the spring of 1876, when he and his wife retired 
from active participation in the management of 
their estate, which is now ably superintended by 
their two sons, James and George. 

Mr. Watkins was born in Warner, Merrimac Co., 
N. H., Nov. 4, 1820, and accompanied his parents 
to Lowell, Mass., when he was five years old. In 
that city he obtained his education, graduating 
from the High School at tlie age of fifteen. Among 
the members of his class, were several who after- 
waid became well known in the Nation. Among 
them were Benjamin F. ]'.uller, G. V. Fox, Assist- 
ant Secretary of the United States Navy during 
the late war; E. A. Straw, Governor of New Hamp- 
shire, and an own cousin to our subject; George 
Balcom, who became famous in the ministry of the 
Episcopal Church; John C. Dalton, pulilislitr of 
the Dalton Physiology, and Abner Brown, who 
subsequently became Principal of the school. 

The parents of young Watkins had relumed to 
their former home prior to liis graduation, and 
upon leaving school, he entered the iiublishing and 
book house of his brother-in-law, A. Watson, 
where he remained nearly seven years. At the age 
of twenty-one he returned to his home in New 
Hampshire and accepted a clerkship in a general 
store, leaving that employment at the death of his 
father in 184:3, to take charge of the home place, 
which he carried on for ten years. He then pur- 
chased the stock of merchandise lielonging to his 
brother-ill-law, Ira Harvey, in Warner, and for six 
years was engaged in mercantile pursuits there. The 
Western fever having attacked him in the fall of 
1858, he made a trip West, going as far north as St. 
Anthony's Falls, now^ a part of Minne.npolis, Minn., 
where his cousins, John 8. Piilsbury and Woodbury 
Fisk, wiio were then in the hardwaie business, 
uro-ed him to remain. He, however, went on toward 
the South, passing through Illinois and Missouri, 
and finally purchasing about 5,000 acres of land in 
Iron, Texas, Shannon, and Dent Counties, ]Mo.; 
during the following spring with his wife and five 
chihlren he settled in Madison County, JIo., on 
land which he had purchased there. 

Mr. Watkins had earned the ill-will of the South- 
ern sympathizers as the leader of the twenty-one 



504 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Yankee families in his neighborhood, and as llie 
nominee on the l^nion ticket for the Representa- 
tive of his district. For three years he carried in 
his pocket a pass known as the ■' death warrant "' 
and on several occasions, when arrested, chewed 
and swallowed it. The Rebel army under Price 
and the guerrillas under the nortorious Sam Hil- 
derbrand. had threatened to kill every Yankee sym- 
pathizer and our subject had been taken out of his 
house by Shelby's men, who held three revolvers 
to his head while the house was plundered and 
robbed of its stores and valuables. But finally 
owing to his unflinching nerve and his wife's de- 
votion they let him off with his life. On one oc- 
casion, when working in the field, a stranger rode 
up and entered into conversation, making inquiries 
about Hilderbrand, of whom Mr. Watkins, of 
course, denied knowledge. During the conversa- 
tion a neighbor p.asserl riding a very fine horse, and 
later the stranger rode off in the same direction. 
He overtook Mr. Watkin's neighbor and relieved 
him of his steed, proving to be tlie noted guerrilla 
himself. A requisition was served on our subject 
requiring him to report to Col. Carlin of the 38th 
Illinois Infantry; this he did. explaining to the 
satisfaction of the Union olHcer his innocence of 
any share in the transaction. 

At another time Mr. Watkins was captured by 
the Union troops, who held him prisoner for a few- 
hours, and until their forces were in the midst of a 
skirmish with the Rebels; in the conflict he was al- 
lowed to escape. He was away from home much 
of the time, on account of his business, grafting 
trees, etc., and on another occasion was taken by 
the same force of United States Cavalry, but was 
released without molestation. However, matters 
at last became so serious that he left his home, and 
seeking refuge in the woods, was for five weeks not 
heard of, and finally was given up as lost. In the 
mean time he had escaped on horseback to St. 
Louis, and there took the train for Pike County, 
111. To that county his two eldest sons, James and 
John F., had previously been sent to avoid con- 
scription by the Rebels, who were forcing into 
their ranks everyone able to carry a gun. His 
friends in Illinois insisted that he should remove 
the rest of his family from the dangerous locality 



where they still resided, and he .accordingly re- 
turned to Missouri and succeeded in effecting their 
removal to the Prairie .State. 

Mr. Watkins remained" in Illinois for a few years, 
coming to tiiis county in February. 1868, and pur- 
chasing a half section of land on the Kickapoo 
Reservation which was just coming into market, 
(^iie half of his purchase lay on section 4 and the 
remainder on section 32, Whiting Township. Later 
in the same ye.ar he came again with his son James, 
and they built a good frame house, to which in the 
following March he moved with his wife and three 
•children. When they took possession of their 
Kansas home, the land was unbroken prairie, but is 
now in a fine state of cultivation, the home quarter- 
section having a good residence and two barns upon 
it, and about five acres of ground devoted to fruit 
trees, mostly apple. It is surrounded by a neat 
fencing of hedge, 240 acres have been added to 
the original purch.ase. and eighty acres of this are 
now under the plow, the balance being fenced for 
pasturage. Our suijject was the first man to intro- 
duce Short-horn cattle into Jackson County, and 
has sold many thorough-breds for breeding pur- 
poses. He furnishes the pedigree on all his stock, 
having no animal in the held, whose pedigree he 
cannot trace back to the imported. 

The marriage of Mr. Watkins took place in 
January, 1843, the lad^' who has been for upwards 
of forty years his cherished comjianion having 
borne the maiden name of Abbie C. Bean. She is 
a daughter of James and Martha (Cotting) Bean, 
and her grandfathers were Nathaniel Bean and 
William Cotting. They were of English origin, 
and the Cottings were residents of Barton, Mass. 
Mr. and Mrs. AVatkins have had seven children, six 
of whom now survive. James, the eldest, and one 
of the managers of his father's estate, is married 
and has four children. John F. is also married, 
has four children and is now farming in Pike 
Count3-, 111. Mary S. married George E. Davis, 
who is now living in Ft. Paine, Ala. Mrs. Davis 
died in Chicago in 1872, leaving two children, one 
of whom. Amy, died at the age of sixteen years, 
and the other, Abbie E., named for her grand- 
mother Watkins, lives with her father in Alabama. 
Martha married Alex. S. Hatch, of Pike County, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



505 



III., and now lives in Wallace, Kan., liieir family 
consisting of two sons. Lizzie F. m.-inietl Charles 
H. Todd, of Minneapolis, Minn., now of New 
Richland, Wis., and they have two children. 
George A. assists in the management of his fa- 
ther's property and lives on one of the farms; he is 
married and has one child. Fred is a young man, 
now at home assisting his father. 

Mr. Watkins was educated to a belief in the 
Democratic part}', and in 1860 voted for John C. 
Breekenridge. He soon regretted that action, 
adopted a different political faith, and has since 
been a stanch Republican. He has served as Com- 
missioner, being elected on the Republican ticket, 
and has filled two terms in the Legislature, those 
of 1877 and 1881. In the Assembly of 1877 he 
voted for the Prohibition Act. Mrs. Watkins Is a 
member of the Methodist Church, and both she 
and her husband have many friends with whom 
their cultured minds, refined manners, and upright 
characters are known and valued. 

Mr. Watkins is of Welsh and English ancestry, 
tracing the parental line in America to his great- 
grandfather, Abner Watkins, who 6rst settled in 
Massachusetts, whence the family subsequently 
moved to New Hampshire. The next in the direct 
line was .lason Watkins, and following him was an- 
other Abner, the father of our subject. He mar- 
ried Desdemona Fisk,*the daughter of Ebenezer 
Fisk, of Wilmot, N. IL, and the niece of Levi 
Woodbury, Secretary of War and of the Treasury 
during Jackson's second administration. 

In connection with this personal biography we 
present a lithographic portrait of Mr. Watkins. 

-^- .^-^ V-. 



■^ AMES S. T. MILLIGAN is pastor of the 
North Cedar Reformed Presbyterian Church, 
located in the southeastern part of (4ar- 
field Township, Jackson County. He is a 
man of broad culture and fine scholarship, and is 
widely known and respected for his attainments 
and for his pure and useful life, which has un- 
doubtedl}' wielded a great influence for good 
in his community. He was born in R^'egate, 
Caledonia Co., ^'t., on the •2Glh of August, 182G, 



and is a son of the Rev. James Milligan, D. D., 
who was for some years located in that village. 
When our subject was twelve years of age his 
father removed to New Alexandria, Westmoreland 
Co., Pa., and was afterward settled over a charge 
in Eden, Randolijli Co., HI, where he closed his 
pastoral labors. His death took place some years 
later at the residence of our subject, in Soutlifield, 
Oakland Co., Mich. 

The gentleman of whom we write accompanied 
his parents from his place of nativity to Westmore- 
land County, Pa., from which they removed when 
he was seventeen years old. He remained behind 
them in that county until he was twenty-two 
j'ears of age. He attended the common schools 
until he was fifteen years old, although at the early- 
age of six years he was able to read Latin and 
studied the classics under the tuition of his father, 
who was finely educated and an able instructor. 
When sixteen years old, 30ung Milligan began the 
work of school teaching, and passed five wintei's in 
Pennsylvania thus engaged, s|)ending the summers 
in work upon a farm. He then entered the Re- 
formed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio, and began his special preparation 
for the ministry under Dr. J. R. Wilson. He had 
been in attendance but one winter when the semi- 
nary was moved to Logan County, Ohio, and there 
carried on in connection with Geneva Hall College. 
He continued in the Institution after the change of 
location for three successive seasons, in the mean- 
time being graduated from Geneva Hall College, 
and for tsvo years occupying a position as teacher 
of philosophy and natural science. 

Upon the conclusion of his theological studies, 
Mr. Milligan was licensed to preach in the Re- 
formed Presbyterian Churcli, and after spending 
a year in the itinerancy, was settled in .Soutlifield, 
Oakland Co., Mich., for nearly nineteen years. 
His removal from that place was in the spring of 
1«71, when he came to this county and settled in 
what was then Cedar, and is now Garfield Town- 
ship. In the fall of that year he organized the 
North Cedar Church, with a membership of sev- 
enl}'-four, which represented about twenty fami- 
lies. At the present time (188'.)) the membership 
is about 130. For two years the society worshiped 



506 



PORTRAIT AND BlOGfeAPHlCAL ALBUM. 



in a tabernacle, and the third year erected a 
cliurcli, 45 X 63 feet, in vvliieii they continued to 
meet until October, 1883. wlien the edifice was 
blown down and destroyed. The summer of 1884 
found them installed in a fine wooden structure of 
tasty architectural design, and iiere the prosperous 
congregation still conducts its services of prayer 
and praise. 

The Reformed Presbyterian Church is strictly 
Calvinistic in doctrine and strictly Presbyterian in 
government; faithful in matters of discipline; and 
in worship adiierinu strictly to the Scottish method, 
which includes the use of an inspired psalmody. 
They believe in the supreme authority of God's 
law, and in Christ's kingly authority over nations, 
and while carefully obeying the Divine command 
to "be subject to the higher powers," they protest 
against the non-recognition of Divine authority in 
the government. 

Since coming to this county, Mr. Milligan has 
operated the farm on which he resides, and liie 
260 acres of land wiiicii comprise the estate are 
carefully and intelligently tilled and well-improved. 
The dvvelling and other Iniihlings are both ade- 
quate and substantial, and everytliing bears an 
air of neatness and order that impresses the be- 
holder with the belief that the place is controlled 
by a master iiand. The internal arrangement of 
the residence is in keeping with its surroundings, 
and displays the good taste and good judgment of 
the housekeeper who presides over it. 

In Logan County. Ohio, on the 16th of June, 
1853, Mr. Milligan was united in marriage with Miss 
Jane T. Johnston, whose fine personal character and 
mental attainments had won' his deep regard. Miss 
Johnston was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Aug. 
24, 1833, and was graduated from the Geneva Fe- 
male Seminary in the April preceding lier twentieth 
birthday. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Milligan 
has resulted in the birth of eleven children: Mary 
E., James R. J., Knox M., Margaret J., Samuel C, 
Elizabeth R., Sarah C, Anna A., Edith B., and a 
son and a daughter who died in infancy. Mary E. 
is the wife of the Rev. 1). D. Robertson, pastor of 
Oban Church, Scotland. -lames is a clergyman, 
and is now in charge of tlie Reformed Presbyterian 
Church in Allegheny City, Pa. The culture of 



the parents has been transmitted to the children 
through their excellent home training and the edu- 
cational facilities which have been bestowed upon 
them, and they are well fitted for usefulness in 
their day and generation. 



<^ lifclLLIAM A. DODSOX is one of the fore- 
vA/* m(>st men in Franklin Township, Jackson 
\^^/ County, and resides on section 3C, where 
he has a fine farm with first-class improvements, 
commodious and convenient oulljuildings and a 
handsome residence. His estate comprises 3'20 
acres of land, a portion of which is located in 
Franklin Township, and the remainder in (!r:uit 
Townsliip. He t'lkes a lively interest in all matters 
tending toward the improvement and growth of 
his neighborhood, and is always counted on to do 
good work when any measure, having for its oliject 
the public welfare, is brought before the people for 
their consideration. His voice is alwaj's on the 
side that he believes to be just, without regard to 
its popularity, and his advice is much sought b3- 
those who are best acquainted with his integrity 
and honesty of purpose. 

Mr. Dodson was born Julv 18. 1843, near 
Athens, Tenn., and was taken by his parents to 
Buchanan County, Mo., when onl\- six raontlis old. 
He grew to manhood in that county, receiving a 
good common-school education, and at the same 
time learning the details of faim work. In the 
spring of 1863, when nineteen years of age, he 
accompanied his father to Jackson County, Kan. 
They located in what is now Garfield Township. 
and there the mother died in 1875. The father of 
our subject is Alfred Dodson, a native of Ten- 
nessee and a resident of Garfield Township, this 
countv. The mother was Elizabeth (Patty) Dod- 
son, also a native of Tennessee. The parental 
family consisted of six cliildren, of whom our sub- 
ject is the second in order of birth. 

In 1864 our subject purchased eighty acres of 
land in Cedar (now (4arfield) Township. In 1865 
he freighted commissar^' stores across the plains to 
Ft. Laramie, Wyo.. working for the Government. 
Such expeditions were extremely hazardous, as it 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



507 



V as during tlie period of the Indian depredations 
and vars against the early settlers and mineral 
soelcers of the Roelvy Mountains. Mr. Dodson was 
near by when the dastardly and famous Platte 
Bridge Massacre occurred, in which sixty brave 
soldiers were snatched away from the main army 
and cruelly scalped and burned. Many times 
he barely escaped capture by these savage foes, 
and passed through many dangers and risks of 
life. 

The marriage of our subject occurred on Feb. 
24. 1870, in Cedar Townsliip. the bride being Miss 
Mary K. Bradshaw, who was born near Humans- 
ville, Polk Co., Mo. They took up their resi- 
dence on the 80-acre farm previously bought, 
whore they lived until 1878. Then removing to 
Franklin Township, they located on their present 
homestead. Mrs, Uodson is a lady of rare intelli- 
gence and a capital manager in domestic affairs. 
It is largely due to her wise econom}' that our sub- 
ject owes his present prosperity. They are the 
parents of four children, namely: Dora M.. .Jessie 
A.. Fannie F., and Walter W, The parents have 
been members of the Christian Church from youth. 

Mr. Dodson began life with no means except 
what he carried in his head and hands, but by a 
judicious use of both divisions of his '"capital," he 
has been rewarded most bountifully, and has 
wronged no man in so doing. On the contrary-, he 
has frequently helped others less able than he to 
help themselves. He was elected Trustee of Cedar 
Township, serving in 1874-7.5, and also took the cen- 
sus. In 1881-82, desiring to make a cliange and to 
rest from the arduous duties of farm life, he teamed 
with mules in the mountains of Colorado, making 
his headquarters on the Green Horn Mountains at 
the mining camps of Rosita, Custer County. Dur- 
ing the time he was in Colorado he retained his 
home in Franklin Township, and had his farm 
carried on as usual. 

In 1878 our subject commenced to make a 
specialty of thorough-bred Short-horn cattle, of 
which he raised as fine specimens as can be seen 
anywhere, all recorded in American Short-horn 
herd books. Recently he concluded to part with 
them, so in the latter part of 188ii lie had them 
almost all closed out. They numbered at one time 



forty-eight head. At present his stock consists of 
good grade cattle, hogs and horses. He was twice 
offered by his friends the candidacy for the office 
of County Treasurer, also other prominent offices 
on the Democratic ticket, but not being an aspirant 
for office and preferring the more quiet duties of 
farm life, he declined. 

-J^^feJ 




BEL W. CHABIN, the editor and proprie- 
tor of the Onaga Democrat, is numbered 
with the rising young men of Pottawatomie 
County, while the paper to whose interests 
he is devoting the best years of his life, is one of 
the leading Democratic organs of the community, 
being frank in the expression of its sentiments, out- 
spoken in its convictions, and working with all the 
enthusiasm engendered by a worthy cause for the 
elevation and success of the Democratic party. 
Consequently it stands high in the ranks of that 
organization, and is proportionally feared by the 
opposition, at the same time being admired for the 
firmness and steadfastness with which it adheres 
to its principles. 

Upon coming to Pottawatomie County in 1882, 
our subject first located in St. Mary's, and pur- 
chased an interest in the Star, a work for which he 
was naturally adapted, and for which years of train- 
ing in printing offices had still more thoroughly 
qualified him. The Star was published very suc- 
cessfully for two years, and then Mr. Chabin 
changed his headquarters to Onaga, and purchasing 
the Onaga Journal, a Republican paper, changed 
its name to the Onaga Democrat, and at the same 
time changed its political affiliations. It is a six- 
column quarto, giving considerable space to general 
topics of interest, both local and national, and in 
connection also there is a fine -joli office, which 
turns out first-class work and has a growing pit- 
ronage. 

'J"he parents of Mr. Chabin, Sumner and Lizzie 
Chabin, were natives of Maine, and in that State, 
passed their entire lives; their son, Abel W.,was born 
in that State, in Skowhegan Jan. 23, 18.Tl,and when 
only four years old, lost his mother. The orphaned 
child was taken into the family of his uncle, of the 



508 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



same name as our subject, aiirl was reared as one of 
them. Two jears after his adoption he accompan- 
ied iiis uncle and other members of tlie household 
to the West, where they .settled in Shelbyville, 
Shelby Co.. 111., the elder Chabin engauing in gen- 
eral mercantile business. The lad he had adopted 
was given early educational advantages, until he 
had reached the age of sixteen years. Then feeling 
desirous of learning a trade whereby he miglit bo- 
come independent, he entered a printing office at 
.Shelbyville. and after two years of assiduous labor 
there, went to .St. Louis, and worked in a job office 
there for another two years. He was, however, 
induced to resume work in his former position at 
.Shelbyville, and until his marriage was prosper- 
ously engaged there. 

The marriage of our subject was celebrated Jan. 
31, 187o, the bride being Julia Pollard, daughter of 
Michael and Margaret Pollard, and born in LaSalle, 
111. Nov. 1 6, 1 850. Soon after his marriage Mr. Cha- 
bin, in corapan}^ with his wife, left for Colorado, and 
located in Denver, working at his trade. He dates 
his residence in Kansas from the year 1882, when 
he came to Pottawatomie County, and as before 
mentioned, became identifled with the interests of 
the Star. Religiously, Mrs. Ch.abin is a member of 
the Catholic Church, and stands high in the social 
circles of the community. They have a group of 
four bright children, who are receiving the benefit 
of a good, practical education in tlie schools of the 
vicinity. They are named as follows: Harry. Al- 
bert. Nellie and John. They have inherited the 
amiable qualities of their mother, with the sturdy 
perseverance of their father, and bid fair to attain 
success in life. 



ON. W1LLL\M R. BENTON, the recently 
elected Representative to the Kansas Leg- 
islature from Pottawatomie County, is rec- 
(^J) ognized as one of its ablest men. By 
occupation he has been a farmer and stock-raiser, 
and is well-to-do. owning a fine tract of land in 
Lone Tree Township. He is of stanch New Eng- 
land stock and was born in Livingston County, 
N. Y., Aug. 9, 1836. living there until approach- 



ing man's estate. His parents were Eben and Lo- 
vinia (Freeman) Benton, the father a native of 
Connecticut and the second cousin, of Senator 
Thomas H. Benton, late of Missouri, whose career 
reflects such credit upon himself and should be a 
matter of pride to his descendants. The family 
was first represented in America !)}• three brothers 
who crossed the Atlantic during the Colonial days 
and settled, so tradition says, one in New England, 
one in B.altimore, Md., and one in Nc)rth Carolina. 

The subject of tliis sketch comes from the New 
England liranch of the Benton famili'. His fore- 
fathers were noted as oystermen, and became prom- 
inent in and around P>altimore. Eben Benton 
when a30ung man emigrated to Western New York. 
and was there married. He followed the peaceful 
puisuits of .agriculture his entire life and lived to 
the advanced age of eighty-one j'ears. passing nway 
in 1881. He was thus born in 1800. His wife, 
Lovinia, was born in New Jersey-, and is yet living, 
making her liome with her son. our subject. The 
parental family consisted of nine children, six of 
whom are now living, and located in Kansas. 
Maine, New York and Pennsylvania. William R. 
spent his boyhood d.ays on the farm, liecoming 
famdiar with the arts of sowing and reaping, while 
at the same time he received an excellent educa- 
tion, com[)leting his studies in the academy. He 
was naturally bright and observing, fond of his 
books, and thus obtained a useful store of infor- 
mation. Soon after leaving school he began teach- 
ing and has followed this profession in the district 
schools of Pottawatomie County at intervals for 
fifteen years. 

Upon the opening of the Civil War Mr. Benton 
enlisted as a Union soldier in Company E, ()2nd 
Illinois Infantry, in December, 1861. He was with 
Grant at Yicksburg and was captured by the ene- 
my at lIoll3' .Springs. Shortlj' afterward, however, 
he was paroled and subsequentl}" rejoined his regi- 
ment at La(irange, Tenn. His command was 
transferred to Arkansas, and his regiment assisted 
in the capture of Little Rock. Mr. Benton after- 
ward joined the campaign in Northern Arkansas, 
and at the expiration of his two year's term of en- 
listment, he. in January, 1863, veteranized, and 
served until after the surrender of Lee's army. He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



509 



was obliged to accept his discharge in August. 
18G5, on account of disability. During his army 
life he served in various positions of trust and re- 
sponsibility, being <^iiartorniaster anil also Sergeant 
of his regiment. 

Upon leaving the army Mr. Benton returned to 
Western New York and engaged in tiic drug trade, 
which business he followed until 1871. That year 
his attention was attracted to the Western country, 
and coming to Kansas he liomesteaded the southwest 
qu.arter of section 12. in Lone Tree Township, 
from nhii'li he improved a good farm, and which 
he lived upon for a period of eighteen years. He 
has one of the most attractive homesteads in this 
part of the county, sixty acres of the land being 
under a thorough state of cultivation, with an or- 
chard of six acres, neat and substantial buildings 
and everything about the place indicating the en- 
terprise and industry of the proprietor. Mr. Ben- 
ton keeps a goodly assoitment of live-stock, and 
has the requisite farm machinery for carrying on 
.agriculture in a sjstematie and prolitable manner. 

While having much to absorb his attention in 
the cultivation of his land and the building up of 
a homestead, Mr. Benton has always maintained an 
interest in the prosperity of his adopted county, 
socially, morally' and financially. He is the friend 
of education and progress, and since coming to 
Kansas has been recognized as one of the most in- 
telligent and useful men of Lone Tree Township. 
His course was watched, not only by the citizens of 
his own township, but by those of the county at 
large, and in 187o his name was bronght forward 
as a suitable candidate on the Republican ticket for 
the State Legislature, and he was elected with little 
opposition. He made an active and useful mem- 
ber of the General Assembly, serving on some of 
the most important committees, including the edu- 
cational, county seats and count}' linos. He retired 
to his farm at the end of his term, but in Novem- 
ber, 1888. he was re-elected, and is now a member 
of the committees on Engrossed Bills, P^ducation 
and Educational Institutions. He was a member of 
the first and last committee that waited on the Gov- 
ernor at the last session. Personally he has many 
warm friends in I'ottawatomie County, and is con- 
tributing his full quota to the building up of her 



most important interest. Politically, he is a sound 
Republican, and in religious matters is prominently 
identified with the Congregational Church at 
Wheaton. 

The marriage of W. R. Benton and Miss Adella 
'SI. Fowler was celebrated at the bride's home in 
Livonia, N. Y., June 14, 1866. There have been 
born to them six children, whose names are as fol- 
lows: Alice L., Francis H., Ettie F., Delia F., 
William E., Nellie May. Of these Ettie F. is de- 
ceased. 



•\t;AMES .1. BOLTON. No young man in 
the town of Perry is more popular or has 
started out in life with finer prospects than 
Mr. Bouton. He furnishes a shining exam- 
ple of that whieli may be accomplished by energy 
and perseverance, and is looked upon as one of the 
leading citizens in a community of i)eople more 
than ordinarily wide-awake and intelligent. He 
conducts a well-regulated livery and feed stable on 
Elm Street and by his straightforward business 
methods, as well .as by his courteous treatment of 
all with whom he comes in contact, commands the 
respect of .all who know him. 

The subject of this notice vvas born Aug. .'il , 
1856, in Clinton, 111., and was the fifth in a family 
of eight children, the offspring of Ljman H. and 
Viora Bouton, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere 
in tliis volume. The family emigrated to Kansas 
in 18.)7, making the journey laboriously by river 
boat and wagon. They located in the vicinity of 
Clinton, where James J. Bouton received his early 
education and became familiar with the arts of 
plowing, sowing and reaping. From boyhood he 
was fond of farm life and when a youth of sixteen 
vears, began operations on his own hook on rented 
land adjoining the town and was thus occupied 
until 1877. That year he came to Kentucky Town- 
ship, Jefferson County, and followed farming in 
the vicinity of Perry for three years. Later he 
w.as variously engaged, sawmilling and raising 
vegetables for the market. 

In 1886 Mr. ISouton took a new departure, es- 
tablishing himself in the livery business at Perry 
in company with a partner, they operating under a 



510 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



firm name of Davis & Bouton. Five raontlis later 
Mr. Bouton purchaseri the entire outfit and lias 
since successfully conflucted the business alone. In 
1888 he erected a large barn 38 x 60 feet in dimen- 
sions and is now running an establishment equip- 
ped witii all the modern improvements, including 
a fine assortment of road horses and vehicles. The 
place is kept in apple-pie order, denoting in a 
marked manner the systematic manner of doing 
business employed by the proprietor. Mr. Bouton 
has a strong hold upon the public and there is every 
reason to suppose that he will continue to advance 
on the highwa}' to prosperity until he obtains a 
competency. In connection with his livery busi- 
ness he engages considerably in general teaming. 
He moves in the best society of Perry and keeps 
himself thoroughly posted upon all matters con- 
nected not only with his business, but those of 
general interest to the intelligent citizen. In addi- 
tion to his other virtues, he is a steadfast supporter 
of the Republican party. 



^SAAC B. BROWN. The Brown family to 
which the subject of this notice belongs has 



[\ contributed in no small degree to the growth 
and development of Jefferson Count}-. They are 
people more than ordinarilj' intelligent and enter- 
prising, possessing fine traits of character, sterling 
worth and integrity and stand high both in social 
and business circles. He with whose name we in- 
troduce this sketch, although a gentleman young in 
jears, exercises no small influence in his community 
and is a "hustler," entirely guiltless of idleness 
either of hands or brain. He owns valuable prop- 
erty in the town of Perry, and has a thorough un- 
derstanding of his business in which he lias been 
uniform ly prosperous. 

The subject of this notice was born .Tan. Id, 1859, 
in Venice, Butler Co., Ohio, and is the son of Val- 
entine Brown, who is represented elsewhere in this 
Album. He spent his early years at the ])arcntal 
homestead, assisting in the various employments of 
the farm and attending the district school. He ac- 
companied the family to Kansas in the spring of 
1870 and when twenty -one years old assumed the 



management of the home farm. In connection with 
general agriculture ho carried on stock-raising sue- 
eessfnlly. .also feeding and shipping. In 1882 Jlr. 
Brown removed to Topeka and opened .a meat 
market, but a year later returned to the farm and 
operated it until coming to Perry in the fall of 
1889. In addition to conducting his market suc- 
cessfully he buys and ships poultr}' to Kansas City, 
realizing therefrom handsome returns. 

Mr. Brown was married at Auburn, .June 13, 
1880, to Miss Eva R., daughter of Hon. John W. 
Brown, formerly of Zanesville, Ohio. Mr. Brown 
was a blacksmith by trade and came to Kansas in 
the spring of 1851, locating with his familj- at 
Uniontown. He opened a blacksmith shop for the 
Indians and was in the employ of the Government 
for some time. In 1854 be removed to the vicinity 
of Auburn and engaged in farming, owning at one 
time 900 .acres of laud. He also dealt considerably 
in live stock. He laid out part of the town of 
Auburn, which was first called Brownsville. He is 
now living in Auburn retiied from active labor. 
He has been a stirring liusiness man and quite 
prominent in political affairs, serving in 1872-73 
as a member of the Kansas Legislature. Politically, 
he is a sound Reiniblican and in religious matters, 
an active Metluidist. 

The maiden name of the mother of Mrs. Brown 
was Elizabeth Perkins. She was born in North 
Carolina and removed to Missouri witli her father 
at an early date, remaining there until her marriage. 
The parental household was completed by the birth 
of five children. The two eldest sons. Edgar anil 
Frederick, are farming on tliQ outskirts of Auburn. 
Frank, Mrs. R. F. Brown, is a resident of Thomp- 
sonville; Eva, Mrs. Brown, was the fourth child; 
Harry is farming near .\ubnrn. 

Mrs. Brown was born in Auburn, Shawnee Co., 
Kan., the 18th of Januarj', 1862, and completed her 
education in 1876, in the State Normal School at 
Emporia. Later she went to Topeka and studied 
music one year. She is a very amiable and intelli- 
gent lady, refined and accomplished and the efticicnt 
assistant of her husband in all his worthy under- 
takings. Mr. Brown votes the straight Republican 
ticket and is a useful man in party politics, being 
, sent every year as a deleg.ate to the county conven- 



&.*,^^', 






^. ^ 



cJs- 





PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



.") 1 3 



tions. He has officiated as Road Supervisor and 
with liis estimable wife is a leading- member of the 
Methodist Eiiiscopal Church, serving as Steward 
and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school 
for the |)ast two years. 

lf^_^ ON. AVELCOME WELLS. The annals of 
'''^ll Manhattan could scarcely be written up 
"V^ without mention of this, one of her oldest 
and most higidj' respected citizens. His 
life career has been one of more than ordinary in- 
terest, during which he has made for himself a 
;Tood record and hosts of friends. Although more 
tlian eighty-one years old, he, with his excellent 
wift," is still well preserved and active, tiiey attend- 
ing to their self-imposed daily lal)ors. nearly as 
cheerfully and easily as they did lifty years ago. 
Jlr. Wells forms one of the landmarks of Riley 
County, who. by his labors and patience has made 
for himself a name which wdl be. held in kindl}- re- 
menibiance long after he lias been gathered to his 
fathers. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Danville, 
Caledonia Co., Vt., Sept. 17, ISOS. His father, 
I'aul Wells, Jr., was born, it is believed, in the 
.Slate of Vermont, and his paternal grandfather, 
Paul Wells, Sr., was likewise a native of New Eng- 
land, The latter served as a cadet and recruiting 
iSergeant in the Revolutionary War, under Arnold, 
and was present at the battles of Crown Point and 
Ticonderoga. He spent his last d.a^-s in Caledonia 
County, and met his death accidentally, being killed 
by the falling of a tree. He for a number of years 
received a pension from the Government. 

Paul Wells. Jr., was reared in the Green Moun- 
tain State, and at an early d.ay remcived to the 
wilds of Calefionia County, Yl.. and purch.ased a 
tract of land four miles from .St. Jolinsburg. He 
built a log house in the midst of the timber, and 
opened up a farm from the wilderness, upon vvhich 
he spent the remainder of his life. He was married 
in early manhood to Aliss Mary Mason, likewise a 
native of New England, and to them there >vere 
born twelve children. Welcome resided with his par- 
ents until a youth of seventeen years, then joined 



an elder brother in Rensselaer County. N. Y. and 
learned shocmaking, which he followed in Troy 
until 1831. Then removing to Utica. he was simi- 
larly engaged until about 1855. He then started 
for Ohio, going by team to Dunkirk, and thence by 
steamer to Cleveland, where he boarded a canal 
boat, and by this means proceeded to Coshocton, 
where he located, and again commenced work at 
his trade. He rt^mained a resident of the Buckeye 
Slate until 1857. and during tliat year started once 
more Westward, this time to the Territory of Kan- 
sas. In making this journey he proceeded by rail 
to Jefferson City. Mo., whicli was then the western 
terminus of the railroad, and at that point took a 
steamer for Leavenworth. Thence he traveled by 
ox-team to the inesent site of Manluittan. which, as 
may be supposed, was marked by only a few houses 
built in the most primitive style. 

Upon his arrival in .Alanhattan, Mr. AVells en- 
tered a claim four miles west of the cit\-, the greater 
part of which was timber. He w,as accompanied 
by three of his sons, who also entered claims, and 
the four remained there two years, and cleared a 
part of the land. Then selling out, Mr. Wells pur- 
chased a claim to a tract of prairie land in Potta- 
watomie County, three miles east of the city, which 
like Manhattan, was then in its infancy. AVild 
game was plentiful, including deer, otter, beaver, 
and a few miles west numbers of l)uff.aloes ranged 
the plains. No railroads were built through this 
section for several ^ears afterward. For some time 
after coming here, Mr. Wells carried on a shop in 
Manhattan, while at the same time he proceeded 
with the improvement of his land. He was joined 
by the balance of his family in 1850. and the fol- 
lowing 3ear among other improvements, set out an 
orchard of 100 trees. All but six of these perished 
on account of the dry weather. In 18C4, Mr. Wells 
set out 200 more apple trees, and two j'ears later 
added 800 trees, and has now one of the most valu- 
able orchards iii the vicinity comprising 2,000 trees 
in good bearing condition, and of fifty varieties. 

Oneof the most important and interesting events 
in the life of Mr. Wells, was his marriage, M.aj' 17. 
1829, with Miss Eliza Gardner, at her home in 
Troy, N. Y., which union, after a long period of 
more than sixty years, I'eraains cemented by a m(:)re 



;jU 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



than ordinary affection. There were born to them 
seven children, of whom only three are living — 
George, Alfred, and Sarah J. Otis, the second 
born, died in Manhattan at the age of fifty years; 
Helen became the wife of Henry Laffer, and died 
at her home in Manhattan Township, in 1879, aged 
forty-five years; .Samuel Lewis died when eight 
years old; and Albert died in Ohio at the age of 
thirty-seven. 

Mrs. Wells was born in Warwick. K. I., April 
15. 1812, and is consequently three and one- 
half years younger than her husband. Her father, 
Jabez Gardner, was a native of Rhode Island, and 
the son of Samuel Gardner, a farmer by occupation, 
who spent his entire life in Rhode Island. Jabez 
Gardner was reared in his native State, whence he 
removed to New York State in 1815, with his fam- 
il3'. The journey was made overland with one 
horse and a wagon, the family consisting of the 
wife and three children, and they carried with them 
their household effects. They located in Madison 
County during its pioneer days, but a short time 
later removed to Tro3', and soon afterward to Clin- 
ton, where Blr. Gardner conducted an hotel, and 
where he spent the remainder of his life. His wife, 
Mary (Boone) Gardner, was born on a farm thirtj- 
miles from Newport. R. I. She died in Clinton, N.Y. 
The maternal grandfather of Mr. Wells served 
as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and spent 
his last years in Caledonia County, Vt., in the en- 
joyment of a pension. 

It is estimated that not one couple in a half mil- 
lion live together for sixty years, and the ''pearl 
wedding" of Mr. and Mrs. Welcome Wells, was ap- 
propriately celebrated May 7, 1889, at their pleas- 
ant home in Manhattan. Kan. They were presented 
with a pair of elegant chairs with handsome silver 
eno-i-aving, giving the dale of their first wedding 
and their last. It was the occasion of the gather- 
ins together of a large number of friends, and sev- 
eral finely-worded addresses weie delivered in a 
l)rief and happy manner. The speakers reviewed 
the long and pleasant career of the honored old 
cmiple, who had traveled life's pathway so harmoni- 
ou.'ly together, and who, during the early settle- 
ment of Kansas contrilnited their full quota to its 
orowth and develo|)nient. The sixty years which 



spanned their wedded life, cover much of the his- 
tory of this country, and it is needless to state that 
they have watched the changes which have occur- 
red, not onlj- in Kansas, but in the whole Union, 
with more than ordinary interest. 

Mr. Wells cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. 
Jackson in 1828, bef(<re reaching his majority. He 
voted for the elder Harrison in 1836 and 1840, and 
with equal enthusiasm he supported the grandson 
of the old hero in 1888, the latter being the six- 
teenth President for whom he has voted. His rec- 
onl since becoming a citizen of Kansas, lias been 
that which any man might be proud to look upon. 
Soon after his arriv.il in the Territory, he was 
elected to the ottice of Justice of the Peace, ami in 
1862 he was chosen to represent Riley and Poiln- 
watomie Counties in the Legislature of the young 
State. He was returned in 1872-73. For nine 
years he was a member of the Board of County 
Commissioners of Pottawatomie County, and for 
three years he was President of the Board of Trus- 
tees of the Asylum for the Blind. In 1878 he was 
elected to tlie State Senate, and he has numbered 
among his friends, men high in the councils of the 
Nation — United States Senators. Congressmen and 
Governors. 

Since the beginning of their married life, Mr. 
and Mrs. Wells have been the privileged witnesses 
of many great events in history, in which they have 
seen slavery abolished and free hjmes given by a 
free Government to a free people. That which 
they have valued above all gifts which Providence 
has bestowed upon them, however, has been the 
friendship which has been extended to them during 
their long and honored residence west of the 
Mississii)pi, as signified by Mr. Wells in returning 
thanks for the gifts and congratulations of their 
friends upon the occasion of their pearl wedding, 
and he generonsly maintains that he owes every- 
thing to his excellent wife, who has been his con- 
stant helper in every time of need. There have 
never been any unkind words between them, and 
Mr. Wells stated the remarkable fact that he linil 
had a good mother-in-law. Letters of congrat\ila- 
tion were read from Senator Plumb, the Rev. D. C. 
Milner. and from Senator Ingalls. There was mu- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



515 



sic aiul singing:, and the hand enlivonod tlio closing 
exercises witli a serenade. The portraits of Mr. 
Wells and wife appear clsewliere in tliis volume. 



^j,ii^ 



DWARI) J. DOYLE. The agricuUural 
l^ class of Jackson County contains within its 
ranks nian^^ men who are cnter|irising and 
intelligent, their knowledge extending beyond the 
special tieUl of their life work, and their lives and 
characters being an honor to the class to which 
they belong. A prominent place among them is 
justly due to the above-named gentleman, who has 
been for several years a resident in Straight Creek 
Townshiii. and for a number of years previous 
lived in what is now known as Garfield Township. 
He is well-known and highly respected throughout 
the county, and a brief sketch of his life may well 
find place in a volume of this nature. 

The birth of our subject took place in Franklin 
Coimty, Pa., and his natal day was May 2, 1823. 
His parents were Barnabas A. and Nancy (Bevin) 
Doyle, the former a native of the Keystone State, 
and the latter of Maryland. After their marriage 
thev settled in the count}' where our subject was 
born, and there they died. He of whom we write 
was reared on his father's farm, remaining under 
the parental loof uutil he reached man's estate, 
when he went to Winchester, Ya., and engaged in 
selling wheat fans. After sojourning a year in 
that place he went to Culpeper, where for two 
years he carried on the same business, thence mov- 
ing to Fredericksburg, and spending two years in 
that place still following the same occupation. 

Mr. Doyle's next change of location was to 
.lackson County, Iowa, where he bought a farm, on 
which he lived two years, at the expiration of that 
time selling out and removing to Doniphan County, 
Kan., where he entered a claim, on which he re- 
mained until the spring of 1869. He next came to 
this counlj', and settled in what is now Garfield 
Township, continuing to reside theie until 1883, 
when he again changed his residence, this time 
becoming a citizen of Straight Creek Township. 
Since coming to the West. Mr. Doyle has given 
his time and attention to farming and stock-raising, 



and proven his ability ami judgment, in lioth. He 
now owns 320 acres of land, and his home is on 
section 36. A good house had been erected on the 
estate, and other necessary buildings put up, when 
a fire in 1885 desti-oyed the residence. It has been 
replaced by an edifice that is belter than the aver- 
age farm houses in the State, and which stands on 
the site of the one that was destroyed. The inter- 
nal arrangements indicate the presence of an ac- 
complished housewife and the refined tastes of 
woman. 

The lady to whom so much of the comfort and 
good taste of the home is due, is she who for a 
quarter of a century has been the chosen and cher- 
ished companion of Mr. Doyle. Slie bore the- 
maiden name of Mary Barlow, and was born in 
Ireland Oct. 16, 1837. Her parents, Patrick and 
Judith (Corbine) Barlow, were also natives of the 
Emerald Isle, and the father died in County Sligo. 
The widowed mother subsequently emigrated to 
America with her children, four in number, and 
settled in Doniphan County, this State, where she 
died. Mrs. Doyle has borne her husband three 
children, all of whom have been given excellent 
advantages and careful training and whose intelli- 
gence and courteous manners are a credit to their 
progenitors. They bear the names respectively of, 
Nancy J.. Edward J. and John J. 

^ ^3^ ^ 




BRAHAM HYMAN. This gentleman is 
recognized as a leader among the mercan- 
tde interests of Onaga, having a thriving 
1^ business located on Third street, and occu- 

|)ying a double store^ 47x92 feet in dimensions. 
He carries a large and well-seleoted stock of goods, 
and is in the enjoyment of a lucrative and steadily- 
increasing trade. He established his present en- 
terprise in January, 1878, after a y-ear's residence 
in Onaga, commencing modestly in a little store- 
room, 25x16 feet in dimensions, to which has since 
been added the present commodious building. 

Mr. Hyman came to Kansas from (^uincy. 111., 
in which place he had been reared and educated, 
and where he began his business experience as clerk 
in a store. He entered Onaga with a capital of $10, 



o 1 (! 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



1 



and afterward, b\- the practice of the closest econ- 
omy, managed to save enough to establish himself 
in business, and by his industry and strict atten- 
tion to its details, long ago attained a solid footing. 
He is a native of Germany, liorn near the cil^' of Ber- 
lin, in 1847, of Hebrew ancestry. His father. Wolf 
Hyman, is still living tliere, being now past seventy 
years of age. The mother, Rebecca Hyman. died 
wlien her son Aluahain was a small child. The 
latter when a lad of thirteen years crossed the 
Atlantic with an aunt, locating in (4ninc_y, 111., 
where he attended the common school, and where 
his mercantile experience began. 

After coming to this State Mr. Hyman was mar- 
ried in the city of Leavenworth. Oct. 19, 1878, to 
Miss Henrietta Maehol. Tiiis lad\' is likewise a 
native of Germany, and born iii tiie town of Kolma 
near the city of Bolin. in 18.53. She also is of 
Jewish ancestry. She came to the United States 
witli friends when a child, joining a sister in Leaven- 
worth. Kan., where slie lived until her marriage. 
She is well educated botli in German and English. 
Of this union there were born two children onh', 
botli of whom are deceased. Charles and an infant 
wiio died unnamed. 

Mr. Hyman, politically, is rather independent, 
aiming to sujjport the men vvhom he considers the 
best qualified to serve the interests of the people. 
He at one time represented his ward in the City 
Couucii. and is looked upon as a liberal-minded 
and public-spirited citizen. He belongs to Blue 
Lodge, No. 188, A. F. & A. M.. an<l the K. of P.. 
No. (58. 

^'HLOND MONROE. This gentleman lias 
@7Jl ! displayed the New England thrift and en- 



P 



l> erg3' in the accumulation of the property 
which he now possesses, and in the culti- 
vation and adornment of his estate. His farm com- 
prises 320 acres in Whiting Township, Jackson 
County, the same lying in the northwest quarter of 
section 21, and the northeast quarter of section 32. 
His tine residence is on section 21, and is a build- 
ing 28x32 feet, and two stories in height, with a 
oHC-story L 19x26 feet, the whole being finisiied 
iii.-ide and out in a most approved stjie of modern 



architecture. .V mansard roof adds to its height 
and capacity. Numerous granaries, corn-cribs, oat- 
bins, etc., furnisli a<lequate storage room for his 
crops, and the present barn will soon be re|)!aced 
b3- a finer structure, it being the intention of Mr. 
Monroe to erect as good a one as can be found in 
Jackson County. A noticeable feature of the estate 
is the number of forest and shade trees wliicli adorn 
it, and the quantity and variety of fruit cultivated 
thereon. The fruits include apples, phnns. grapes, 
eight varieties of strawberries, blackberries, goose- 
berries, raspberries, and currants. About 500 ev- 
ergreens — pine, spruce and larch — and sycamore, 
ash, box elder, soft maple and walnut sutHcient to 
bring the number of forest trees up to 3,000, iiave 
been planted by Mr. Monroe. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of New 
Hampshire, and a son of Hiram and Eliza (Stowe) 
Monroe. His ancestr}' is an honorable one, the pa- 
ternal line being Scotch-Irish, and tlie maternal 
English. His father was a member of both houses 
of the legislature in New Hampshire, being elected 
on the Democratic ticket. His grandfather was in 
the Revolutionary War. and participated in tiie 
battle of Bunker Hill. He was in the works after 
the rest of the troops had gone, and on leaving the 
ground carried off two muskets, which, on coming 
to a rail fence he used as staffs, by their aid clear- 
ing the fence at one bound. One of these guns is 
kept for a relic in the farail}'. This Sir. Monroe 
had come from Londonderry, Ireland, and settled at 
Concord. Mass. The mother of our subject was a 
daughter of Joel Stowe. who moved from Massa- 
chnssetts to New Hampshire, and the Stowe family 
is traced back 230 ye.ars to Lord Stowe, of England. 

Born iu Hillsboro. Sept. 26, 1836, Mr. Monroe 
attended school in his native place until the age of 
thirteen, and then learned the sash, door and blind 
trade, and worked in tlie cotton factorv until he 
had reached man's estate. He then went to Griggs- 
ville. Pike Co., 111., to -grow up with the country" 
among the early settlers there, and near that place 
he followed farming on rented land for a number 
of vcars. In 1886 he came to this county, having 
previously bought the land on which his residence 
now stands. While a resident of Griggsville, HI., 
he met with a heavv financial loss, a b.ank failure 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALPUiAl. 



-.17 



depriving liim of $1,400, wliicli was all the casli lie 
had at that time. Desirous of building a comfoitable 
iioinc when he moved liis family to Kansas, ho 
worked on in Illinois until he had recovered fiom 
this loss, and then, in April, 1886, he became a 
p'>rmanent resilient here. He hauled his goods on 
to the open prairie, dumped them down, built a 
shanty over them, and then set to work toward the 
building of the beautiful residence where the fam- 
ily is now living, surrounded by the comforts and 
many of the luxuries of life. 

IMr. Monroe is a Democrat, and his first vote 
w:is cast about three hours before he left his native 
place. His first jictive political work was during 
the campaign in Illinois between Lincoln and 
Douglas. He is a member of Whiting Lodge, No. 
2.50, A. F. & A. M. He joined that order in 
Griggsville, over twenty-six years ago, and for six 
years held the office of Master of Griggsville Lodge. 
No. 45. Mrs Monroe is a member of the Congre- 
gational Church, of which her husband is an attend- 
• ant. 

The lady who h.as for a numlier of years been 
.Mr. Monroe's chief counselor and aid, is a daugh- 
ter of Rodnej' and Minerva (Ilosley) Gibson, and 
bears the name of Elizabeth A. Her paternal 
line of descent is from the .Scotch-Irish. Her union 
with our subject was celebrated Oct. 12, 18(55, and 
they are blessed with two children. Emily, a young 
lady who is still at home, his fitted herself for the 
profession of teaching, and was gradnated from the 
Griggsville school, ami subsequently attended the 
Normal University of Ilolton, Kan. Warren E. is a 
young man. and now attending school in Whiting, 
being alrcaily well educated in all the common 
branches. 

Mr. Monroe and his wife have some of the most 
interesting relics in the county. A bright yellow 
silk christening quilt, which is now 243 j'ears old, 
has been in the family since it was made, and w.as 
handed down through the Monroe line. A woolen 
home-made cradle blanket, now 126 years old, lias 
come down through the Stowe family. A set of 
teaspoons, aliout 100 years old, w.is made from 
the knee Inicklesof Mr. Monroe's great-grandfather 
Stowe. The most interesting relic is a paper dated 
in Boston, 1723. from Monday, Feb. 4, to Mond.a}', 



Feb. 11. It is the New England Courant. printed and 
sold by Benjamin Franklin, in (^ueen Street, where 
••advertisements are t.aken in.'' Among the items is 
one that states that the best New Philadelphia 
bolted ••flower" would be sold .at twenty-eight shil- 
lings per 100 pounds. It also contains a speech 
delivered by King George to his Parliament, Oct. 
11. 1722, in which he speaks of the conspiracy then 
being concocted against him. It is needless to 
say that these relics are highly prized and carefully 
preserved. 



LLEN MESKIMEN. This gentleman r.anks 
&inM among the most prominent and successful 

I IS faimers and live-stock dealers in Potta- 
@{ watomie County, and is one of those who 

have acquired a good Snancial standing by hard 
work and good management since coming to this 
se(!tion of country. He was very poor when he 
came to this county about twenty years ago, and 
on May 10, 1870, filed a claim on 160 acres of land 
on section 8, Vienna Township. He afterward 
secured eighty acres as a tree claim, and r.ow has 
the whole in a fine condition. It is well-watered by 
Stafford Creek, and is finely adapted to stock-rais- 
ing, and with its good buildings and well kept 
herds makes up one of the finest stock farms of the 
vicinity. Everythirig about the place indicates the 
character of its owner, and even his domestic tastes 
and habits may be read by the passer-by. in his 
home surroundings. 

Mr. Meskimon came to this township and county 
from Guernsey County, Ohio, where he was born 
March 14, 1843. His father, Abraham Meskinien. 
was a native of Maryland and his grandfather, 
Abraham, .Sr., w.as the first of the name in Amer- 
ica. He came from Ireland about the beginning 
of the seventeenth century and having run awav 
from home was sold in New York City to a .Mr. 
Free to pay for his passage, working until he be- 
came of .age for him. He subsequently married Mr. 
Free's daughter and from them all the Meskimens of 
the Lnited States are descended. Although Abra- 
ham Meskimen. Sr., came' from Ireland he was a 
son of Scotch parents. To him and his wife twelve 
children were born, and one of I hem was the father 



518 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Aliiali.am Meskimen, Jr., and the granrlfather of 
our subject. He lived and died in Mar\land where 
he was occupied in tilling the soil until late in life. 

The father of our subject grew to man's estate 
in Maryland, and was married in Ohio to liis cousin, 
Amelia S. Meskimen, and their marrierl life was 
begun in Guernsey County, where all their chil- 
dren were born. In 1849, the husband and father 
with his eldest son, William, left Ohio for Missouri, 
with the intention of securing more land for his 
children who were growing to manhood. While com- 
ing up the Missouri River and when near Lexington. 
Mo., he died ver}' suddenly of cholera and was laid 
to rest on the banks of the river under the boughs 
of a Cottonwood tree. He was born Feb. 20, 1798, 
and his death took place JLay 14, 1849. He had 
always been a farmer and hud improved a good 
home in Ohio, which previous to his departure for 
Missouri he had sold. His widow repurchased the 
old homestead and there reared her children. She 
is yet living, an active and inlelligent old lady, and 
is now making her home with Itev daughter. Mrs. 
Barbara Ronines, in Clark Countj', 111. She was 
born June 20, 1808, and is therefore now past 
four-score and one years of age. She is a member 
of the Christian Church, and is well beloved by- 
many bej'ond the home circle. 

The parental famil\' was made up of nine sons 
and five daughters, and five sons and four daugh- 
ters lived to manhood and womanhood. William 
and Ira settled in California early in 1849 and be- 
came rich in the mines. Some j'ears after they went 
to the coast; they were murdered for their gold b}' 
Spanirrds. Our subject and his brother David 
were in the Union Army during the late Rebellion. 
Allen Meskimen enlisted on Sept. 17, 1861, as 
a member of Company H., 40lh Ohio Infantry, 
and after three years of service was honorably dis- 
charged, and on the 1st of January, 1864, re-en- 
listed as a veteran, being subsequently' transferred 
to Company I,51stOhio Infantry, receivinghis final 
discharge on the 1st of Kovember. 1865. For some 
jears he was under the command of Gen. Garfield. 
He took part in many of the most bloody engage- 
ments of the war, amongthem being Chickamauga, 
Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Kenesaw 
Mountain. During the hitter engagement, June 



20, 1864, he was injured bj' a shell from the ene- 
my's guns, receiving no other injury during his 
army life exce|)t a serious shock from a piece of 
shell striking his belt at the battle of Nashville. 
In addition to the heavy engagements above men- 
tioned. Mr. Meskimen took part in many minor 
affrays and hard marches, together witii the usual 
picket and camp duties whicli belong to the soldiers 
life. When discharged lie ranked as Corporal in 
his company and left the service with the con- 
sciousness that he had discharged ever3' duty 
which was required of him, in a creditable manner. 

Not long after his return to his home, Mr. Mes- 
kinmen was united in marriage with Mrs. Cath- 
erine Malone nee Banker. The ceremony took 
place in 1866, in Guernsey County, Ohio.where the 
bride was born Aug. 10, 1840. She was the daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Mary C. (Good) Bankei', and her 
mother was a cousin of Gen. George Washington. 
Mr. and Mrs. Banker were natives of Maryland and 
Virginia, respectively, and were married near 
Zanesville, Ohio, beginning their wedded life on a 
farm in Guernsey' County, where both subsequently 
died. Mrs. Banker was born Feb. 11, 180.5, and 
died Sept. 12, 1877. Mr. Banker was born Aug. 
23, 1799, and departed this life Aug. 20, 1881. 
Both were devoted members of the Bajitist Church. 
Mrs. Meskimen was the eighth child in a family of 
four sons and six daughters and lived under tlie 
parental roof until her first marriage. Reuben I. 
Malone, with whom she was then united, was a 
member of Comiianv H, 40tli Ohio Infantry, during 
the Civil War, and was taken prisoner at Mission 
Ridge and was sent, as a prisoner, toLibby, later to 
Belle Isle, and -finall3' to Andersonville. where he 
died from starvation, April 15, 1864, after having 
been in prison seven months. He left one child — 
George J. Malone — who married Miss Nancy R. 
Smith and lives on a farm in this township. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Meskimen has re- 
sulted in the birth of two childi-en. Mary E. is 
the wife of B. E. Tryon, a teacher of instrumental 
music; their home is in Onaga and they have one 
child — John C. Heniy H. is still at home and is 
his father's valued assistant in cultivating the farm. 
Mr. and Mrs. Meskimen attend tiie Baptist Church. 
He is a member of Custer Post, No. 39, G. A. R., 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



519 



ill Onaga. In politics, lie is a Republican. He has 
served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Treas- 
urer in the township. As a citizen, Mr. Meskimen 
is interested in every movement wliich will tend 
to advance the welfare of the community, and 
as a neighbor, he is social and kindly; and both 
he and the members of his household are highly 
regarded bv those 'among whom their lot is cast. 



-<^'^^=t+^-- 



-//A LLEN C. COCHRAN, late a highly re- 
@/JI spected resident of Pottawatomie County, 
li' died at his residence at Westmoreland, 
(^ Kan., at the age of fifty-five years. Me 

was one of the first settlers of Westmoreland, and 
a successful merchant, who. step by step grew up 
with the town and surrounding country, and ut the 
time of liis decease was the largest dealer in the 
city. His life iiad been so ordered, both in social 
and business circles, as to commend him to his fel- 
low-citizens as one eminently worthy of their con- 
fidence and esteem. Mr. Cochran, on the morning 
of the d.ay of iiis decease, went to his store looking 
hale and iiearty, and apparently in good spirits. 
He returned to dinner and supper in a similar con- 
dition. After supiici' he went back to his store as 
usual, and after waiting upon numerous customers, 
seated himself at his desk, when suddenly he was 
prostrated uiion tlie floor, b\- a stroke of paralysis. 
He was carried to his residence in a state of uncon- 
sciousness, and placed upon the bed, vviiere he ex- 
pired about 1 A. M. 

Allen C. Cochran was born in Hamilton Countj-, 
Ind., Aug. 5, 1833. When two years old, his par- 
ents removed to Shelby County. III., and from 
there later to Wapello County, Iowa, where young 
Allen grew to mature years and comi)leted bis edu- 
cation. There also he was married to ]\Iiss Blary 
Shaul, Jlay 30, 1856. In the fall of 1857, Mr. and 
Mrs. Allen caine to Kansas, landing here on the 7tli 
of November. They located on Cross Creek, at 
Buck's Grove, Jackson County, and lived there for 
a period of twelve years. Mr. Cochran took up a 
tract of wild land, put up a log house, and gradu- 
ally gathered around himself and his family, tha 
comforts of life. The trip from Iowa was made 



overland with a team, occupying three weeks. The 
nearest depots for provisions were Leavenworth 
and Atchison, to whicli they went twice a year in 
the fall and spring, tin; journey occupying two 
weeks. Their nearest mail station was at Grass- 
hopper Falls, thirty miles away. All kinds of wild 
game were plentiful, and buffaloes were frequently 
seen along the Blue River. Mr. Cochran brought 
his land to a good state of cultivation, and [nit out 
fruit and forest trees, besides effecting other good 
improvements. When the post-office was estab- 
lished at Bucks Grove, he ivas appointed Post- 
master, wdiich position he held until the time of 
leaving. For some time after settling there, they 
had only two neighbors for miles around. 

Selling out in 1860, Mr. Cochran and his family 
removed to Westmoreland, purchasing a small 
place and putting up a store, the first building of 
the kind in the town. He, likewise, was the first 
actual settler on tiie present town site, sojourning 
in a tent on the prairie, until he could provide a 
better shelter. He was likewise the Postmaster for 
two terms. In due time he purchased eighty acres 
of land adjoining the town limits, and laid out 
Cochran's first and second additions. 

The first stone house erected in Westmoreland, 
was put up by Mr. Cochran in 187G, on the corner 
of State and Fourth Streets. He was thus one of 
the leading men of the community which gradually 
grew up around him, and as time passed on, held 
manj' positions of trust and responsibility, serving 
as Justice of tlie Peace and in the minor offices. 
At the time of Price's raid, he was a Lieutenant in 
the Home Guards. When a youth of seventeen 
years, he identified himself with the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and later officiated for many years as 
Class-Leader, Su|)erintendent of the Sunday-school, 
and in other oHicial capacities. He and his estima- 
ble wife were among the first in forming the first 
'dass of a Methodist society in Jackson County. 
Their home was tiie headquarters of the ministers, 
and their hospitable doors were always oi)en for 
every good pur[)Ose. 

Mrs. Mary (Shaul) Cochran was born in Indiana, 
May G, 1838, and when fourteen years old, re- 
moved with her parents to Wapello County. Iowa. 
Moses Shaul, the father, was a farmer and carpen- 



>20 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ter combined. I'pou leaving Iowa, be removed to 
Jackson County', Kan. His wife, Mrs. Raeliel (Ben- 
nett) Shaul, died in Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Cochran 
were born tbe following children, six of whom are 
living, viz: Laura A.. Mrs. William Grutzinacher, 
of Westmoreland; James P., Francis H., Willie E., 
David O.. and Richard PL; Charles died in 1883; 
Susan and Clara died when each about one year 
old. Mrs. Cochran is a lady greatly respected in 
her community, possessing more tlian ordinary in- 
telligence, and all the qualities of a Christian wife 
and mother. 



'-'--^^^6^i^e^^i:y<t< 



-c-V 



1^ SRAEL McCOMA.S, who is one of the leading 
I citizens of Jackson County, owns and occupies 
_\ a fine farm consisting of 280 broad acres in 
Jefferson Township. This estate has been changed 
by its owner from the primitive condition of raw 
prairie to a highly improved and productive 
acreage, and is a standing monument of the success 
which may attend the labors of a poor boy if he 
is endowed b3' nature with determination, per- 
severance, and a willingness and strengtii to endure. 
Mr. McComas is financially self-made, having 
started in life empty handed at the age of sixteen 
years. He is a son of Sanders W. JlcComas, de- 
ceased, who w.as one of the first settlers in this 
township, his arrival here having been on April 16, 
1855. and his dwelling the first erected in the 
township. 

The father of our subject was a native of \'ir- 
ginia and a son of Moses and Lucy (Knapper) 
McComas, who were Scotch-Irish, and early settlers 
in the Old Dominion. Moses McComas was a 
farmer and during the Indian war served under 
Gen. Harrison. Sanders McComas was reared on 
his father's farm, and was in the army during the 
Mormon war. He was married to the mother of 
our subject about 1835 and left his native State 
in 184'2, to take up his residence in Platte County, 
Mo., where he preempted and improved a farm, 
upon which he lived until he came to this county 
as above stated. The motherof our subject died 
in 1847, and the father subsequently married JMrs. 
Nancy McPiUe, nee Boydstou, a native of Ten 



nessee. By his first marriage he became the father 
of four children. Benjamin J. died at the age of 
forty, leaving a widow and three sons; David, who 
was a member of the oth Kansas Infantry' during 
the late war, died in 186C, also leaving a family; 
Cynthia is the wife of Archibald D. Abel of this 
township. To the second marriage six children 
were born. Chloe is now the \<*ife of James AVil- 
son of Texas; Lucy is the wife of James Baxter of 
this county; Saiah is the wife of James Burnison 
of Pottawatomie County; Louaria, now deceased, 
was the wife of James Moore of this county; 
Thomas is deceased; Burke is the wife of Joseph 
Stauffer. 

The father took an active i)art in politics and 
was frequeutl}' solicited to become a candidate for 
office. He was for manj' years Constable and 
Deputy Sheriff in Missouri, and held numerous 
township offices. His vote was given to the Dem- 
ocratic paity. He belonged to the A. F. & A. M., 
and to the Methodist Episcopal Church South. 
During his pioneer life he underwent many hard- 
ships in common with others of that class, but his 
house was ever open to the friendless and dis- 
tressed, and new-comers found in him a licaity 
friend. He was noted for his generosity to tlie 
poor, and as a man of progressive ideas, inter- 
ested in education and every good work, and out- 
spoken in his opinions. He was not only self-made 
in a financial sense, but was also self-educated. He 
endured some of the trials which the "bloody 
days" of Kansas brought to the lot of its resi- 
dents and was ever ready to answer a call of dutv. 

Our subject, Israel McComas, the third in the 
parental family, w.as reared on the farm in Platte 
County. Mo., receiving such an education as could 
be obtained at the subscription schools in a new 
country, and laboring as hard as his 3ears would 
allow between the terms of school. He not only 
helped to improve the farm there, but also the one 
in this county to which his father removed. In 
1860, he went to Pike's Peak with an ox-team. Imt 
returned in the fall of the same year, .ind in the 
following spring was united in marriage to i\Iiss 
J. E. Horn, a native of Clay County, Mo. Three 
children resulted from their union, one of them 
being deceased. Mildred J. is tiie wife of Lymaa 



^ 



,jm' 





^ ^t 





/i^o-^'Tno^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



523 



Allen of lliis township, and Anna is still at home. 
The first wife of our subject died in 18G4. 

Mr. McComus was again married in February, 
1866, his bride beinjj; Miss Martha E. Johnson, a 
native of the Buckeye .State. Her father, Samuel 
Johnson, was born in New York and came to this 
county in 1861, dying the same year. This union 
has resulted in tiie birth of seven children.. Nancy 
is the wife of John Eaclen of this county; Edna is 
a music teacher, still making her home under the 
parental roof; Frances is the wife of F. M. Myers 
of this countj-; Hattie, Marquis M., Maud and 
Katie, complete the group. 

Mr. McComas is a Republican and much inter- 
ested in the suceess of the part3' principles. He 
lias filled the ofHce of Township Treasurer. Both 
he and his wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and both are among the well- 
esteemed members of the (tommunitj-. Mr. Mc- 
Comas has made a specialt}' of stock-raising and 
feeding. He attributes his success to hard work 
and good management, and all who know his life 
concur in this opinion. 



■<^^ttt^i--^-' 



>*»-»<+ 



OIIN W. WILHOIT, M. I)., whose office is 
at .St, -George, Pottawatomie County, is a 
young man of fine eilucalion, with a thor- 
ough understanding of the principles of 
Tliera|)eutics, and a frank and manly bearing which 
prepossesses one in his favor. He belongs to an 
educated and cultured family, of the region -south 
of the Ohio River, where culture and refinement 
seem inbred, and his ancestry is not shamed by his 
own ct)urteous manners, and excellent char.acter. 
In Ihc line of his chosen work, he already exhiliits 
a keenness of i)erception, and an .accurate judg- 
ment of symi)toms and constitutions, which wouM 
do credit to one of much larger experience, and his 
fine practice is a legitimate result therefrom. He 
is the only physician located at St. George, and his 
pr.actice extends to within two miles of Manhattan, 
and one and a half miles of AVamego. 

The [)arents of Dr. Wilhoit were James A. and 
Matilda A. (Boggs) AVilhoit. The former w.as a 
native of Kentucky, and in that Stale s|)ent his life 



engaged in the peaceful occuimtion of farming. He 
served as Justice of the Pence for twenty years, and 
was highly respected by his fellow-citizens. His 
death took place Aug. 26", 1873. The mother was 
born in Virginia, and is still living, her home being 
at Olive Hill, Kj., and her .ago seventy ^^ears. To 
this worthy couple eleven children were born, eight 
of tliem being now alive. One of the sons, E. B. 
Wilhoit, has been an attorney at Grayson, Kv., for 
twenty years. During the late war he served three 
years in the Union army as a member of the 22d 
Kentucky Infantry. At the close of the war he 
was appointed Assessor and Collector of Internal 
Revenue at his place of residence. He has also 
served as County Attornej' one term, and w.as ap- 
pointed Judge of the district, pro tern. He is both 
a Miison and an Odd Fellow, and fills the position of 
Vice-President of the Graj'son Bank. Another son, 
James B., is also an attorney at Grayson; George 
W. is a teacher in Carter Count_y; two daughters 
were also engaged in the [jrofession of teaciiing. 

Dr. Wilhoit was born in Carter Countj', Ky., 
Aug. 9, 1853, and after completing the course of 
instruction in the district scliools, attended the 
State Normal School at Carlisle for two terms, and 
subscquentlj' entered the Centr.al Normal College at 
Danville, Ind., early in December, 1881. He had 
previously taught school in his native State for eight 
terms, having charge ot his first school three terms 
in succession. He also served as county examiner 
of teachers in his native county. In 1880 he com- 
menced the stud}- of medicine under Dr. L. Prich- 
ard of Grayson. His first course of lectures was 
taken in 1882, at the Louisville IMedical College, 
after which he in-acticed in Nebiaska fur a few 
months. His course of medical instiuction was 
cumplftcd at the Northwestern Medical College in 
St. Joseph, Mo., in 1881, prior to which lime, on 
M.aj' 4, 1883, he had located in Westmoreland, this 
count}'. From there he removed to St. George in 
1886, and during the period of his residence here 
has become well and favorably known. 

The lad}' whom Dr. Wilhoit chose for his com - 
pinion in life, was one whom he had known from 
infancy, and with whose nublc qualities of heart 
and mind he was well acquainted. She was Miss 
Jennie Armstrong, and was descended, like himself, 



524 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



from prominent families of Virginia fiud Kentucky. 
Her parents are .lames H. and Eliza A. (Watson) 
Armstronw.the former a native of WestA'irginiajand 
the latter a member of the well-known Watson fam- 
ily of the Blue Grass State. The marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Armstrong took place in Kentuck}-, and tlie3' 
still reside there, Mr. Armstrong holding a promi- 
nent position among the residents of Carter County, 
where he has held many responsible public oQices. 
Among others he has served as Clerk of the Court, 
and later as Deputy Clerk ; has been Slieriflf two 
terms, and has held the position of County Super- 
intendent of Schools. He owns a large farm of 
1.000 acres near Olive Hill. To himself and wife 
eleven children have been born, of whom Mrs. Wil- 
hoit is the fourth in order of birth. Her e3'es 
opened to the light in Carter County, Ky., April 1, 
1858, and she received a good education in the 
schools of the county, and a careful training in 
womanly graces at homo. In 1881, she came West 
to visit an uncle, John Hovverton. of Rossville, 
Shawnee County, and on Sept. 22, 1882, she was 
there united in marriage with Dr. Wilhoit. The 
happy union has been blessed by the birth of three 
children: James C. came to gladden their hearts 
July 15, 1884; Delia was born A|iril 23. 1886. and 
Lyda M.. Jan. 31, 1887. 

Dr. Wilhoit has always been a Republican. He 
belongs to the I. O. O. F., at Grayson, Kj-.. and is 
a member of the Pottawatomie County Medical So- 
ciety, of which he was an organizer. He is now 
the Director of the School Board in St. George. 
Mrs. Wilhoit is a member of the Christian Church, 
and both are highly res[)ected in this locality. 

Accompanying this sketch, the reader will fiud a 
jjortrait of Dr. Wilhoit. 

-5 #-# 5- 

\fL^ON. ROBERT P. HAYNES. Tliere is prob- 
ll/jl ably not a more popular man or liberal- 
^^' minded citizen in Jefferson County than he 
l^) with whose name we introduce this bio- 
graphical outline. His wealth and influence have 
been directed into worthy channels, and he has thus 
been enabled to be of great service among the va- 
rious interests which have resulted in the growth 



and development of the county. He has been a 
resident of Perry since 1888. and while giving his 
attention largely to the practice of law also prose- 
cutes a thriving business in real estate. He is a 
very active member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church — in fact one of its pillars. A shrewd and 
far-seeing business man, he has been usually success- 
ful in his undertakings and h.'~.s learned much from 
a broad experience of life in its different phases. 

A native of Virginia, Mr. Haynes was born Dee. 
9, 1821, and lived there until approaching man- 
hood, pursuing his early studies in the subscription 
school. He can distinctly remember the last visit 
of LaFayette^to America in 1824. He remained 
under the home roof until reaching his majority, 
then engaged as a farm laborer in Montgomery 
County, Ohio. Later he purchased land in Green 
Count}', that State, and putting up a log cabin 
cleared a farm of 110 acres from the wilderness. 
He added to his landed possessions until he became 
the ovvner of 400 acres, and finally- began dealing 
in live stock, buying and shipping horses and cat- 
tle. He also operated a flouring-mill in Green 
County, and dealt in grain to a large extent, buy- 
ing for the Government. In the meantime, having 
a good knowledge of common' law, he became Jus- 
tice of the Peace, and in addition to his other in- 
terests engaged in general merchandising. 

lu the spring of 1867 Mr. Ha3rnes, leaving Ohio, 
made his- way to Davis Count}', Ind. In the former 
I State he witnessed the operation of the first rail- 
road. At the time of going to Indiana venison was 
plenty and other wild game abounded. Mr. Haynes 
located in Davis Count}-, and purchased 320 acres 
of land in the vicinity of Washington, the county- 
seat, lying between the two White Rivers. Here 
also he prosecuted farming and stock-raising, mak- 
ing a specialty of blooded cattle. In the meantime 
he employed his leisure hours in the study of law, 
being ambitious to fit himself for the bar and was 
admitted as a barrister to the County Court in 
1869. While in Indiana he had been under the 
instruction of Judge Pierce. 

Mr. Haynes, in 1871. after having filled many 
positions of trust and responsibility, was elected to 
represent the people of Davis County in the Indi- 
ana Looislature and served one term. During this 



POiriRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



525 



time he was a member of several important com- 
mittees, inchidiiig Rights and Privileges of the In- 
habitants of the State of Indiana, Appropriations, 
Public Expenditures and Canals. Later lie was 
elected a member of the State Board of Agriculture 
as tlie successor of Gov. Williams, ofticialing as 
such five years, and serving as Chairman of llie 
Executive Committee. Later he was a member of 
the Executive Committee of Perdue College at 
Lafayette, Ind. In the meantime he was sent to 
Canada by the State to purciiase fine stock with 
which to stock the college farm, and was connected 
with the interests of this institution for five or six 
years thereafter, having, with the members of the 
Executive Committee, upward of $350,000 under 
his control. At the same time he was Secretary of 
the State House Commission and wrote the con- 
tract for the erection of this building. 

In 1878, returning to to Washington, Ind., Mr. 
Haynes turned his attention to the practice of law 
in connection with operating his farm an') conduct- 
ing a real-estate and loan business. He was also a 
Notarj- Public. In 1884 he disposed of his inter- 
ests in Indiana, and coming to Kansas located near 
Topeka, and purchased three farms in partnership 
with his sons. In the spring of 1887 he transferred 
the scene of his operations to Perry and purchased 
210 acres of land adjoining the town. After effect- 
ing considerable improvements in this he sold out 
and removed inside the city limits. He still retains 
his interest in the land near Topeka and owns con- 
siderable real estate in Perrj^ including a brick 
block and several lots besides his residence. He is 
still interested in live stock, buying and shipping, 
and likewise deals in grain and all kinds of provis- 
ions. He also has an interest in the Perry mill. 

Mr. Haynes was married, in Green County, Ohio, 
Eeb. 8, 1843, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob 
Darst. Mr. Darst was born in "Virginia and was a 
prominent resident of Dayton, Ohio, and a leader 
in the Christian Church. Seven children have been 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Haynes: the second son, 
Charles, enlisted in the 74th Ohio Infantry during 
the late war, and died in Green County, Ohio, in 
1862 or 1L63; Jacob M. acquired a good business 
education, being graduated from the college in 
Cleveland, Ohio, and now occupies the (josition of 



foreman in a machine factory in Topeka; John is 
married and farming near Topeka; Samuel was 
graduated from Asbury rniversity in Indiana, and 
likewise operates a farm near Topeka; Joseph 
taught school during his younger years, but is now a 
farmer and stock-raiser near Topeka; Robert is the 
station agent at Perry, in the employ of the Union 
Pacific Railroad; he completed his studies in Per- 
due University. Mary E. is the wife of A. H. 
McBrier, a farmer of Davis County, Ind. 

During his sojourn in Indiana Mr. Ha3'nes was 
appointed a Notarj- Public by the late lamented 
Thomas A. Hendricks. In Shawnee Countj'. this 
State, he served for some time as a Justice of the 
Peace. He associated himself with the I. O. O. F. 
at Dayton, Ohio, in 1852. He lias been a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church since Nov. 19, 
1839, and assisted in the erection of the church 
edifice at Perrj', being a member of the Board of 
Trustees. He is a strong temperance man and has 
been a Republican in politics since the election of 
James A. Garfield. He has done good service for 
his party in this section, being frequently sent as a 
delegate to the county and State conventions. He 
also attended the Democratic National Convention 
at Baltimore which nominated Horace Greeley for 
President, and at Chicago when McClellan was 
nominated. 

The father of our subject was Jacob Il.avnes, a 
native of Pennsylvania and the son of Andiew 
Haynes, who was also born there and who traced his 
ancestry to Germany, (irandfather Hajnes fol- 
lowed farming all his life; his son Jacob employed 
himself as a meclianic, and was engaged in tlie 
armory at Harfjcr's Ferry, in tiip employ of the 
Government from 1810 until 1837. In tlie mean- 
time he served in the War of 1812 and i)arlici- 
pated in the battle of Blandensburg. In 1837 he 
emigrated to Ohio and located on land in the vicin- 
ity of Chillicothe, where he engaged in farming and 
became well-to-do. He finally retired from active 
labor, and died in Bellbrook in 1872, at the age of 
eio'htj'-eight years. He was a Democrat of the old 
Jacksonian type, and during his younger years 
belonged to the German Reformed Church. Later 
he Identified himself with the Methodists. 

The motlier of Mr. Ilavnes bore the maiden 



526 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



name of Mary Reed; she was born in Philadelphia, 
Pa., and was the daughter of AVilliam Reed a native 
of County Tyrone, Ireland, who emigrated to 
America, employed himself as a mechanic and mar- 
ried a Miss Patterson. In religion he was a Pres- 
byterian; he likewise was a carpenter in the employ 
of the Government at Harper's Ferry, and died 
there in 1832. The wife and mother liad passed 
away at the same place in 1828. They were the 
])arents of four children, the eldest of whom, a son, 
John, died when sixty -six years old ; Robert P. was 
the second child ; Jacob is a merchant of Dayton, 
Ohio; Elizabeth, the only daughter, died in Chilli- 
cothe. that State. After the death of his first wife 
Mr. Haynes was married again, and there was born 
one ilaiighter, Virginia S., who is now a Professor 
of music at Dayton. 

■it: OHN B. BROWN. Although by no means 
an old man, this gentleman is one of the old 
residents of Nortonville and well known as 
the host of the Commercial House. His 
citizenship of Jefferson County dates from 1870, 
and from that period of time he lias been identified 
with the development of the count}', and more 
particularly since becoming a resident of tliig citj^. 
has held a prominent place among the citizens, his 
moral character, his financial tact and energy, and 
ills intelligent understanding of the needs of tlie 
community, fitting him for great usefulness. 

Mr. Brown was born in Clermont County, Ohio, 
in January, 1845, and spent his boyliood on a farm 
near Pekin. his resources in the way of schooling- 
being limite'd to about lluee months' attendance in 
a twelvemonth. His i)arents removed to Menard 
County, 111., settting on a farm near Athens, wliere 
he grew to manliood and where, in August, 18(58, 
he was united in marriage witii Miss Mary Power, 
a native of Sangamon County, 111. The father of 
the bride was born in Kentucky, but was for some 
time a resident of Sangamon County, and died 
there when his daughter was very young; his widow 
subsequently married Joseph Batte, and they now 
live in Nortonville. Kan. 

The second year after their marriase Mr. and 



Mrs. Brown came to the West and located in Jeff- 
erson County; three miles south of the location 
where Nortonville was subsequently built Mr. 
Brown purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he 
operated until after the town was started, and lie 
then moved to the village and opened a real-estate 
office, dealing in wild land and acting as agent for 
the large non-resident holders. At the lime wiien lie 
became a townsman, the population of the place 
was made up of the families of Jolin Taggart, Dr. 
R. D. Webb, Wesley Cummings, John Haines, 
Robert Neelcy, f^dvvin ^laddox, D. F. K. Dorr, 
B. F. Payne and Mrs. Stout. Mr. Taggart is now 
a banker in White Cil}', Kan.; Mv. Cummings is a 
merchantat Effingham, 111.; Mr. Neeley has returned 
to Missouri, where he liad formerly lived; Mrs. 
Stout removed to Oregon, and Mr. Payne is a me- 
chanic at Plainfield, Kan.; Dr. Webb and Messrs. 
Haynes, Maddos and Dorr are still residents of 
Nortonville. Messrs. O. W. Babcock and Oliver 
Davis, partners for many years, live just over the 
line, and have alw,ays been identified with the 
interests of the town, and are among its first citi- 
zens to-day. 

At the period of which we are speaking all the 
land in the county was for sale and customers few, 
and the best real-estate agent was generally the one 
who could first obtai4> a hearing by them and pre- 
cede all others in sliowing the intended purchaser 
about. When a man would stop in the town and 
express a desire to purchase land, he would be taken 
by the agent in a buggy over the open prairie until 
a tract was found that would suit him in price and 
location, if such a thing were possible. The corner 
stone was then found, a small i)ayment made to 
bind the bargain, which was then considered closed. 
The land varied in price from $;j to ^10 per acre. 

The office of Mr. Brown was a 20x24 foot room 
on Railroad Street, which was destroyed by fire in 
1885. Our subject continued in the real-estate 
business for about eight years, during which time 
he erected two buildings, in one of which he liveil 
and which is now owned and occupied by James L. 
Ehnorc, and is the handsomest residence in town; 
the other edifice was a two-story structure, 20x28 
feet, the lower floor fitted up for a store and the 
upper for an office. When ;\Ir. Brown abandoned 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



527 



the real-estate business lie engaged in stock-dealing 
vvilh Mr. Layson. In 1883 they bought out the 
Coinnicicial House and Jlr. Rr(jvvu took it in 
charge, and during the Cleveland administration he 
had charge of the post-oflice also. 

Since he has lived in Nortonville. ]\Ir. Brown 
has held the ofhce of .Justice of the Peace ev'ery 
year except two, and he was Mayor of the city dur- 
ing two terms. He is Democratic in politics, and was 
nominated for Probate .Judge on his party ticket. 
He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, his member- 
ship being in Mt. Zion Lodge, No. 266, at Norton- 
ville. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of 
the Christian Church, and the former took quite a 
prominent part in building the ediSce in which the 
Disciijles. of Nortonville, worship. 



^tACOB p. IvL'N1vI<:L, dealer in real eatate, 
and member of the mercantile firm of A'an 
Meek & Kunkel, is an old settler and 
highly respected citizen of Jefferson County, 
and a prominent and influential resident of Perry. 
He was born near AVilliarasi)ort, Lycoming Co., 
Pa., Sept. li), 1829, and until his sixteenth year 
lived upon a farm, having but limited school ad- 
vantages, as his attendance was in a log school 
house three miles distant from his home. At the 
age of sixteen years he began working in the iron 
works at Danville and Bloomsberg. and soon after- 
ward was apprenticed at the blacksmith's trade, 
which he followed for two years. He then went 
into the pine woo<ls in Cogan Valley, and spent 
five years as engineer in a sawmill. 

Young Kunkel then bought a mill and fifty 
acres of land, in partnership with a Mr. Whiting, 
and ran the mill for two years, after which be sold 
and took large contracts for sawing lumber. He 
had done exceeding well until 18.')7. when he de- 
termined to come to Kansas. In the spring of 1858, 
therefore, he came by rail to Jefferson City, Mo., 
thence by steamer to Kansas City, which was then 
but a small town without a hotel, and thence by 
stage to Lecompton. the first capital of Kansas. 
>Ir. Knnkel was one of the first settlers on the 



Ivansas Kivei-, where he engaged in contracting and 
sawing lumber. In the spring of 1860 he crossed 
tlie plains with an ox-team, being forty-two days 
in reaching Denver, which was then a Govern- 
ment post, and great headquarters for gamblers. 
Mr. Kunkel bought a half interest in a gulch mine, 
ami \\'(Jrked it for nearly two j'ears, but losing .the 
most of his money there, he again engaged in saw- 
milling, prosecuting that work in tlie mountains un- 
til the spring of 1864, when the gold excitement in 
.Montana drew him to that Territory. 

Our subject and two other men with ox-tearas 
went to the Platte River, which they crossed about 
100 miles west of Ft. Laramie, and there formed a 
company of 300 people, with a caravan of ninety- 
sis wagons, to explore and take a short cut to ^'ir- 
ginia City. They employed Maj. Bridges as their 
guide and scout, paying him $1,000 in cash and a 
good mule. The party spent four months pros- 
pecting through the countrj', and pushed on to 
Virginia City, over a path that had never before 
been trodden by white men, thus opening a new 
and shorter route to that place. Several times the^' 
were corralled by the Snake and Flat Head Indians, 
and had it not been for Maj. Bridges, who was ac- 
quainted with the tribes and their languages, and 
who had married into the Flat Head tribe, not a 
man would have been left to tell the story. 

Mr. Kunkel located in Virginia City, which was 
then two years old, and having traded for a team 
of horses, began teaming and hauling. When the 
busy season was over he went to Boise Cit}-, Idaho, 
and engaged with a p.ack train to carr3' provisions 
to the mines. After having (continued this em- 
ployment for a year, he went to Walla Walla, 
Wash., which was then just started, and wintered 
there, taking uj) his work with a pack train in the 
spring. The train was run to different points, and 
had five drivers. In the fall they loaded for Black- 
foot City, and on tiieir way back to Walla AValla 
they were compelled to make a detour of some 200 
miles on account of a heavy fall of snow. At one 
place they were obliged to camp for three weeks on 
five days' rations, and the weather was so cold that 
the animals would freeze to death. Timber was 
plenty on the banks of the lake where they were 
camping, and the men kept themselves warm by 



528 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



piling logs and keeping up a large fire, and lived 
on mule tiesli. After they had been in camp about 
tliree weeks the "Chinook" winds came on, and 
soon melted the snow, so that they were able to 
make their way across the prairies to Snake River. 
Here the ice was Ijrokeii up. and it was impossible 
to cross the river until it had floated past. When 
the water was sufficiently clear for crossing, they 
succeeded in getting an Indian to row two of them 
across for the sura of §4, wiiich terms they made 
after dickering a half day. The two comrades 
made their wa^' on foot toward Walla Walla, and 
though it began snowing about five o'clock, they 
traveled nearly all night. They finally came to a 
gulch where a bunch of willows grew, and here 
they lighted a fire and stopped to rest. Our sub- 
ject wa^j so tired that he seemed to have lost all 
care as to what should become of him. and he 
would no <loubt have perished there in the snow 
bj' freezing to death if the howls of the wolves had 
not kept him awake. Toward daylight the com- 
rades bestirred themselves and continued their 
journe}-, and had proceeded but about one-half a 
mile when they heard dogs barking, and soon after- 
ward reached a fence, which indicated the proxim- 
ity of a settler. Mr. Kunkel was so completely 
worn out that be leaned against the fence and went 
to sleep. His partner, Pat, went on to the ranch 
and obtained help, and he was taken into the house 
and given the hearty welcome which a frontiers- 
man always accords to a stranger, and especially to 
a stranger in need. The next day Mr. Kunkel was 
unable to walk, but the d,ay following he started 
and consumed three days in traversing a distance 
of sixteen miles. This was the hardest trip he ever 
made, and he vowed that he would never spend 
another winter in the mountains. 

This incident transpired in the fall and winter of 
1865, and during the following summer Mr. Kun- 
kel was emploj'ed as an engineer in a sawmill, re- 
ceiving ^-t per d,«iy and his board for his labors. 
In the fall of 1866 he sold his effects and left Port- 
land for San Francisco, intending to go home via 
the Isthmus of Panama and New York. The voy- 
age made him so sick that he abandoned the idea 
of proceeding further in that wa3', and spent the 
winter in California, and in the spring returned 



to Walla Walla. There he fell in with a parly 
who were going to Helena, Mont., and he acted as 
their guide, their journey covering 600 miles, and 
being made via Blackfoot City. The partj' dis- 
banded at Helena, and our subject took the stfige 
coach for Ft. Benton, on the Missouri River, 
whence he embarked on the steamer "Ft. Benton," 
on which he made the trip of 3,000 miles to Leav- 
enworth. 

Mr. Kunkel came to this county July 7. 1867. 
and purchased 120 acres of railroad land at $7 per 
acre, on the Grassliopper or Delaware River. Ten 
months later he sold it and opened a blacksmith- 
shop at Jledina, which he ran for a number of 
j-ears, and then engaged in farming, improving 
320 acres in Kentucky Township. This he oper- 
ated till 1887, when he sold it and bought forty 
acres in the corporate limits of Perry, built a resi- 
dence and moved into town. In the spring of 
1888 he engaged in the real-estate, loan and insur- 
ance business, and in the f.all of 1889 purchased a 
half interest in a stock of general merchandise, and 
became a member of the firm of Van Vleck & Kun- 
kel. The firm owns a double store, and cariies a 
full line of general merchandise, doing an extensive 
business, and ranking as the leading mercantile es- 
tablishment in the town. 

In this place, in the year 1872, the rites of wed- 
lock were celebrated between Mr. Kunkel and Mrs. 
Maria Shepard, who was born in Harrisburg, Pa., 
and is a daughter of Richard Gregg, a native of 
England, and a prominent and enterprising mer- 
chant of Harrisburg. Mrs. Kunkel had three chil- 
dren by her first marriage: Mary attended tlie 
Lecompton University, and is now the wife of Mv. 
Fowler, a farmer in Kentucky Township; Sophro- 
nia, now Mrs. Barnes, is living in Colorado; Lizzie 
has attended Baldwin University, and is still with 
her mother. 

Mr. Kunkel is a son of Jacob Kunkel, who 
was born in the Keystone State, and was the son 
of a German. Jacob Kunkel was an early settler 
in Lycoming County, to which he went when a 
j'oung man, and where he prospered in agricultural 
work, and became a prominent citizen. He mar- 
ried Miss Annie Eggler, who was born near Harris- 
burg, and whose father. John Eggler, a farmer in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



529 



the lve3-stone Slate, had served in the War of 1812. 
Both the parents died in Pennsj'lvania. Their 
famih' comprised ten ehildrrn: William and Cath- 
erine are deceased: Aaron is living in the Keystone 
.State; .Jerjme, in Xew INIexieo; Rebecca is de- 
ceased; Henry lives in Wisconsin; the next on ti;e 
family roll is our snbject; Charles, who lives in 
Kentucky Township, served three years in a Kan- 
sas regiment during- the Civil War; John and 
Phtebe arc living in Pennsylvania; Jerome served 
two years in the Mexican AVar, and three years in 
the Civil War, during the latter being Captain in a 
Kansas regiment; he is now an ex- Representa- 
tive. 

Mr. Knnkel has been a member of the School 
Board, and has filled other local oliices. He is now 
serving as Notary Public, ha\ing been appointed 
by ex-Gov, JNLartin. He lias served on both grand 
and petit juries, and is an active worker in the 
ranks of the Republican party. He is Trustee and 
Steward of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
one of its most enterprising members. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Kunkel have been born one child, Ida B., wlio 
was born Jan. 25, 187.'). 



^OlIN E. ROSS. Among the younger nifin- 
bers of the farming community of Enirview 
Townshii). Mr. Ross occupies a position in 
the front ranks. Enterprising, progressive 
and industrious, he is successfully tilling 320 acres 
of land and is owner of 160 acres, comprising the 
southeast quarter of section 16. He is already in 
good circumstances with a fair outlook for the 
future. His father. Henry Ross, a prominent resi- 
dent of Eairview Township, came to Kansas in 
1868 and is numbered among the leading citizens 
of Jefferson County. His biography will be found 
on another page in this volume. 

The sixth in a family of eight children, .lohn E. 
Ross was born April 10, 1860. in Seott County, 
Tenn., and until a child of eight years he spent his 
lime there on a farm and in the Jellico Mountains, 
Teun. He then accompanied his parents to Kansas, 
assisted in constructing a farm from an uncultivated 
tract of land, and remained under the parental roof 



until a j'outh of eighteen years. In the meantime 
he enjoyed good school advantages and became 
familiar witli the art of farming in all its branches. 
In 1878 he began operating for himself on a rented 
farm in Oskaloosa Township, Jefferson County. 
which he conducted successfullj- two years and was 
then in condition to become owner of the quarter 
section which remains in his possession. Eor this 
he paid $.'5 [ler acre, and immediately set about 
making improvements, clearing the land, breaking 
the sod and erecting the necessary buildings. In 
1884 he removed to that ujion which he now re- 
sides and operates this in connection with his own 
land. He has of the latter about ninely-tive acres 
under the plow and gives his attention largelj' to 
the raising of wheat and feeding cattle and swine. 
He utilizes two teams in his farm work. 

Shortly after reaching the uineteentli year of his 
age Mr. Ross was married, Dec. 19, 1879, to Miss 
Eliza Chitwood. This lady was born in Scott 
County. Tenn., March 27. 1860, and is the daughter 
of W. R. and Jane Chitwood, the former of whom 
w,as a native of the same place as his daughter and 
born July 8, 1829. The paternal grandfather, 
William Chitwood, likewise a native of Tennessee, 
was an expert hunter, and also owned a large farm 
of 250 acres in Seott County. He was a prominent 
citizen and a member in gooil standing of the Bap- 
tist Church. The father of Mrs. Ross also farmed 
in Tennessee and during the Civil War served 
ninety days, in 1863, with the Burnside exi)editioii. 
He came to Kansas with his family in 1868, locating 
on section 21 . P^iirview Township. Jefferson County, 
where he now lives and is the owner of 215 acres 
of welldevelojied land. This he has built up into 
a very attractive homestead and is well-to-do. He 
is a man of influence in his community and a prom 
inent member of the liajitist Church. 

Mrs. Jane (Campbell) Chitwood, the mother of 
Mrs. Ross, was born in Whitley County, Ky., Jan. 
30, 1832. Her father, William Campbell, was born 
in Middle Tennessee, whence he removed to Whitley 
County, Ky., when a small boy. His father. .lames 
Camiibell, was one C)f the earliest settlers on .lellico 
Creek, where he secured land and became well-to- 
do as a farmer. The parents of Mrs. Ross are both 
living in this countv. There were born to them 



530 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ten cliildron, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Eliza- 
beth, the wife of J. Elswick. is a resident of Sumner 
Coiint\-, this State; Rachel married D. C Adams 
and lives in Fairview Townsiii|), Jefferson County; 
Annie, (Mrs. Christ Hoffman), is a resident of 
Perry; John L. is at home with liis parents; Eliza, 
(Mrs. Ross), is the fifth child; William is a resi- 
dent of Topeka. this Stale; A. J. is farming in 
Fairview Towuship; Nelson is in California; Susan 
and Albert are at home with their parents. 

The Chitwood famih- came to Kansas in 1868 
and Mrs. Ross remained with her parents until her 
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Ross are the parents of 
four bright children, viz.: Ida, Arthur, Oscar, and 
Ethel. Mr. Ross politically, is a sound Democrat, 
but has no aspiration for the spoils of office, al- 
though he has frequently officiated as a delegate to 
the county conventions. He keeps himself posted 
upon the leading to|)ics of the day, and is a mem- 
ber of the Farmers' Alliance at Pleasant Valley. 



— •■»— ~#N^w 



<! I^ILLIAMJ KOLTERMAN. Pottawatomie 
\iiJ/l tJounty.is the home of many men of Ger- 
W^J man birth or parentage, who have proved 
themselves reliable and intelligent citizens, and who 
have built up a fair degree of linancial success in 
this country, where man}^ of them have assisted in 
the pioneer work of civilization. Among this 
class is numbered the gentleman above named, who 
is a practical and successful farmer and stock-raiser 
living on section 7, Mill Creek Township, where 
his father, Daniel Kolterman, pre-empted 160 acres 
of land in July, 1857. Since earlj' boyhood our 
subject h.as lived in this count}', and growing up 
in the midst of the scenes of frontier life, in an al- 
most unbroken and unsettled countr}-, surrounded 
by Indians and wild game, he is thoroughly iden- 
tified with the growth and the interests of I'otta- 
watomie Countj'. 

Daniel Kolteruian, the father of our subject, was 
the son of respectable German parents, and was born 
in Prussia, in 1817, and there reared to agricultural 
pursuits. He was married in his native Province 
to Miss Mary Asmus, who like him was born and 
reared within twenty-five German miles of Berlin. 



and was a descendant of excellent German stock. 
After the birth of their first three children, and 
when our subject was not yet two years old, the 
famil}' took passage from Bremen for the United 
States, landing in New York City after a voyage 
of nine weeks. This was in 1853, and thej' went 
at once to Wisconsin, settling near Monroe, Green 
County, where they lived till May, 1857. Then 
with an ox-team and the usual emigrant's outfit 
they came to this State, consuming six weeks in 
their journey and sleeping under the canopy of 
heaven at night. 

Upon reaching this county, the father took a pre- 
emption claim where our subject now lives, and 
began improving and cultivating the land. He 
was soon classed as one of the best citizens of the 
township, and honored as a real pioneer. Previous 
to his sudden and accidental death, which occurred 
in December, 1862, he had acquired and improved 
240 acres of land, and was meeting with success in 
his labors. At the above mentioned date he at- 
tempted to get into a moving wagon but missed 
his footing and fell under tlje wheel, dying an 
hour later from the severe injuries thus received. 
He was then fortj'-five years of age. In politics 
he was a Republican, and in religion a member of 
the Lutheran Church, and helped to organize the 
society of that denomination in this township. 
Some years after his death, his widow married John 
Hupfer, who is now deceased. The mother is still 
living, making her home in this township, and is 
now nearly three-score and ten years old. Her 
union with Mr. Hupfer resulted in the birtli of one 
child, who is still living. 

He of whom we write was born Dec. 22, 1851, 
and with his brother Christopher — now deceased — 
and his sister Wilhelmina — wife of John Zabel, of 
this township — came to America with their parents 
in 1853, and a few years later accompanied them 
to this county. After the death of his father, he 
remained with his mother whom he has helped care 
for ever since her" first widowhood. His marriage 
occurred in this township, his bride being Mi^s 
Amelia Nicholas, who was born in Germany, July 
G, 1858, her place of birth being some miles from 
the city of Berlin. She came to the United States 
with her parents. August and Caroline Nicholas, in 




Farm Residence of C. Frederiksen, 5cc.5.WhitingTp.,Jackson Co.Kan 




Farm Residence of W?! KoLTERMAN,5Ec.r. Mill Creek Tp., Pottawatomie Co.Kan 







Farm Residence OF John Boh, 5ec.10.LincolnTr,PottawatoiviieCo.Kan. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



533 



1874. and has since liverl in tliis State. Her par- 
ents are now living in Center Township, this 
countv. with tlieir son, William F. Nicholas. The 
father is sevent^y-one j-ears 'old, and the mother is 
past sixtj--six. Both are members, of tiie Lutheran 
Churcli. Fi-oni tliese worth}' parents Jslrs. Kol- 
terman received an excellent training, and devel- 
oped into an intelligent and capable] womanhood. 
She has borne her husband seven children, all of 
whom still remain under tlie parental roof. They 
are named, respectively: Alana, Paulina, Emma, 
Amelia. Franlv, Martha and ^Matilda. 

Mr. Kolterman has borne his share in townsliip 
work in various offices. He is a strong Democrat 
in politics. Both he and his wife belong to tiie 
Lutheran Church and are wortiiy followers in the 
footsteps of their lionored parents. 

In connection with this sketch of tiie life of Mr. 
Kolterman. a lithographic view of his home and sur 
roundings is presented. 



-^sr^ 



-Er 



' OHN BOH. The results of perseverance and 
industr}' nowhere present a finer illustration 
than in the career of Mr. Boh who is one of 
llie most prosperous farmers of Lincoln 
Townsliip. Pottawatomie Count}-, where he has 
delved from the soil a fine home and a competence. 
He came to the township in 18G8 and homesteaded 
eighty acres of wild land, having no capital but his 
good name and no resources but the qualities of 
industry and perseverance with which he had been 
amply endowed by nature. His land La}- as the 
Indians had left it — without fences, buildings or 
other improvements — and he necessarily began in 
a modest manner the task which lay before him. 
One after another he brought the acres to a state of 
cultivation, made fences and erected buildings and 
in the meantime provided for his famil}-. A few 
years of arduous labor served to place him upon a 
solid footing and in time he began to extend his 
possessions. He is now the owner of 1.200 broad 
acres, over which roam numbers of fat cattle and 
upon which he has erected substantial modern build- 
ings. The humble dwelling which first afforded 
him a shelter has been supplanted by a fine resi- 



dence, flanked b}' a large and convenient barn and 
other outbuildings. He has gathered together the 
latest improved machinery .and conducts his farm- 
ing oper.ations after the most approved methods. 
Experience has been his best teacher and although 
he has worked very hard he can count every dollar 
as honestly earned and can look the whole world in 
the face •' for he owes not any man." 

The subject of this sketch was born on the other 
side of the Atlantic in the Duchy of Ilolstein, Ger- 
many, Oct. 5, 1835. Upon emigrating to America 
in 1867 he spent iiboutone year in Moline, 111., and 
from there came to the Sunflower State. His father, 
lions Boh, was likewise a native of Ilolstein and 
earned his bread bj- the sweat of his brow. He 
lived to be about sixty-three years old, spending 
his last days in Germany. The mother, Mrs. 
Catherine (Doze) Boh, likewise a native of Ilolstein, 
there spent her entire life, passing away man}' years 
after the death of her husband and when quite 
aged. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. 
Their family consisted of four sons and four daugh- 
ters, all of whom lived to mature years. John was 
reared and educated in his native Province and 
was there married in March, 1863, to Miss Helena 
Master. JMrs. Boh was born and reared not far 
from the childhood home of her husband, of poor 
but respectable parents who spent their entire lives 
in their native Ilolstein. Mr. and Mrs. Boh re- 
m.ained there until after the birth of two children 
and then accomp.anied by Mr. Boh's brother. Car- 
son, they set out for America on a sailing vessel 
bound from Hamburg to New York City. Tliey 
landed in the metropolis after a voyage of thirty- 
five d.ays and proceeded directly to Moline III. 
Their subsequent movements we have already 
indicated. 

Eight children have been born to our subject and 
his excellent wife, the eldest of whom, a son 
Frederick, is in the employ of Mr. T. I. Eddy, of 
Havensville. Mary is the wife of George W. Hoff- 
man and they live on a farm in Lincoln Townsliip; 
Caroline is the wife of Seph Collius; Louisa married 
George Harris; Anna is the wife of Owen Harris and 
all of these reside on farms in Lincoln Township; 
William, Jesse and George are at home with their 
parents. After becoming a voting citizen, Mr. Boh 



534 



PORTRAIT AND BJOGRAPlllCAL ALBUM. 



identified himself witli the Kepublican party, but 
aside from serving as Township Treasurer he has 
had very little to do with public affairs. Besides 
his unincumbered farm property, he is a stock- 
bolder in the Citizens" State National Bank at 
Havensville. 

A lithographic view of Mr. Boh's residence is 
shown on another page. 



~--»;^ 



HRFSTIAN FEEDERKSEN. One of the 
Onest and most highly-improved farms in 
'^^^' all Jackson County is that owned and op- 
erated by the gentleman whose name introduces 
this sketch, and who, although he cherishes a fond 
recollection of his native country, Denmark, is yet 
a loyal and patriotic American at heart, sympa- 
thizing with every movement calculated to advance 
the interests of his adopted home. He is earnestly 
in favor of all enterprises intended to improve and 
benefit Jackson County, and has not himself been 
tardy in promoting its growth. He has by carefnl 
experiments discovered manj- varieties of fruits and 
trees which can be easily cultivated in that soil, 
and lias found some varieties, to which, on the con- 
trary, the soil doe.s not seem to be adapted. His 
beautiful homestead, a view of which may be found 
in connection with this sketch, is particularly at- 
tractive during the heat of summer, when the thick 
foliage of the trees offers a cool retreat from the 
heat of the sun. 

As before stated, ^Ir. Frederksen is a native of 
Denmark, his birtli liaving occurred Nov. 1, 1839. 
Amid the rugged scenery of that peninsula he 
passed the years of his boyliood. receiving a good 
common-school education in the Danish language. 
At the age of seventeen years he commenced to 
learn tlie trade of a carpenter, serving an ajijiren- 
ticeship of two years, after which he began to op- 
erate as a tiller of the soil, and was thus engaged, 
though not uninterruptedly, for five years. He 
entered the Army of Denmark June 2, 1862, and 
w'hen his country became involved in a general Eu- 
ropean war, which was commenced in February. 
18G4, he took part as a brave and patriotic Dane in 
the fighting with Prussia and Austria, He partici- 



p.ated in the battle of Duble Fort; March 17. 18G4, 
then in an engagement at the same place April 8, 
also in various skirmishes that were going on dur- 
ing the same year. He \va5 honorabh' discharged 
on the 17th of August, 1864. 

After a short experience in agricultural pursuits 
Mr. Frederksen left his native land, and for two 
and one-half j'ears resided in Greenland, working 
at his trade. But the bleak and desolate land, 
with its cheerless landscape and dull, gray sky, 
held few attractions for him, and he accordingly 
resolved to come to the United States, and see what 
this country offered him. After locating here he 
worked first in the South, and in March, 1870, 
bought a piece of land of which he had alread}' 
broken forty acres. Going to the South in the 
winter he was employed in the public works, and 
each spring returned to his farm. Upon his orig- 
inal purchase he erected a comfortable house, with 
other outbuildings, fenced the entire tract of land, 
and imiiroved a portion of it, selling the farm after- 
ward at a total loss of $700. 

In 1879, our subject, after having farmed for 
several years in this neighborhood, purchased 
eighty acres where he now lives, being the north 
half of the southeast quarter, on section 5. Then 
it was wild prairie land, wholly uncultivated, and 
in a primitive state of nature. Now it is highly 
improved, fenced with good hedges, and on it has 
been erected a comfortable house, >vith outliuild- 
ings. The residence is one and a half stories in 
height, with a portico in front, and re|)resents the 
unaided efforts of our subject. Altogether it is 
one of the most substantial residences of the 
county. The orcliard consists of about 200 apple 
trees in good bearing condition, also peach, phim, 
and cherry tiees, with grapes and small fruit in 
abundance. About 2,000 forest and shade trees 
form an attractive grove, and contain Russian mul- 
berry', which he considers a very good tree, catalpa, 
box elder, ash. cottonwood. elm, walnut, and other 
species. 

The estate itself is largelj- devoted to stock- 
raising, Mr. Frederksen having about thirty head 
of Durham cattle, with peihaps the same number 
of hogs. Upon his arrival in this county he had 
about §u00. which rej)resentpd the earninus of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



535 



years, but it was lost, and he was compelleil to be- 
gin once more at the foot of the ladder and woi'k 
his way gradually and slowly to independence. 

Always prominently identified willi the Re- 
l)nlilican party. Mr. Frederksen su()ports it by his 
influence as well as by iiis vote. Though he is no 
.aspirant for [Miblic otHce, he has, nevertheless, held 
the position of Road Overseer, and there, as else- 
where, faithfully discharged the duties devolving 
upon him. He belongs to Jackson Lodge. No. 
214. I. O. O. v.. at Whiting, and with his family is 
a consistent and active member of the Lutheran 
Church in that town. His family comprises his 
wife, who was Miss Martha Martinsen, and their 
five children, who arc nameil respectively: Con- 
radine, the eldest, who is a bright girl of nine 
years; Christine, Fred, James and Clara. Mrs. 
Frederksen is the daughter of P^rick C. Martinsen, 
a native of Denmark, where she likewise wsis born. 
She was united in marriage with our subject March 
30, 1879, and has since devoted her life to the wel- 
fare of her family. She does not, however, neglect 
social duties, but pleasantly entertains those who 
come under the home roof. Rich and poor alike 
find in her a sympathizing friend in lime of 
trouble, and like her of whom the wise man of old 
spoke, "her price is far above rubies." 



#-# 



-i^— 



'^y HARLES SHRDD, of the firm of Shedd & 
( „ Marshall, Lumber, Grain & Coal Dealers at 



c 



^^' Whiting, Jackson County, is one to whom 
that town, and the country adjacent to it owes 
much of its present prosperity. With faith in the 
.agricultural resources of his chosen home, he showed 
"his faith by his works" in the dark days of its his- 
tory, and has been rewarded by personal success, 
and by seeing the country^ develop into a prosper- 
ous region. In conducting his business affairs, he 
has manifested excellent judgment and discern- 
ment, and the strictest integrity, and as a priv.ate 
citizen, his standing is among the best. 

Mr. Shedd is a native of Hillsboro. N. H.. and 
born Sept. 22, 1837, receiving an academic educa- 
tion in his native town, and fitting himself for the 
profession of teaching. .Vt the age of nineteen, he 



began his [jrofessional labors in his home district, 
conducting the school there for two terms, follow- 
ing which, at the age of twenty, he went to Grigg?- 
ville. Pike Co., III., where he taught for three ye.ars. 
He then engaged as a clerk in the clothing busi- 
ness conducted by Messrs. C. F. Gibbs & F. J. 
Rider, and continued so employed until the year 
1809, at which i)criod he came to this county. 

Whiting was then a station only in name, the first 
house being put up that year by a Mr. Figgot, to 
be used as a store by a Mr. Hendricks from \'ir- 
ginia. who had inirchased LOGO acres of land in 
the neighborhood, and built a $7,000 house. This 
gentleman failed in business before his store was 
opened, and tlie building was bought by A. D. 
Stone, who, in company with Mr. Shedd, opened 
the first stock of goods in the town in November, 
1869. The firm of Stone it Shedd continued in 
business for two 3'ears, theirs being the on!}' store 
and house in the place during that period. They 
then sold out to a Mr. Westlake, and our subject 
took a trip East, visiting his old home and his par- 
ents, and remaining East about a year. 

On his return to this county in. 1872, Mr. Shedd 
entered into a partnership with William Marshall, 
and began buying grain. The connection of Shedd 
tt Marshall has continued ever since, and the firm 
iire the piincipal dealers in lumber and grain in 
their city. On the 4th of July, 1873, they "opened 
a stock of merchandise in a little room, 8x14. that 
Mr. Shedd was then using for a railroad office, he 
being depot and freight agent, a capacity in which 
he acted for eight years. For more than a month 
this room was occupied, and the sales aver.aged ?75 
per day. Messrs. Shedd & Marsh.all erected a build- 
ing 18x30 feet, in which they moved their stock in 
August, and to which a year later they added fort3- 
feet, their business requiring more commodious 
quarters. 

About this time the grasshoppers invaded this 
region, and so devastated ths farm lauds, that the 
farmers were almost penniless, and for two years the 
firm of Shedd & Marshall supplierl them with nec- 
essarj- goods on credit, and though sometimes it 
seemed as if the farmers would never be able to 
pay, the dealers lived on corn bread, and pinned 
their hopes to tlie future. Their faith w.as re- 



536 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



wardeil. hcUer limes came, and nineteen-tvvei)tieLhs 
of their creditors have paid up in full to the firm 
wliich befriended them. 

In 1881, the firm removed the frame building 
which they were occupying, and on its old site 
erected a large and finely finished two-story stone 
structure, which would be an ornament in any town. 
It is 28x80 feet in dimension, with 18-foot ceilings 
in both stories, with a good cemented floor under 
the entire building. This large edifice wps carried 
full of goods on all three floors for s(!veral years, 
the stock running as high as *30,000 in value. In 
August. 1888, Messrs. Shedd & Marshall disposed 
of their stock of merchandise to Renard it A'ickers, 
receiving 1,000 acres of land, and the balance in 
cash. The firm now ovvns about 3,500 acres, all 
under improvement, using about 1,300 acres as 
feeding ground for a herd of 500 head of cattle; 
the balance of their landed estate is rented. They 
also carr}- on the lumber, grain and coal business as 
before stated, and have a good trade in each line. 
Mr. Shedd is President of the Whiting Exchange 
Bank, in which he individually owns a half-inter- 
est, and which is the only banking institution in 
tlie northern part of this county, and does a fine 
business. 

The sulijcet of this brief sketch, is a son of Levi 
and Jane (Hosley'l Shedd, both of Hillsboro, N. II. 
Mis uncle. Gen. Samuel Andrews, lives in the house 
where President Pierce formerly resided, and has 
one room furnished just as ft'vvas in his day. The 
July before Mr. Shedd was born, his father finished 
a large barn, and filled the mow with lia}% stowing 
it in bents. The barn being 100 feet long, the 
back bent has been in there since the barn was 
erected fifty-two years ago. When Mr. Shedd vis- 
ited his old home a few years since, he got a few 
handsful of the hay from that bent, which he has 
preserved in a fine case, it being a n-atter of great 
curiosity, and proliably the only instance of the 
kind in the world. Another relic much prized by 
Mr. Shedd, is a cane made by his uncle, John S. 
Shedd. from the jaw of a sperm whale captured in 
the harbor of New Bedford, Mass., by a party of 
wliich tlie uncle made one. 

The marriage of Mr. Shedd look place March 19, 
l.-<7 1. and his chosen conipauitm was Miss Mary, 



daughter of Stephen and Maria (Ha}') Hayes. This 
union has been blessed bj' the birth of two children : 
Ilattie A., a miss of fifteen, and Jane Lotta, the 
babyr. Mrs. Shedd is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and is instilling into the minds 
of her daughters the best principles, and they are 
also receiving, as their age will admit, the educa- 
tion and i)ractical training which will fit them to 
follow in her own footsteps. 

Mr. Sliedd is a Democrat, Init was elected the 
first Trustee of the town, wliich is largely Repub- 
lican, and was continued in the ottice for six years. 
He is a member of the Whiting Lodge, No. 250, 
A. F. & A. M.. and has been Master since its organ- 
ization in 1884. The order is in a flourishing con- 
dition, and has recently fitted up its hall in elegant 
shape, having a banqueting room and kitchen at- 
tached. The ladies of the vicinity are very en- 
thusiastic in its work, and assist in many ways in 
building up the lodge. The town of Whiting 
boasts of some beautiful homes, and Mr. Shedd has 
one of the finest. His residence is two stories high 
24x28 feet, with an L 16x18, the entire edifice be- 
ing finished in an artistic manner, and the family 
li\ing therein in comfort and elegance. 





LBERT A. GREENE. Noticeable among 
the pioneer settlers of Jackson County the 
1* name of Mr. Greene should occup}' no un- 
important place, as he came here in 18G7, 
settling in Jefferson Township. He purchased IGO 
acres of wild land, and improved the farm which 
he still owns and occupies, and where he has pros- 
pered as a tiller of the soil. He was born in Rhode 
Island in 1825, and is the son of Caleb and Sarah 
(Gardner) Greene, who were likewise natives of 
that Stale. 

Caleb Greene was a farmer by occuiiation. and 
the son of David Greene, a native of Rhode Island 
and a soldier of the Revolutionary War. The 
family is of English descent, and Caleb Greene was 
nearly related to the famous Revolutionary hero. 
Gen. Greene. The (iardncr family traced its an- 
cestry to Ensiland. To Caleb (ireene ami his ex- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



r.3: 



ec'llent wife there \v;isT)uni a family of ten cliildren, 
all of vvliom lived to mature years: Patience be- 
came tlie wife of Edward Reddy, and is now a 
widow, living in Rhode Island. Abl)ie married 
Thomas Summeis. and died in Jefferson Township. 
Jackson Co., Kan., in IKSI); her husband was one 
of the earliest seltler.s of this township. Sarah 
Ann married William Carpenter, of Rhode Island, 
and is now deceased ; Hannah married Chami)lain 
Watson, of Rhode Island, and is also deceased: 
Lydia is livino in Rhode Island; Thomas A. is a 
resident of Lnwrence, this State; Caleb, Jr. served 
as a soldier in the late Civil War, and died in his 
native Phode Island; Alexander lives in the latter 
State; Albert A., of this sketch, was next to the 
j-oungest; William is a merchant of Hill Cit^'. this 
State. The mother was a member of the Baptist 
Cluu'ch, and died at her home in Rhode Island when 
fifty-eight j-ears old. Caleb Greene was a Free- 
thinker, very conservative in his ide.as, and a man 
of much natur.ll ability. He w,as jjlain and out- 
spoken, thorougidy honest, and respected by his 
fellow-men. He lived to the ripe old age of sev- 
enty-two years. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, 
receiving limited educational advantages. He com- 
menced the battle of life for himself at the age of 
sixteen years, working out on a farm at $5 per 
month, and was occupied as a farm laborer for 
eight years. He then commenced farming on 
rented land, at which he continued for a period of 
seventeen years. At the expiration of this time 
he set out for the West, crossing the Jlississippi 
into Nodaway County, Mo., and purchasing 300 
acres of wild land on the Platte River. He farmeil 
upon this for two j'cars. then, coming to Kansas, 
purchased IGO acres of raw land, two miles south 
of what was then the hamlet of Circleville. A year 
later, however, he sold out and puichased another 
tract of unimproved land, on section 4, In Grant 
Township, where he made his home for seven 
years, and which is now one of the best improved 
farms in the county. He has, altogether, opened 
up seven farms from the primitive soil, planting 
orchards upon each of them, and effecting the other 
ordinary improvements. He has thus cidtivated. 
at different times, an extensive area, upon which 



he planted o.OOO apple trees, besides trees of the 
smaller fruits. It is conceded that he has done 
perhaps more than any other man in this region in 
encouraging fruit growing, as he was the first to 
forward this industry among the people of the new 
State. 

When (irst leaving Jackson County, Mr. (ireene 
settled near Garrison, Pottawatomie County, where 
he purchased .500 acres of land, which he devoted 
to stock farming, and ui)on which he lived three 
years. Thoi going into Phillips County, he pur- 
chased 1,.300 acres, which was also largely devoted 
to stock-raising, and whoi-e he set out another or- 
chard. We next find him in Lawrence, intending to 
retire from active labor, and purposing to give his 
attention to the eiiucation of his children, an(i 
there he still lives, occupying the old John Spear's 
residence. 

Mr. Greene was married Jan. 21, 1841, at the 
bride's home in Rhode Island, to Miss Susan Ann 
Watson. This lady was born in Rhode Island, and 
is the daughter of Thom.as Watson, likewise a na- 
tive of that State, and who distinguished himself 
as a soldier in the War of 1812. To JMr. and Mrs. 
Greene there was born a family of fifteen children, 
ten of whom lived to mature years; John W. was 
married and settled upon a farm in Cloud County, 
this State, wliere he died in 1881, leaving a wife 
and two children; Letitia is the wife of Hezekiali 
Fremyre, of Nodaway County. j\Io. ; Miranda W. 
married David Stewart, of Phillips Count}-, this 
State; Thomas W. is operating as a carpenter in 
Lawrence: Oren 1!. is mining in Montana; Horace 
F. is farming in Douglas County, this State, as also 
is Albert A., Jr. ; Edwin A. is farming in Potta- 
watomie County; Addie jnarrieri Joseph R. Mc- 
Bride, who is mining in Lucas County, Iowa; Walter 
L. is studiously inclined, and intends in the near 
future studying for the law. 

Self-educated au<l self-made, Mr. Greene h.as by 
his own efforts raised himself to a good |)osition 
socially and finuuci.ally. He is well informed on 
the leading questions of the day, and has an excel- 
lent knowledge of comnu>n law. His judgn)ent is 
frequently called into requisition liy his neighbors 
and friends, and is usually found to be correct. As 
a iu<lge of real estate he has few equals. Liberal 



538 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and public-spirited, he is ever found upon tiie side 
of Lhuse enterprises calculated for the best good of 
the people. He is the friend of education and 
temperance, and religiously, lii<e his honored sire, 
is a Freethinker, having made a study of theology 
since early life. His motto has been. '• Industry, 
economy, [)unctuality and honesty." He considers 
these the fundamental principles which will safel.v 
guide every man through life. 

Mr. Greene is one of the leading land-owners of 
Jackson County, having 2,440 acres of choice 
land, mostly improved, besides other valuable real 
estate, including property in tlie city of Lawrence. 
He has always been deeply solicitous for tlie wel- 
fare of liis children, it being the leading desire of 
his life to give them such an education as will fit 
them to become good and useful members of so- 
ciety. It may be safely said of Mr. Greene that he 
will leave to his posterity the heritage of an irre- 
proachable name — a name which will be held in 
kindly remembrance long after he has been gath- 
ered to his fathers. 



I^ IRAM SHERMAN. Among the well-regu- 
lated homesteads which have been built up 
by the intelligent farmers of Sherman 
vfj Township, Pottawatomie Countv, that be- 
longing to the subject of this notice is worthy of 
more than a passing mention. If the character of 
the man can properly be determined by his sur- 
roundings, Mr. Siierinan is, in all respects, one of 
the leading men of his township, and one who has 
contributed his full quota to its material interests. 
The fine bodj' of land upon which he has lived and 
labored since the spring of 1871, comprises 240 
acres, pleasantly located on section 34, and well 
watered by Indian Creek. Stock-raising forms a 
prominent feature of Mr. Sherman's operations, he 
having a fine assortment of cattle, horses and swine. 
He makes a specialty of good breeds, believing 
that these are far more profitable in the end, and 
he has done much to encourage the raising of tine 
stock in this region. 

Mr. Sherman came to Kansas from IMack Hawk 
Count}', Iowa, where he had [irosecuted farming 



for a period of fourteen years. He had removed 
from Indiana to Iowa, and to Indiana from Seneca 
County, Ohio. He was born in the latter county, 
Nov. 3, 1827, and is the son of Japhet .Sherman, 
who was a native of Rhode Island. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Elkanah Sherman, likewise of Rhode Island, and a 
substantial farmer, who fin,ally left his native 
State and emigrated to Chemung County, N. Y., 
in which place he spent the remainder of his days, 
dying when quite advanced in 3ears. Jajjhet .Sher- 
man was one of three sons who had accomi)anied 
their father to New York State, and was there mar- 
ried to Miss Hannah Holmes, a native of the latter 
.State. Mrs. Sherman came of a good family, and 
after tlje birth of two children, Japhet Sherman 
and his wife emigrated to Ohio, and there the 
former died in his prime when about fort}' years 
of age. His wife is 3'et living, and makes her home 
with her daughter, Mrs. Caroline Ileaton, in Wood 
County. Ohio; she has now arrived at the ad- 
vanced age of ninety-four years. Her mother had 
lived to be ninety-six years old, and her father, 
Zebndiah Holmes, was very aged at the time of 
his death. The Holmes family generally was a 
long-lived race. 

The subject of tliis sketch was tlie third s<jn of 
his parents, and the first of their children born in 
i)liio. The household circle was completed by the 
birth yii five sons and one daughter, all of whom 
lived to mature years, presenting an admirable 
spectacle of health, strength and intelligence. Two 
sons served in the I'nion army during the Civil 
War and one 3'ielded up his life for his country, 
dying of illness in the hospital. The other lived 
to return home, and is now a resident of Michigan. 
The balance of the children are all married, and 
have families of their own. 

Hiram Sherman was reared to manhood in his 
native county, where he attended the common 
school in his boyhood and assisted in the various 
employments of farm life. He left his native State 
whilestill unmarried and located in LaPorteCountj', 
Ind., where heemi^loyed himself as a carpenter, and 
met his fate in the person of Miss Julia Boothe, to 
whom he was married April 11, 1856. Mrs. Sher- 
man was born in Albany County. N. Y., in 1833, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



)39 



an(] removed with her parents to Miehigfan when 
quite _yoiing. Later, they returned Eastward as 
far as LaPorte County, Ind., wliere their daugli- 
ter, Julia, developed Into an attractive womanhood 
and met her future husband. She is a very bright, 
intelligent lady, and has been the assistant of her 
husband in all his worthy undertakings. There 
have been born to them five children, only four of 
whom are living. One daughter, Maude, died at 
the interesting age of sixteen jears, after having 
completed a thorough education; she was a prom- 
ising maiden, and a child in whom lier parents 
took great pride. The survivors are: Charlotte, 
the wife of Charles Powers, a farmer of Sherman 
Township; Florence, Mrs. Jacob Alsopp, living on 
a farm in Sherman Township; Zelda, the wife of 
D. K. Brown, a farmer of Sherman Township; and 
Blanche, who remains at home with her parents. 

Mr. Sherman cast his first Presidential vote for 
Zachary Taylor, and is an ardent supporter of the 
principles of the Republican partj-. Otherwise tiian 
serving as Townshi|) Treasurer, he has steadily de- 
clined the responsibilities of otflce. His success 
has been the result of plodding industry and good 
management, while the sterling woilh of his char- 
acter has drawn around him hosts of friends. Mrs. 
Sherman is a member in good standing of the 
Christian Church. * 



-w»/v »-<j2i>il;©-^^ 



: .•®^S.Z'Zrer»x-Wyv- 



LFRKI) DODSON, Notary Public, has been 
(!5 ^yLi| | a resident of Jackson County for many 

//' lil years. A native of Tennessee, he was born 
^J July 2.5, 1819, near Cumberland Gap, 

Claiborne County. He acquired a good common- 
school education near Athens, McMinn County, the 
same State, where he passed his youth. In 1841 he 
was united in marriage with Miss Klizabeth Patty, 
who vvas burn near Knoxville, Knox Co., Tenn., in 
1815. They later removed to the Platte Pur- 
chase near De Kalb, Buchanan Co., Mo., in the 
spring of IS 11. There he farmed for many years, 
and there most of the children born to himself and 
wife were reared to maturity. Their offspring 
numbered si'x. 

Having, in 1860. [)urchased a farm of 160 acres 



on North Cedar Creek, Jackson County, three years 
later he removed there. It is yet his home and 
thfit of his only uinnarried daughter, Martha A. 
Dodson. The wife and mother died there in 1875. 
'Squire Dodson is a practical business man and 
enjoys the full confidence of his large circle of 
friends. In 1868 he was elected Justice of the 
Peace, serving eighteen years. He was also ap- 
pointed Postmaster at North Cedar, and served 
thirteen years. He was appointed Notary Public 
one term by Gov. St. John, one term by Gov. Glick 
and one term by Gov. Martin. His present com- 
mission will expire in 1892. He does no little 
business in loaning money for others on real estate 
and notes of hand. His farm, with ample means 
out at interest, enables him to live at his ease in a 
ripe and useful old age. 



;s^ ENNIS Y. COX, merchant, farmer, Jus- 
. jY tice of the Peace and otherwise prominent 
gjl^ in the town of Blaine, is numbered among 
its most intelligent and enterprising citi- 
zens. He is the offspring of an excellent famil3', 
being the son of John G. and Mary (Huff) Cox, 
who were both natives of New Jersey. The^' came 
to the West at an earl}' date and John G. Cox de- 
parted this life in Tazewell County, III., in 1863, at 
the early age of forty-five years. His occupation 
was farming and he was a reputable and intelligent 
citizen. The mother survived her husband many 
years, dying in June, 1888, when nearly seventy- 
two. The parents were married in 1840 and reared 
a family of four children of whom Dennis V. was 
the eldest born. The others, Gertrude S., Henry 
and John, are residents of Pottawatomie County. 
Kan. 

The subject of this sketch was horn in Cran- 
bury, N. J.. Dec. 19. 1842, and his parents soon 
afterward emigrated to Illinois, and thereafter 
lived successively in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. 
Dennis was reared to farming pursuits and became 
a resident of the Sunfiower State in 1872. He bome- 
sleaded the north half of the south-west quarter 
of section 22, Clear Creek Township, upon which 
he began farming and which he still owns. He es- 



540 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



liihlislied himself as a general mercLant with a 
partner in 1879 uader the firm name of Dowue3- A 
Cos, and the\' are still doing business together. 
Mr. Cos was appointed Postmaster of Blaine when 
the town was first started, in 1873, and held the ofBee 
until the elec-tion of .Cleveland, in 1884. He has 
officiated as Township Trustee two j-ears and was 
elected .Justice of the Peace in November. 1888. 
which office he still holds. 

Mr. Cos was married Oct. 10, 18G6. to Miss 
Amanda E., daughter of James Cla^^ton of Taze- 
well Count}', 111. To them there have been born 
eight children, sis of whom are living and two of 
them married. Mr. Cox gives the most of his at- 
tention to mercantile pursuits and ofHcial duties 
although superintending the operation of his farm. 
He is a standi Republican, politically, a member of 
the Masonic fraternity and likewise belongs to the 
A. O. U. W. 



vw^-^ee^rg-j© 



■^^■Sii!!Vzn\^'\/\/^ 



lASMUS PAULSEN. This gentleman is au 
enterprising Dane, whose intelligent citi- 
^V\ zenship, good morals and thrift In his 
^8; chosen occupation, are an honor to the 
country of his adoption, and the cause of re- 
spect from all with whom he comes in contact. Mr. 
Paulsen was reared on a farm near Nybake, Den 
mr.rk. in whicli town he was born April 3, 1844. 
He received a good fundamental education in his 
own language, and since coming to America has 
used bis native intelligence in acquiring a good 
knowledge of English. In 1871, being then 
about twenty-seven years of age, he crossed the 
briny deep and began his residence in tiie United 
States. He spent a j-ear in Chicago and then came 
"West, and while on a visit in Atchison met the 
ladj- whom he chose as a companion in life. This 
young lady was Miss Maggie Hansen, of Wiiiting 
Township, Jackson County, and she being desirous 
of returning to her home Mr. Paulsen offered her 
a seat behind his team with his services as escort. 
The companionship in a ride of this nature, gives 
a much better knowledge of character than would 
be attained in a much longer time under more for- 
mal circumstances, and the young coujjle [iro- 



gressed rapidly in their acquaintance, an acquaint- 
ance which was crowned by their marriage on Oct. 
13, 1873. Mrs. Paulsen is a daughter of L. C. 
Hansen and Mette .Jacobson. and her father was a 
son of Hans Nelson and Margrette Christeson, 
while her mother was a daughter of Jacob Chris- 
teson and Bertha Anderson. The parents came 
from Denmark in 1869. and after living in vSt. 
Joseph, Mo., for a time, moved to this township, 
where the father bought land. 

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Paulsen 
purchased the fort}' acres on which his father-in- 
law lived and eighty acres adjoining it. It was 
then wild land, but his efforts have reclaimed it 
and brought it to a fine state of improvement. 
About three miles of fence inclose and divide the 
estate, and a well built house is pleasantlj- located 
a quarter of a mile from a road on each side and 
on ground overlooking the whole place, which is 
one and a half miles due north of Whiting. There 
are about flf t}- apple trees on the plac&.some of them 
the largest in the neighborhood, together with cher- 
ries, peaches, Russian mulberries, walnuts, grapes. 
and a great variety of small fruits, all bearing, and 
all set out by Mr. Paulsen. 

AVhen our subject bought his estate, open prai- 
rie was all around him and the section was sparsely 
settled. During the first year, on the 10th day of 
November, the fire fiend came rushing over the 
prairie and threatened to destroy eveiything they 
had. A fortunate change in the direction of the 
wind turned the dread element aside and the}' man- 
aged to save their house. On the 12tli day of 
August, 1874. the crops gave promise of a fine har- 
vest, but before night the grasshoppers came in 
force and began their work of devastation. Begin- 
ning on the corn crop, they had it almost destroyed 
Ijy the nest day. and in a few days every green 
thing, even to the potato vines, had been devoured 
by the rapacious insects. Great distress was 
occasioned among the settlers who found it hard to 
get througii the winter, as even their stock had 
nothing to eat, and the next spring they had to 
pay ^1 per bushel for seed corn. 

In the struggles and discouragements of life Mrs. 
Paulsen bore her share with good will and a hope- 
ful spirit, gleaning such comfort as might be in the 




■r 




PORTRAIT AKD B10GRAPI11CA1> ALBUM. 



543 



darkest days, and rejoicing in the prosperity 
vvliich crowned their efforts. Three daughters have 
come to bless tlieir fireside, and their active intelli- 
gence is an ever present delight to their parents. 
Metta B. is now a miss of fifteen, well advanced 
ill her studies and it is the intention for her to 
attend school at Quincy, 111., and corapl te her 
preparation for teaching at the llolton University. 
Laura C, at the age of ten years, wrote a story, 
that was sent to the university at llolton, where it 
is shown to visitors as the composition of a preco- 
cious child. The amljition of Jliss Laura, how- 
ever, is not in the line of authorship, but in that of 
music. Nellie S., their remaining daughter, is still 
too young to have exhibited any marked talent in 
any one line. 

Mr. Paulsen is a believer in and a supporter of 
the princi[)lcs of the Republican party. He and his 
wife are members of the Lutheran Church, but the 
children attend the Ba[)tist Church, which is much 
more conveniently located for them. 

The subject of this brief sketch is a son of Paul 
Thomsen and Matte Ilendrickson. His father was 
a son of Thorns Larson, and the family were 
farmers in Deumark, owning large landed estates. 
The land was sold in the last generation and the 
children, nine in numl)er, with tlie exception of 
one married sister came ti; America. The father 
and mother made their home with our subject after 
the marriage of their daughter. The father died 
Aug. 30, 1886, the mother still remains with them 
at an advanced .age. 



ON. SAMUEL E. REAM. The distin- 
guished gentleman whose life is here given 
in its principal outlines, and whose portrait 
presented on the opposite page, resides 
on section 30, Franklin Townshi|), Jackson County, 
Kan. For many years he has been identified with 
the growth and development of that count}', and 
is regarded as one of its most useful citizens. He, 
was liorn near Elizabethtown, Lancaster Co., Pa., 
July 24, 1847, and passed his youth on his father's 
farm. When only fifteen years of age he eidisted 



in Company C, 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, and 
gallantly fought in defense of the Union. His 
terra of service in that company and regiment ex- 
pired in about seven months, and he thereupon re- 
eidisted in Battery C, Independent Pennsylvania 
Artillery, and served to the close of the war, be- 
ing mustered out with the rank of .Sergeant. 

Although a mere youth, our subject served his 
country faithfully, and in the battle of Gettysburg 
was severely wounded in the hand, shoulder and 
head, besides having four teeth knocked out. He 
took part in the battles of South Mountain, Aiitie- 
tam Creek and Fredericksburg, the latter of which 
occurred Dec. 12, 18G2. He was also in the three" 
days' fight — May 1, 2 and 3 — at Cliaucellorsville, 
in 1863. His wounds were painful, but he did not 
let them prevent him from fighting with his bat- 
tery, and was prom|)tly on hand when the tedious 
and bloody battle of the Wilderness began. After 
one da3's hard fighting, however, the battery was 
so crippled, it having served continuously from the 
commencement of the war, that it was ordered to 
the rear, and stationed in Washington, D. C, to do 
guard duty; it remained a portion of the garrison 
of that city till the close of the war, when Mr. 
Ream was mustered out of service and honorably 
discharged at Pittsburg, Pa., June 30, I860. 

The record of our subject during the heroic 
struggle maintained by the Union arms against the 
desper.ate valor of the South, is a grand and noble 
one, and it creates no surprise to learn that he 
comes of good fighting, stock. His father, J.atob 
Ream, a native of Lancaster County, Pu.. was a 
soldier in the Mexican War; his grandfather, Abra- 
ham Ream, was a soldier in the War of 1812; and 
the great-grandfather, Jacob Ream, was a hero of 
the Revolutionary War. The descendant of such 
a brave and honorable line of ancestors has no 
need to sigh fur a patent of nobility from anv 
king; the dignity of American citizenship out- 
weighs all honors that might be conferred by any 
foreign prince. The mother of Mr. Ream was 
Maggie (Palmer) Ream, a native of Lancaster 
County, Pa., where she died July 8, 1883. The 
father survives and resides at the old homestead at 
the advanced ;ige of ninety-three years. Mr. and 
Mrs. Jacob Ream were the parents of fourteen 



544 



i»ORTRAlT AND UlOGRAFHlUAL ALBUM. 



children, eight of whom were boj's. Our subject 
is the tenth child in order of birth. 

Upon receiving his discharge from the Govern- 
ment Mr. Ream returned to the farm of his parents 
in Lancaster County, Pa. .Soon afterward he took 
a trip to Kansas, where he remained a short time, 
then departed for his home in Pennsylvania, lie 
attended school for the two }'ears succeeding the 
close of the war, remaining at home during tliat 
time and tiien went to the Normal School at Mil- 
1 lersville, Pa., where he remained till he was gradu- 
ated after three years' faithful study. His next 
step was to enter the school-room in his district in 
the capacity of a te.acher, and his success was so 
marked in that line that he was engaged year after 
year for eigiit years. 

During the early part of 1878 Mr. Ream took up 
his residence in Kansas, locating in .Jackson County, 
where he taught school for seven terms in Frank- 
lin and Garfield Ton'nships. Upon his arrival in 
J.ackson County he bought eight3^ acres of im- 
proved land on section 25, and afterward purchased 
eighty acres on section 36. He settled on the lat- 
ter place, and it has been liis home from that time 
to the present. He now owns 175 acres all under 
good cultivation and finely improved. 

In the fall of 1 886 our subject was elected to 
the Slate Legislature and served one term; in Jan- 
uary, 1889, he was appointed tu the pusilion of 
Clerk in the Senate of the Kansas Legislature for a 
term of four years. He is a member of Will 
Wendell Post. G. A. R., and of tlie Holton Lodge, 
A. F. <fe A. M. He takes quite an active part in 
political affairs, and adheres firmly to the princi- 
ples of the Republican party. Ahhough not a 
member of any church, he takes quite an interest 
in religious matters, and contributes liberally to 
the support of the various religious organizations 
of the community in which his lot is cast. 

The subject of this sketch is one of the most 
prominent citizens of .Jackson County, and one of 
whom it is justly proud. He is very popular with 
all classes, and the future has, no doubt, greater 
things in store for him than any the past has 
given. His experience in tiie War of the Rebellion 
was a long and varied one, but the nigiit upon 
which President Lincoln was assassinated is the 



most memorable in his life, and made the deepest 
impression upon his memory. Mr. Ream was a 
witness of that awful tragedy when the murderous 
zeal of .JohnWilkes Booth prompte<l him to the com- 
mission of a crime that caused nations to weep. As 
stated above, the regiment of which our subject was 
a part, was stationed at Washington as a portion of 
the garrison, and Mr. Ream was in Ford's Theatre 
the night'on which our lieloved President was so 
cruelly shot liy the cowardly assassin, who was not 
afraid to creep up behind an unarmed man and 
foully deprive him of life, in order that he might 
receive the applause of those as wicked as himself. 
A trnlj- brave man could not have committed the 
deed, and all citizens of our glorious country. 
North or South, unite in consigning; the perpetra- 
tor of so vile a deed to the infamy he so richly de- 
serves. 

^^=^EORGE HARMAN, editor and projirietor 
1\ ,_- , of the Valley Falls Republican, is .an enter- 
'\^ijj prising young journalist of marked talent, 
which, if well-directed and perseveringly followed, 
will doubtless gain for him an enviable position 
among the newspaper :r,en of the West. He w-as 
born in Crawford County, Mo., Nov. 14, 1867, 
and is consequently but a little over twenty-two 
years of age. His father, Moses Harman. is editor 
of Thf Lucifer, of Valley Falls, and was born in 
Pendleton County. W. Va.. Oct. 12. 1830. The 
mother bore the maiden name of Susan Shook. 
They were the parents of two children only, the 
one besides our subject being a daughter, Lillian, 
who is two years his junior, and is the wife of 
E. C. Walker, editor of I airplay, and whom she 
assists in his editorial and general office work. 

Young Harman spent the first twelve years of 
his life on his father's farm in Missouri, and then 
entering the office of the Nnr Era, in Valley Falls, 
to which his parents had removed in 1877, com- 
menced learning the printer's trade, working at the 
case for three jears. The year following he spent 
with a traveling theatre company, and subsequently 
for a short time started out as. what in polite terms 
is denominated a •■typogi'aphical tourist," but in 
plain English, "a tramp printer." After becoming 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



545 



satisfied with liis wanderings he returned to Valley 
Falls, and for two years was em|>lo}ed as foreman 
of his father's ofHce. In .September, 1880, he 
founded the Valle.v Falls Republican, which is now 
a six- column quarto, full of local and general 
news and rapidly gaining in popularity. Mr. Har- 
man is a favorite both in business and social circles, 
and a member in good standing of the I. O. G. T. 



o-^*c;-> — > 



-i-^so^^K-* 



t; DDISOX HARMON. Among the business 
_{ enterprises of Valley Falls, Jefferson 
IS County, the livery and feed stable of the 
1^ gentleman above-named is well worthy 

of notice as one of the thriving establishments of 
the (ilace, and its proprietor is deserving of bio- 
graphical notice in this volume, not only because 
of his being a successful business man of the city, 
but because as an individual he possesses traits of 
character which fit him for representation. 

The parents of our subject were Peter and Cath- 
erine (Shaffer) Harmon, the former a native of 
Lancaster, Pa., and a miller by trade, and tlie 
latter a native of Maryland. Their family con- 
sisted of live cliildren, of whom our subject is the 
only survivor, three of the family dying of scarlet 
fever during their early 3'ears, and being buried in 
one grave; the other one. Henry, died at the age 
of twenty-four 3'ears, leaving a widow and two 
children, who now reside near Little Sandusky, 
Ohio. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch 
was born in Mercer Count}-, Pa., Nov. 30, 1826, 
and lived there until he was fourteen 3'ears old, 
when he accompanied his parents to New Brigliton, 
Pii. (now Beaver Falls), in which city he continued 
his etlucation in the common schools, and then en- 
g.aged in the liver}', feed and transfer business, 
carrying it on for seven years. At tlie expiration 
of that time he removed to Marlon County, Iowa, 
and spent the 3'ears from 1855 to 1857 in the town 
of Pella, whence he then removed to a farm in 
Mahaska County, the same State, and not far dis- 
tant from the town. There lie carried on farming 
and stock-raisiiitr until March, 1873. when he came 



to Kansas and began farming in Jackson Count}-, 
remaining there some four years. 

The next move of our subject was to Jefferson 
County, and during the following three years he 
was employed on the ranch of E. M. Hutchins, 
near Valley Falls, this work being succeeded by an 
equal length of time in the livery stalile of the 
same gentleman. lie then carried the mail between 
Leavenworth and Oskaloosa, and Winchester and 
Perry ville, two years in all, after which he returned 
to Valley Falls, and began the business of transfer 
and express delivery, to which he added the livery 
and feed stable in December, 1889. 

At the home of the bride, on the 4th of July, 
1848, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between 
Mr. Harmon and Miss Eleanor Lindsay, an estima- 
ble young lady who was born within fifteen miles 
of Philadelphia, and is a d,aughter of Oliver Lind- 
say, wlio died in Valley Falls in 1889. Mrs. Har- 
mon has borne ten children, but five only are now 
living. The oldest and youngest of these children 

Eli M. and C^race — arc unmarried ; Harry M. 

married Lidy Smith, and they have three children 
— Maude, Addison and Grace; Rebecca married 
Edward Loveland. of Valley Falls; she has borne 
three children, of whom two daughters— Nora and 
Grace — are now living; Frank .V. married Malley 
Sippy, lives in Valley Falls, and has one son — 
Hiram H. 

Mr. Harmon is a believer in and supporter of 
the principles of the Republican party, and takes 
an interest in the issues of the day, although he is 
not an office-seeker. He is a reliable citizen, and 
industrious, hard-working and unassuming man, 
and is highly resi)ected throughout the community 
and elsewhere where he is known. 

-^ ^^ ^ ^^• 



^ACOB H. SNYDER. It is usu.-iliy safe to 
judge a man by his surroundings, and Mr. 
Snydev may accordingly be proi)frly num- 
bered among the better class of citizens in 
I^ert} Township, where, by his industry and good 
management he has built up a valuable homestead 
and secured something for a rainy day. His home- 
farm embraces eighty .acres of choice land on sec- 



546 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lion S, while he has 160 acres in Nemaha County. 
The first mentioned is embellished with suitable 
buildings, and is supplied with all necessary ma- 
chiner}^ for the sowing; and reaping of grain be- 
sides the general cultivation of the soil. The Sny- 
der family live in a modest and unpretentious 
manner, but there is about their home an air of 
solidity and comfort, which is delightful to look 
upon. The master is recognized as one of the most 
public-spirited men of his community, well read 
and well informed, and he has for his companion a 
ladv in every way his equal, and who has done her 
share in gathering around them the comforts which 
tliey now enjoy. Both are members in good stand- 
ing of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Snyder 
has taken quite an active part in politics and uni- 
formly supports the principles of the Republican 
party. 

The City of Brotherly I^ove was the native place 
of ]Mr. Snyder, and the date of his birth June 10, 
1833. His father, .Jacob H. Snyder Sr., was like- 
wise a native of Pennsylvania, and married AHss 
Sarah Fields, who was born in Philadelphia. They 
lived for a time in the latter city, whence the father 
in 1837 went to St. Louis, Mo., where he estab- 
lished himself as a comb-maker, and was the pio- 
neer of St. Louis in this business. He was joined 
by his family two or three years later and died 
ther? Dec. 18, 1848. 

Mrs. Sarah Snyder, after the death of her hus- 
band, became the wife of George W. Crump. She 
came to Kansas in 1855, and died in Lawrence, Jan. 
5, 1878. Of her first marriage there were born 
eleven children, Jacob H. being the third. He was 
about seven y ears old when he went with his mother 
and the other children from Philadeljihia to St. 
Louis, where he lived from the spring of 1843 to 
1852, being then a youth of nineteen years. 

Young Snyder now determined to cross the plains 
to California, and in company with a man famil- 
iarly known as Capt. Harwood, and three others, 
started with a hand cart on their long journey; the 
cart soon broke down and was abandoned. The 
party was soon in the same condition, but young 
Snyder determined upon carrying out his project, 
so he proceeded on his journey alone and finally 
fell in with a lame Irain. with which he remained 



until they reached the Sink of Humboldt. He then 
entered the employ of a man to drive a team of 
cattle to Marysville, across the desert to the Sierra 
Nevada Mountains. Six months later he arrived 
at his destination, and after traveling about in that 
region for a time finally settled at Minnesota Flats, 
where he remained until October. 1855. 

Having now seen enough of the wild West, Mr. 
Snyder returned to St. Louis by way of the Isth- 
mus and New York. We next find him in Leaven- 
worth County, Kan.; whence, in the following 
spring he came to Jackson County and took up a 
claim, in what is now .Jefferson Township, and at 
present owned by .John IaiIz. He settled upon this 
and lived there until the spring of 1860, then sell- 
ing out went to Pike's Peak and remained there 
until the fall of that j-ear. Thence he went into 
Jefferson County, this State, and later to Atchison, 
where he was variously employed. In the spring of 
1861 he returned to Jefferson Township. .Subse- 
quently' he cultivated a tract of land in Leaven- 
worth County, raising two crops for which he 
obtained good prices on account f)f the war. hi 
the si)ring of 1865, returning to Jackson County, 
he settled on section 8, Liberty Township, where 
he has since resided. 

On the 16th of April, 1856, Mr. Snyder was 
united in marriage, in Kiekapoo, Leavenworth Co., 
Kan., to Miss Tilitha Deyarmon. This lady was 
born in Wright County, Mo.. Feb. 22, 1840. Her 
parents were Abraham and Lucy (Chauniiig) 
Deyarmon, natives of Trimble County, K3'. The 
mother died near Independence, Mo., in 1848. The 
father, about 1868, removed to Jackson County, 
and eighteen months later died at the residence of 
his son-in-law, Mr. Snyder, on the 18th of January. 
1870. 

During their residence of over twenty-five years 
in Liberty Township, Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have 
gathered around them a large circle of warm friends. 
There have been born to them two children only, 
the elder of whom, a son, Thomas H., married Miss 
Emily B. Watts, and is living on a farm in Liberty 
Township; Charles A. married Miss Rosa Figlej', 
and they reside in Nemaha County. 

During his sojourn in California JNIr. Snyder did 
well at mining, but says that like many another 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



547 



youiiu- man of that da}', and this also, lie did not 
have the forotliougiit and good judgment to save 
his money. He learned the trade of a brick-maker 
during his early manhood, and followed this in Si. 
Louis before going to the Far West. He made one 
kiln of brick in Kickapoo, Leavenworth County, 
this State. After that he practically aljanduncd his 
trade. 



iDWARD KXOUSE. The career of the 
above-named gentleman affords an excellent 
example of tiie results of persevering indus- 
try, frugal living and wise economy. He began 
life |)oor. and has been financially prospered, and 
is now spending his old age in ease and comfort, 
unharrassed by annoying cares or anxiety regard- 
ing his future support. He is an unassuming, con- 
scientious man. never seeking political or official 
honors, but endeavoring in a private cajjacity to 
fulfill every duty which devolves upon him and 
receiving a corres|)onding degree of lespeet from 
all who know him. 

Mr. Knouse is a native of Lehigh County, Pa., 
and his natal day was Oct. II, ISll. His father. 
George F. Knouse, who was a farmer, was born, 
lived and died in Lehigh County, and was never out 
of the .State but once, on which occasion he walked 
across the bridge at Kaston into New Jersey, just 
to have it to say that he was once out of the .State. 
Wiien our subject was young the grain which his 
father raised had to be hauled to Philadel|)liia, a 
distance of fifty miles, and when, in 1828, the Le- 
high Canal was constructed they thought they were 
"right in town." 

In 1848 Mr. Knouse moved to Seneca County, 
Ohio, and there worked at the traih; of a carpenter 
for many years. He afterward settled on a farm, 
where he built all his own buildings and worked 
hard to clear the land, winch was in the heavy for- 
est. He did not abandon his trade but did carpen- 
tering in connection with his farming. In the 
spring of 1882 he came to Topeka, Kan., and the 
following September removed to Valley Falls, .Jef- 
ferson County, where he made his home. 

The lady who for over forty years has been the 
companion of Mr. Knouse in his labors, sympathiz- 



ing and assisting in every hardship and enjoying 
with him every success. l)ore the maiden name of 
Eliza Swander, and is a daughter of John Swander, 
deceased. The rites of wedlock were celebrated 
between them iJec. 8, 1844, and their happy union 
has resulted in the birth of seven children. Of 
the.se Mrs. VAi/.a Taylor died Doc. 7, 1889, at Colo- 
rado Springs; the remains were brought to Valley 
Fall for burial. Mrs. Lina Nicewinter lives in 
Colorado Springs, Colo.; Mrs. Mary J. Yoder in 
Pawnee County, Kan. ; Mrs. A fmeda Watson lives 
with her parents, and William F., John G. and 
Thomas J., in and near N'alley Falls. 

Mr. Knouse is a life-long Republican. He voted 
for William Henry Harrison in 18.'56 and again in 
1840, and in 1888 cast his ballot for Benjamin 
Harrison, our present President. Both he and his 
wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and 
have a high standing in that religious body. 

The subject of this sketch is descended from a 
Knouse family in both the paternal and maternal 
lines, although his grandparents were not related, 
while both families came from Switzerland. His 
mother was a daughter of Gedfried Knouse, who, 
with a brother, came to the United States before 
the Revolutionary War, both of them enlisting in 
the Colonial Army. They served together until 
near the close of the war, when tlic brother was lost 
and it was never learned whether he was killed or 
taken |)risoner. After the Revolution God fried 
Knouse settled in Lehigh County, Pa., three miles 
north of AUentown, and three miles west of the 
same place George Knouse, the paternal grandfather 
of our subject, made his home. He also had come 
from Switzerland prior to the Revolution. 

^^LFRED B. POMEROY, Cashier of the 
First National Bank at Weslmorelaiid. was 
'!> born in Washtenaw County, Mich., ISIay 
27, lb44, and lived there until twenty 
years of age. He com|iletcd his education in 
Michigan University at Ann Arbor.and commenced 
his business career at .South Haven where he re- 
mained for several j'ears. Thence he went tf) 
Johnstown, N. Y.. where he was connected with a 



548 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



bank for nine years and from there came to Frank- 
fort. Marshall County, this State, in 1.S80. 

After coming to Kansas Mr. Pomeroy engaged 
in farming two years and then became connected 
with the First National Bank at Frankfort as as- 
sistant Casliier, remaining there two jears. At the 
expiration of this time he came to Westmoreland 
and in 1885, assisted in establishing the bank at 
this place. He attends strictly to business, having 
no political aspirations otherwise than assisting to 
support the principles of the Republican party. 

The subject of this sketch was married Oct. 12. 
1870, in Ann Arbor. Mich., to Miss Jennie Wc- 
Intyre. Mrs. Poraero^' was born in Ann Arbor 
and is the daughter of the well-known Judge Mc- 
Intyre. To Mr. and Mrs. Pomeroy there has been 
born one child, a son. Harry M.. who is now a 
promising youth of sixteen years. They are meoi- 
bcrs in good standing of the Congregational 
Church. Mr. Pomeroy is considered one of the 
leading business men of "Westmoreland, possessing 
marked ability and strict integrit3-. His father, 
Daniel Pomeroy. was born in Northampton. Mass.. 
ami married Miss Mahala Blake, of Springfield, that 
State. Tliej- removed to Michigan in 1840 and 
located in the northern part of Washtenaw County, 
engaging in farming. The mother died in 1886. at 
the age of eighty-five years. The father is still 
living, long since retired from active labor. 



^^*hM^ 



^1? ON. CASSIUS N. BAKER, Treasurer of 
|lf)V Pottawatomie County, has held this oHice 
!^^' one term and is renominated for the second 
f^g) terra. He is one of the early settlers of 
Kansas, coming to Topeka in 1867, and commenced 
his business career' in the Sunflower State as clerk 
in a grocery store, holding the position two j-ears. 
In 1869 he settled in AVamego, just after the rail- 
road had been built through the town and opened 
the first extensive grocery store in the place. He 
dealt in groceries and queensware, wholesale and 
retail thereafter for eighteen j'ears and a half. At 
the same time he operated in grain, having the 
lead of this business also. He witnessed the 
growth of the city from a small town of 200 souls 



to its present proportions and the school of nine 
pupils to 500. He was Mayor of the city for two 
3ears and City an 1 Township Clerk four years, 
likewise Township Trustee two years. He was 
elected to the Treasurership on the Republican 
ticket. 

Mr. Baker was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, 
Feb. 23, 1844, and lived there until a youth of 
sixteen years. Upon the opening of the Civil 
War he was the first man to respond to the call for 
volunteers, enlisting in the 14th Ohio Battery. 
Later he enlisted undev the first call for 500,000 
men, entering the ranks July 20. 1861, and serving 
in the second division, 16th Array Corps, in Tenn- 
essee with Sherman. Thomas and Grant. At the 
battle of Shiloh he was injured by a hurse and after 
a season of severe suffering he rejoined his regi- 
ment and was present at the battles of Parker's 
Cross Roads. Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach 
Tree Creek. Atlanta and other important battles of 
the war. At the close he received his honorable 
discharge and was mustered out Aug. 19, 1865. 
after a faithful service of over four years. He was 
then only twenty-one years old. 

Upon leaving the arm}- joung Baker, desirous of 
furthering his education, entered the Business 
College in Aurora, 111., taking a full course and 
being regularlj' graduated. Thence he went to 
Chicago and laier came to Topeka, becoming in 
the latter place head clerk in a large grocery house. 
He was married in September, 1868, to Miss Adelia 
L. Bogert of Topeka. This lady was born on the 
Hudson River, in New York State and educated at 
Clifton Park. She came West with her father. 
Jacob Bogert. who was a contractor for the first 
wing of the Capitol building at Topeka. Mr. and 
Mrs. Baker are the parents of two children — Fred- 
erick and Be.itrice. Mr. Baker in addition to his 
other property has a good farm, and stock in the 
First National Bank, of which he is a Director. 
He is also President of the Westmoreland A Wa- 
mego Telephone line. He has alw.ays maintained 
a uniform interest in the welfare of his adopted 
county and aided largely in its growth and develop- 
ment. 

H. B. Baker the father of our subject, and form- 
erly of Rutland. Vt.. married Miss Emily F. Hocum 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



549 



and tliey leared a family of three sons. Tliey re- 
•novod to Ohio and engaged in farming and tiie 
niotlicr died wlieii her son Cassius N.. was a l)o\' of 
nine years. Tiie elder Baker was a second time 
married. lie S|)ent liis last days in Topeka, dying 
in 18cS0 at tiie age of eighty years. 31 r. Baker lie- 
longs to the I. O. O. F., being a member of tlie 
(Irpnd Lodge and the Encampment. As a Union 
soldier, he is also a member of the (i. A. R. His 
sterling worth and integrity have given liim a solid 
standing among his fellow-citizens. 



^-4- 




i-IMOTIIY C. GREEN is an old settler of 
Jefferson County, and a prominent farmer 
of Kentuck3' Township, of whose agricul- 
turists lie is f.n excellent representative. His farm 
comprises eighty acres on section 15, favorably 
located on the Delaware River, one mile from 
Perr}-. It bears native timber, and is watered by 
living springs, and is now finely improved, with 
substantial and adequate outbuildings, and fruitful 
orchards. The dwelling now occupied b}- the fam- 
ily, was erected in 1882, and is a two-story and 
basement edifice. 28x28 feet, and of pleasing de- 
sign. Mr. Green is devoting his attention princi- 
[lally to corn and stock-raising. He raises high- 
grade and full-bloodetl Shorthorn and Hereford 
cattle, and Poland-China hogs; and also keeps ex- 
cellent road horses, having seven head on band, 
one of them being ]Mamluinu Chief. 

The grandfather of our subject was a native of 
New Jerse)', and a brother of Gen. Nathaniel Green 
of Revolutionary fame, and these brothers were de- 
scended from one of Cromwell's followers, who was 
outlawed from England, and found a home in the 
new colonies. Like his brother, Nathaniel, Mr. 
Green was a Revolutionary soldier. His trade was 
that of a carpenter, and from his native State he 
removed to New York, locating near Albany, 
where he continued to reside until called from time 
to eternity. 

Ichabod (ireen, son of the above, and f;itlier of 
our subject, was also born in New Jersey, and fol- 
lowed the trade of his father for some time. He 
engaged in farming in Ontario County, N. Y., 



whence he subsequently moved to Allegan County, 
Mich., and there also operated a farm, on which he 
was resi'ling at the time of his death. He had been 
a soldier in the War of 1812. and at Plattsburg was 
wounded by a shot in the leg. He was a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was 
born in Massachusetts, and bore the name of Olive 
Tinney. Her father was also a native of the old 
Bay State, was a millwright, and one of the fiist 
settlers in Ontario County, N. Y., where he built 
sawmills, operated a farm, and also carried on a 
business in saw-milling, becoming quite well-to-do. 
Grandmother Tinney was born in England. The 
mother of our subject died at her home in Michi- 
gan, after having borne nine children: George W.. 
Harriet, !\ud Adeline, are deceased; Matilda, now 
Mrs. Peck, lives in Ontario Count}', N. Y.; Corin- 
tha and Dewitt C. are dead; Mrs. Maria Hicks 
lives in Michigan; Timotiiy C. is the next on the 
family roll; Mrs. Mary Sutton resides in Ontario 
County, N. Y. 

The natal day of our subject was June 12, 18:33, 
and his birthplace Naplcstown, Ontirio Co., N. Y. 
He was reared upon a farm, and was the recipient 
of common-school advantages, and also learned the 
carpenter's tr.ade during his boyhood and j'outh. 
At the age of nineteen years he began farming, 
and going to Allegan County, Mich., he purchased 
eighty acres of land, which he improved, at the 
same time working at his trade. In the spring of 
1862, he entered the emi)loy of the United States 
Government as a scout under Gen. Buell, and 
served as such for a year. During this time he had 
been present at the battles of Perryville and Stone 
River. 

In the summer of 1863, Mr. Green enlisted in 
Company G, 4th Michigan Cavalry, and after being 
mustered into the service at Grand Rapids, was 
sent South and participated with \u- comrades in 
the battles of Chiekamauga. Lookout Mountain, 
Tunnell Hill, Resaca, and Rome, and in skirmishes 
all the way to Atlanta. During the siege of the 
latter place, the command to which he belonged 
was dismounted, and took their i)lace in the trenches 
with the infantry men. After the investment at 
Atlanta, the 4th was remounted and did service in 
tho engagements at Lovejoy Station and Jones- 



550 



POKTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



boro, whence tlie^' went on to Dcc.itiir. at which 
place ]Mr. Green helped to cany the bori}- of the 
gallant Gen. ^NlcPherson from the field. The com- 
mand then jiarticipated in the raid on Macon, Ga., 
and Mr. Green made one of a dozen mounted men 
who came back under the orders of Gen. Scoville 
to watch tlie movements of Hood, and who reached _ 
Nashville ahead of that rebel General. 

Before the battle of Nashville, the compan}' was 
sent to Louisville, and after being supplied with 
new horses, started for Eastport, under the com- 
mand of Gen. AVilson. They participated in the 
capture of Selma, Ala., thence went to Montgom- 
ery, and then to the Chattahoochee, where they 
took part in another engagement. The}' were next 
sent to INIacon, where the Confederates surrendered, 
and where they remained three or four days, when 
the regiment was ordered to the pursuit of Jeffer- 
son Davis. Tbey spent a night and a day in steady 
marching, when their horses gave out, and a de- 
tail of 1 25 men was sent on after the fleeing Con- 
federate. Mr. Green made one of this band, which 
marched all night and came up to the Confederate 
camp at four o'clock in the morning. They had a 
fight with the 1st Wisconsin, mistaking this bod}' 
of their own forces for a party of Confederates. 
Mr. Green was on picket when Davis was captured, 
and made one of his guards during the journe\' of 
125 miles back to Macon. 

Mr. Green was mustered out of the service at 
Nashville, Tenn.. in the fall of 1865. after an army 
life of over two years, during which he had many 
narrow escapes from eaptui:e and death. While 
foraging between Montgomery and Columbus, he 
was taken prisoner by Gen. Forrest, but escaped 
the same night, riding off on his own horse, his de 
parture being made easy by his acquaintance with 
the man who was left to guard him. He acted in 
every capacity from Corporal to Lieutenant, but 
was not commissioned, and never missed a day's 
service. 

Returning to his home in Michigan, after having 
faithfully served his country, and performed his 
duties in a gallant and honorable manner, ]\Ir. 
Green again took up the peaceful occupation of 
farming. In A|iril. 18(56, he sold his farm in that 
State, and on account of poor health, came to this 



State, traveling by rail to Lawrence, and thence to 
Perry. lie purchased the land which he still occu- 
pies, of tiie I'nion Pacific Railroad, paying six 
dollars per acre for it, and at once erecting a log 
house upon it took his place among the pioneers of 
tliis vicinity. 

An important step of his life was taken by Mr. 
Green on the 4th of .luly, 1858, when he was 
united in marriage with Miss Celestia Allen, the 
ceremony being peiforraed in Allegan County, 
Mich. jNIrs. Green was born in Ohio, and is pos- 
sessed of many womanly virtues and domestic ac- 
quirements. To herself and husband three chihlren 
have been born: Olive, wife of Otis Tallad.ay, re- 
sides in Perry : Jennie is the wife of C. F. Dick, 
and lives in this township; Maud is still at home. 

Mr. Green served as School Treasurer three 
terms. He belongs to the 1. O. O. F., at Perry, and 
holds the rank of Past Noble Grand, and has been 
a representative to the Grand Lodge. He formerly 
belonged to the G. A. R. at Perry, in politics he 
is a sturdy Republican. The eneigy of his char- 
acter and uprightness of his life, combined with his 
intelligence and genialil}', win for him friends, and 
he is looke<l upon with respect liy all with whom 
he comes in contact. 

^/AMES M. MAY. Among the pioneer resi- 
dents of Jefferson Count}' and the prosper- 
ous farmers of Delaware Townshi|), the 
(^^' subject of this sketch holds a high rank, 
and is one of those brave and loyal men, who dur- 
ing the late war distinguished themselves in the ser- 
vice of their country, warring against the savages as 
well as the white citizens who were rebels to the 
Nation. He possesses a social and generous nature, 
a high moral character, and is a consistent and ac- 
tive member of a religious body, and ever found 
identified with those movements which will con- 
duce to the advancement of the higher civilization 
in the State in whose welfare he takes such pride. 

The parents of our subject were George W. and 
Rachael (Smith) May. tlie former a native of 
Pennsylvania, but reared in Preston County. Va., 
where his wife was born. George JLay was a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



553 



fanner, and in 1857 took up his residence in Kan- 
sas ioLT.ting on the Delaware Tiiist I^ands, his farm 
comprising a portion of section 30, townsliip 8. 
range 18, now included in Delaware Township, 
Jefferson Count\-. It was wild land and Die family 
was surrounded \>y Indians and wild animals, 
while buffaloes were numerous thirty miles west of 
their home. The wolves were quite troublesome, 
and sheep, pigs, chickens, and other domestic ani- 
mals and fowls were carried off by tiiem. 

The mother of our subject departed this life 
April 7. 1860. and the father subsequently married 
iMrs. Susan Bloomei'. surviving until the fall of 
1886, when he too was called from time to eternity, 
his age lieing seventy-two years. He was not a 
seeker after popularity but a consistent Christian, 
and in the pursuit of the duties which devolved 
upon him he became highly esteemed liy his fellow- 
citizens. He was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and the mother of our subject 
also bore high standing in that religious bodj'. 

The family of which our subject is a member 
comprised thirteen children, twelve of them hav- 
ing been born to his mother and one to his step- 
mother. Two children died when small, and Mrs. 
Alartlia Hosier and SalaHiial died in mature years, 
leaving families. William J., Isaac N., our sub- 
ject. George D., Mrs. Rachael Piper, Mrs. Amy 
Gerberick. Joseph F., and Mrs. Eliza Lambert, live 
in Northern Kansas. The child of the elder Mr. 
May's second marriage is Flora E., now IMrs. (Jib- 
bons. 

James M. May was born Feb. 22, 1814, in Wood 
County, W. Va., and in 1857 accompanied his 
parents to the territory of Kansas, spending a 
short time amid the primitive surroundings of their 
frontier home. His country's needs aroused his 
patri()tic spirit and although "only a bo}- " in 
years, he entered the service with a man's deter- 
mination to do all that lay in his [lower to uphold 
the union and preserve it Intact. He became a 
member of Company I., 11th Kansas Mounted In- 
fantry, and for three years displayed his gallantry 
on hard fought fields, on lonely picket duty, and 
in the various situations which " try men's souls " 
in army life. Among the more prominent battles 
in which he took part were Cane Hill, Prairie 



Grove. Westport, Big Blue, Lexington, ( Mo.,) and 
the engagement with the Indians at Platte Bridge, 
Neb. In the latter contest his company, which 
numbered 100 at the beginning of the engage- 
ment, was depleted to sixty-eight men. Four of 
his brothers were in the service and were with Mr. 
May at this b.attle. where George was wounded but 
escaped to the fort. The five brothers lived to re- 
turn to their homes. Their youngest brother, 
Jose|)h, was as enthusiastically patriotic as the 
others, and running away from home, joined them 
and tried to enlist, but was rejected, as he was only 
fourteen years old. He then returned to his home 
and assisted his lonely father to carry on the farm. 

After receiving his honorable discharge from the 
Union army, tjie .gentleman of whom wc write 
spent two years as a clerk in the dry-goods store of 
Calvin .Smith, and then helping to raise a company', 
went out in the 1 i)th Kansas Cavahy, to fight the 
Indians and retake Mrs. Morgan and Miss While. 
Under the dashing and gallant Gen. Custer, they 
surrounded the Indian camp and made prisoners of 
the chiefs. The savages refused to surrender their 
captives and escaped with the women during the 
night, having word sent them by Gen. Custer that 
at twelve o'clock the next day the chiefs. would be 
hanged unless the women were restored to their 
friends. Preparations were made for the execu- 
tion of the chiefs, and when the ropes were thrown 
over the limb of a cottonwood tree, the Indians, 
who were watching from a distance, sent the women 
to the United States troops. Gen, Custer kept the 
chiefs as hostages for the protection of his little 
band, and they were finally killed in trying to 
escape. The 19th was discharged after a six 
months' campaign and our subject resumed farm- 
ing in Jefferson County', adding stock-raising to 
that occupation. He owns 186 acres of improved 
land on section 25, Delaware Township, and his 
slock consists of Norman horses, Short-horn cattle 
and Poland- China hogs. 

The marriage of Mr. May took place Feb. 7. 
1871, his chosen companion being Mrs. Ellen Van 
Liew, widow of Ogden A'anLiew, and daughter of 
Daniel and Louisa (Rorebaugh) Foust, deceased. 
The union has been blessed b\' the birth of two 
children: Charles A., born Oct. 6. 1872, and iiosa 



554 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



H., born Sept. 24, 1874. Mrs. May bad seven 
children by her first husband, and six of them now 
survive. They are: Lucretia E., born Jan. 2, 1855; 
John II., Sept. 15, 1856 ; Julia S., Oct. 28, 1858; 
Henry Ogden. Jan. 11, 1861; William W., Sept. 
13. 1862; Lewis E., Nov. 7, 1864, and Benja- 
min F., June 7, 1867. Of these Henry Ogden is 
deceased. Lucretia married William Rogers of Mor- 
row County, Ohio, and has no family;. John mar- 
ried a lady in New Mexico and has two children, 
William and Ida; their home is in ElPaso, Tex.; 
Julia married Simon Fowble of Morrow County, 
Ohio, and is the mother of four sons — Bertie, Guy, 
Harry and James R. ; William married Cora Wad- 
dell, lives in Kansas City and is the father of one 
son — Earl; Lewis married Belle Weibling and has 
no children; he is traveling for the firm of Barrett 
& Barrett, Kansas City; Benjamin F. married Belle 
Case and thej- reside in Brown Count}', Kan. 
Mrs. May was born in Baltimore County, Md.,near 
Fredericktown, and accompanied her parents to 
Richland (now Morrow) County, Ohio, and in 
April, 1860, came to Jefferson Count\', Kan., with 
her first husband. She was once a Lutheran but 
for many years has been a member of the Metho- 
dist Church. 

Mr. Ma}' is a member of the L (). O. F., the 
A. O. U. W.. the C. A. R., and the Farmers' Alli- 
ance. He never seeks office but has accepted a 
public position in educational matters and as Clerk 
of his school district or School Treasurer has 
served his neighbors for seventeen years. In poli- 
tics he is a Kepublican. He is a prohibitionist and 
decidedly opposes the re-submission of the prohibi- 
tion question in the State. He belongs to the 
Iilethodist Episcopal Church, and is at present one 
of the Stewards and for many years was Trustee 
and Sunday-school Superintendent. 




H. BRADSHAW. farmer and breeder of 
i Durham cattle and Noinian horses, near 



vfe))lli Denison, Jackson County, is a native of 
Kentucky and was born Sapt. 1, 1822 in 
Aibiii- County. In 1848 he moved to Vernon 
('( unty. Mo., and was one of the Board of County ] 



Commissioners who located in the county seat at 
Nevada. He was for six years Justice of the Peace 
and for four years was County Judge. He came 
to Jackson County, Kan., in 1862, and located on 
North Cedar Creek, his |)resent home. He now 
has 200 acres under cultivation and well-improved. 
He was married in 1843 to Miss Belinda Collins, a 
native of Virginia. Thej' have eight children, 
namely: LaFayette, Mary, Henry, Jasper, Sarah, 
Lucretia, Jane and Bainbridge, Jr. 

In the temperance movement Mr. Bradsliaw has 
taken an active i)art. While a resident of Missouri 
he was District Deputy, Grand Master of the 
I. 0. G. T. Lodge, and for two years lectured and 
instituted lodges. Duriug the Grange movement 
he was District Deput}' Grand Master, and organ- 
ized and instituted all the granges in Jackson 
County, Kan. He is an active member of the 
Christian Churcli, of which he has been an Elder 
for the past twenty years. 



^, EV. FATHER PETER A. KRIER, pastor of 
St. Mary's, was born in (Jermanj- March 9, 

\\\ 1845, and lived -there with his parents, 
\^ Peter an<l Kate (Munhoven) Krier until 
thirteen years old. He then entered Lutzenburg 
College where lie staid seven years. He next started 
for America and on the 10th of September, 1865, 
landed in St. Louis, Mo., where he continued his 
studies until December. 1868, going thence to ^lil- 
waukee, Wis., and from there to Woodstock in 
1869. 

After completing his studies in 1871, Father 
Krier was sent to Cincinnati, Oliio, to take the 
Professorship of St. Xavier College, which he held 
until 1874. Then returning to Woodstock he began 
the study of theology and in 1877 was sent to 
Washington, Mo., as assistant parish priest, where 
he remained one year. Then returning to Cincin- 
nati he became Associate Chaplain and Priest of the 
German Literary Society and later w.as sent to 
Osage Count.y, Mo., as Superior of several parishes 
in which capacity he served seven years. Later he 
had charge of St. Joseph's Church at St. Louis. 
Then coming to St. Mary's, Aug. 24. 1888, he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



553 



assumed charge of liis present parish which now 
aggregates a membership of 1,500 with a scliool 
of over 200 pupils and which he has built iip from 
a very small beginning. He has done much hard 
work, building up a number of other parishes, 
erecting buildings and establishing schools which 
are now in a llourisliing condition. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject and his 
son. Peter, Sr., as also Peter, Jr., were born in the 
same house. The mother, Mrs. Katie Krier, was 
born in tlie Province of Lorraine, France. The 
parental household consisted of six children, three 
sons and three daughters. The sons all became 
jiriests. The mother died March 9, 1865, aged 
fifty-seven years. The father died Nov. 4, 1871, at 
the age of sixty-seven. Tlie3' spent their last days 
at the old home and their remains were laid to rest 
in the cemetery of their ancestors. 



HARLP:S E. BETTS. it has been twenty- 
since Mr. Betts first settled in 



fM) "ARLKS E. B 
(l( n '^"'^ .ys^i'S sir 
^^^^^'^ Kansas, to wli 



^^^■^ Kansas, to which he came poor in purse, 
having only the qualities of resolution and perse- 
verance with wliich to begin the battle of life on 
the frontier. We find him now numbered among 
the prosperous men of Rural Township, .Jefferson 
County, and the owner of 225 acres of well-devel- 
oped land on section 28. In addition to general 
agriculture he makes a specialty of potatoes, raising 
on an average from 100 acres a crop of from 15,000 
to 20,000 bushels i)cr year. He seems to have dis- 
covered the secret of cultiv.ating this indispensable 
vegetable and has realized handsome returns. 

Ross County, Ohio, was the early tramping 
ground of our subject, and where his birth took 
place in 1863. His parents, George W. and Jennie 
(Timmons) Betts, were likewise natives of the 
Buckeye State, and are now residents of Kansas 
Citj', this State. The father has been Clerk of the 
court of Wyandotte Count}' ff)r a number of >ears. 
He served as a soldier in the Union army during 
the Civil War. The paternal grandfather was a 
native of Maryland, and was a drummer in the 
War of 1812. Prior to this, in 1800. he had made 
settlement near Chillic<jtlic, Ohio, during the Ter- 



ritorial days of that now prosperous coninionwealtii. 
He prosecuted farming and milling extensively, 
and became well-to-do, spending there his last 
days. 

The father of our subject, after coming to Kan- 
sas occupied himself as a farmer several years Ijcforc 
being elected to office. About 1867 ho took up his 
abode in Edwardsville, where Charles was educated 
in tiie public schools. At the age of fourteen years 
he engaged as a bookkeeper at the stock yards, and 
officiated in this capacity also for the firm of T. A. 
Scott & Co. for eight 3ears. He was also engaged 
as a bookkeeper in Denver, Col., three years. Later 
he was Deputy Clerk of Wyandotte County, this 
State, under his father. He w.as married, in 1884. 
to Miss P:iizabeth, daughter of J. C. and Rosa 
Grinter, of Wyandotte County, who had settled 
there during the pioneer days. Of this union there 
has been born one child only — Sibyl Dodana. Jli-. 
Betts, politically, votes the Republican ticket, and 
is an honored member of the Knights of Pythias. 

The maternal grandfather of Mr. Betts was 
Ste|)hen Timmons, a native of M.aryland. and born 
on the Chesapeake B.a}-. He carried on farming 
extensively, and for the long period of fifty-four 
years officiated as a minister of the Methodist 
Episcop.al Church. His wife was Lydia Cartwright, 
who removed to Ross County. Ohio in 1800 during 
its Territorial days. The father of (jur subject 
served as a soldier in the Civil War. 






(| I^ILLIAM H. SMITH. Among the m.any 
\rJ// fi"3 farms in Jefferson County, that of the 
V^^ above-named gentleman is noticeable for 
its marked imi)rovenients, pleasant location, and 
general air of good management and order. It 
comprises 118 acres on section 2, Ker.tuckv Town- 
ship, is fertilized by Spring Creek Branch and is 
three and a half miles from Perry. The residence 
is a handsome stone structure built from rock which 
was quarried on the farm, and is accompanied by 
sulistanlial and adequate farm buildings of various 
kinds. Eightv-five acres of laud are under the 
plow and the remainder is devoted to pasturage, as 
Mr. Smith is engaged in stock-raising and feeding. 



.).)i; 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



He breeds full-blooded Polnnd-Cliina hogs, lias a 
small herd of full-blooded Short-horn and Durham 
cattle, and ten head of farm horses. 

Before beginning a brief outline of the history 
of our subject, it may be well to devote a few 
words to his ancestry and parentage. His paternal 
grandfather, Peter Smith, was born in the Old Do- 
minion and owned and operated 300 acres of land 
there. He was a Revolutionary soldier, was of 
English descent, and for years was a (.' lass-Leader 
in the IMethodist K[iiscopal Church. His son .Jacob, 
the father of our subject, was born in what is 
now Mineral County, W Xn, kud he also fol- 
Ujwed farming. He cleared and operated a farm 
of 140 acres in that county, where he resided until 
1862. when he moved to Illinois and near Vandalia. 
in Fayette County, improved another farm. There 
he died in 1887, .at the age of sixtj'-six years. Like 
his father he belonged to the Metiiodist Episcopal 
Church and was a Class-Leader for years. His 
wife was a native of the same county as himself, 
and bore the maiden name of Susan (irimra. She 
vv.is left an orphan when a child. She survived 
until 1888, when she followed her husband to the 
silent tomb. The faniil3' consisted of seven chil- 
dren, our subject being the tirst-born. All are still 
living except Emma, the sixth child. Susan M., 
(now iMrs. Peters,) Charles, .lohn, and Joseph, are 
living in Fayette Count\', 111. Alice, (now Mrs. 
Boles) lives in Lawrence, Kan. 

The subject of this brief sketch first opened his 
eyes to the light May 10, 1842, near Keyser. Min- 
eral Count3', W. Va. He was reared on a farm, and 
attended the subscription schools which were in the 
old-fashioned log school house with slab benches 
and greased paper windows. He pursued his studies 
and assisted in carrying on the work of the farm 
until twenty years of age. when he took up arms 
in defense of the Union. 

In December, 1862, Mr. Smith became a member 
of Company C, 1st Virginia Cavalry, and was mus- 
tered in at Wheeling, W. ^'a., the regiment forming 
a (i.irt (jf the Army of the Potomac. He partici- 
Ij.iU'd in the engagements at Withville and Lynch- 
liur'i;, and then went back to the Shenandoah ^'alley, 
wlure under tlie gallant Sheridan he was present at 
ilie lialtles of Winchester, Martinsburg, and Cedar 



Creek, and engaged in skirmishing evcrj- day until 
they reached Stanton, where they had a heavy skir- 
mish. Their next engagement was at JNIoorefield, 
Va., and subsequent to this contest Mr. Smith acted 
as Corporal under Gen. Custer. He was jtresent at 
the siege of Richmond and at Aiipomattax Court 
House, and acted .as scout at the battle of White 
Sulphur Springs. Here he received a flesh wound 
in the hip from a rifle ball, which laid him up for a 
while, but he recovered in time to participate in 
the Grand Review. He w'as nuistered out of service 
at Wheeling, .June 15, 1865. having escaped serious 
injury, although he had three horses shot from 
under him and h.ad holes shot through his blouse 
on more than one occasion. 

Having won an honorable record in the ranks, 
and hajipy in the consciousness that he had done 
all that was within his power to preserve the TJnion, 
Mr. Smith on receiving his discharge went to Illi- 
nois to join his father. He engaged in an agricul- 
tural life, renting land in the Prairie State until 
1868, when he came to this State by team, crossing 
the Mississippi River at Alton, and the Missouri at 
Booneville, and making his way to this county. 
He rented land on Buck Creek, upon which he re- 
sided until 1881, when he moved to the estate 
wliich he now occupies and which he had purchased 
in 1873 at *7.50 per acre. He made valuable im- 
provements upon the place, among them being a 
large frame dwelling which two years later was 
burned to the ground with all its contents, leaving 
the family with but the clothes on their backs. 
Notwithstanding this set-back, the industry and 
energy of Mr. Smith have been crowned with suc- 
cess and his labors are meeting with a substantial 
reward. 

At the home of the bride in Fayette County, III.. 
March 8, 1866, Mr. Smith was united in marriage 
with Miss Martha Lewis. She is a native of Marion 
County, Ohio, and the daughter of an old settler in 
the Buckeye State, and had accompanied her wid- 
owed mother to Illinois. She is a lady of noble 
Christian character and many domestic virtues. Her 
union with Mr. Smith has resulted in the birth of 
four children: Cora, who is now in Lawrence, and 
Maurice, Jennie, and Jesse, who are still at home. 

3Ir. Smith is a prominent and very popular gen- 



PORTRAIT AND .BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



557 



tleraan. witli the good breerling of a true Virginian 
and tile genial nature whicli alwaj's wins friends. 
He is now servino; jiis second term as Trustee of 
Kentucky Townsliip, is .ilso tillini;' tlie ofliee of As- 
sessor and is Treasurer of tlie Scbool District. He 
is a true-blue Republican and has been delegate 
to county conventions. Twice he has served on 
the petit jury. Mrs. Smith belongs to the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Chincli, and shares with her husband 
in the esteem of their neighliors and associates. 

/^^ ARLTON PECK. Tliis well known resident 
[if^^ of Grant Township, Pottawatomie County, 
^^^ may usually be found at his snug homestead 
on section 20, this comprising eighty acres of prime 
land well improved, while he also lias a good farm 
of 120 acres in Soldier Township, .Tackson Count}-. 
He came to Pottawatomie County in 1866, taking 
up a tract of wild land which now shows the effect 
of his mdustiy and perseverance. He emigrated 
hither from Lake County, 111., in 1864, after having 
been a resident of the Prairie State for fourteen 
years. He was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., 
May 22, 1837. 

The parents of our subject were (ieorge P>. and 
Labina (Pelton) Peck, natives of Connecticut,where 
they sojourned until approaching mature years. 
They emigrated to the Emiiire State, each with 
their parents, where they were married and settled 
upon a farm in Herkimer County. Thence in 18.51 
they removed to Lake County, 111., where the father 
prosecuted farming for many years. They spent 
their last <lays in Waukegan, the father dying in 
1880. at the age of seventy-four and the mother in 
1884, when seventy-eight 3'ears old. Their lives 
have been spent quietly and uneventfully', distin- 
guished by traits of honesty and ui)rightness and 
the industry by which the}' lived comfortably and 
at peace among their neighbors. 

The subject of this sketch and his twin sister, 
Caroline, were the younger of his parents' three 
children, the eldest being a son. Curtis, who is mar- 
ried and in the employ of a railroad company with 
headquarters at Ft. Scott, Kan.; Caroline is the 
wife of Harvey ]Meltimore. Carlton attained to 



his majority in Lake County and was there married 
to Miss Elizabeth Shove. This lady was horn in 
England, Jan. 29. 1843, and is the sister of Henry 
W. Shove who is represented elsewhere in this vol- 
ume. Mrs. Peck spent her girlhood days under 
the parental roof, accompanying the family to 
America and remained with them until her mar- 
riage. Of this union there have been born ten 
children, one of whom, a little son, George, was 
taken from the household circle at the age of ten 
months. The survivors, Emma, Justin, Ernest, 
Leon, Adolph, Ottie, Alice, Jonath.an and Earl arc 
usually at home with their parents, although Justin 
has been a great traveler and has visited a large 
portion of the Western country. Mr. Peck, although 
keeping himself well posted upon matters of general 
interest, carefully avoids the responsibilities of 
office, having little to do with public affairs, further 
than giving his support and influence to the sup- 
port of the Republican party. He is one of the 
most thorough and careful farmers of Pottawatomie 
County and a representative citizen. 



■^i-i^if^ 



■^Y? AMES LAWLESS. It is seldom the lot of 
the biographer to meet as genial and intelli- 
gent a gentleman as he with whose name 
we introduce this sketch. Wide-awake, en- 
terprising and industrious, he is also the possessor 
of fine tastes and a keen intellect and is well- posted 
on the current toi)ies of the da}'. He is in good 
circumstances, comfortably situated on a well-reg- 
ulated farm of 110 acres on section 15, while he 
owns twenty acres on section 17, Kentucky Town- 
ship, Jefferson County. With the exception that 
he still remains a bachelor, he is performing all the 
obligations of an honest man and a good citizen. 

Mr. Lawless, the only child of his parents, was 
born in Frankfort, Ky., June 27, 18.j0, and vvhen a 
boy of seven years came to K'lnsas with his mother 
and stepfather. They made the journey by river 
to Kansas Cit}'. Mo., thence overland to Jef- 
ferson County. The population of Kansas City 
did not then exceed 500 souls, and the streets were 
jnst beginning to be g-raded. They arrived in the 
Kaw Vnlh'v in March. 1860. and shortly afterward 



558 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



secure'! .a tract of land in Kentucky Townsliip at a 
time wlieu wild game abounded, and their neigh- 
bors were few and far between. There were no 
schools in the township for five years thereafter. 
Later subscription scliools were established and 
young Lawless pursued liis first studies in a log 
cabin. Me was at an early age set to work on a 
farm and thus acquired those habits of industry 
and frugality wliich have enaliled him to enter up- 
on a more than ordinarily prosperous career. 

In 1807 young Lawless entered St. Mary's Col- 
lege where he pursued his studies one year. After- 
ward he remained upon the home farm until 1875, 
then purchased eighty acres of his stepfather. In 
1876 he went with the latter to Pottawatomie 
County, where they purchased a quarter section of 
land in Emmett Township. Tliis they operated as a 
ranch until 1879, then selling out returned to Jef- 
ferson County. Mr. Lawless located at Newman, 
and improved his farm of 132 acres. He also 
purchased a store in the town and eng.iged in gen- 
eral merchandising. In October, 1884, he became 
agent for the Union Pacific Railroad Company, at 
Newman, and was also appointed Postmaster 
there. 11 will thus be seen that he had but few 
idle moments, he carrying on his farm, store and 
attending to the business of the post-otiice until 
Oct. 1, 1888. lie then severed his connection with 
the railroad company and about that time also dis- 
posed of his goods, and turne<l all his attention to 
farming. He, however, continued in the post-of- 
fice until September, 1889. 

The farm of Mr. Lawless is ' thoroughly im- 
proved, neatly enclosed, divided with substantial 
fencing and embellished with modern buildings. 
It is pleas.°.ntly located along the Kansas River and 
very productive, yielding corn and wheat es- 
pecially, in abundance. While in business at 
Newman. Mr. Lawless also dealt considerably in 
grain, graded cattle, swine and high grade Norman 
horses. Although meddling very little witii poli- 
tics he gives his support to the Democratic party, 
and is prominently connected with the Catholic 
Church, to which he gives a liberal support. 

The father of our subject was .Tames Lawless, 
Sr.. a native of County Louth, Ireland, and the 
j'oungest of seven brothers. 'L'iie paternal grand- 



father was .Tolin Lawless, a highly educated, cult- 
ured and wealthy man who spent his last years in 
Ireland. James Lawless received a classical edu- 
cation, and started out in life well equipped with 
this vvorld's goods. He was married in his native 
Ireland to Miss Mary O'Brien, likewise a native of 
County Louth, born in the town of Drouheda. 
Her father, Thomas O'Brien, was a well-to-do 
farmer of Countj- Louth, and married Miss Annie 
Conlen. They emigrated to America in 1852, set- 
tling in Kentuck3-, where they sojourned four years. 
The^' then returned to their native land where they 
spent the remainder of their lives. 

In 1849, llie father of our subject started for 
America, intending to engage in the mercantile bus- 
iness in New Orleans. He fell a victim to cholera 
on board the vessel, and received an ocean burial. 
The mother pursued her journey, landing in New 
Orleans and thence went to Frankfort, Ky. .She 
was married a second time in the course of a year. 
She is still living, making her home on a farm of 
eighty acres in Kentucky Township, this .State. 



^^EORGE W. WHITE, .an old and honored 
l[ (^-, resident of Jackson County, is a native of 
*^^i/J| Philadel|)hia, Pa., where his birth took 
place Nov. 13, 1807. He is the son of John and 
Martha (Jeffries) White, who were born in Penn- 
sylvania and New Jersey respectivelj'. The father 
of our subject was a sailor, and his father, Jesse 
White, also a native of New Jersey, was a farmer, 
and a soldier in the Revolutionary Army. The 
maternal grandfather of our subject was Edward 
Jeffries, who was born in England and came to 
America prior to the Revolution, during which lie 
served with the Colonists. 

The subject of this biography was reared in his 
native city, and .at the age of twenty years .accom- 
panied his parents to Huron County, Ohio, where 
they settled on a farm, which they made their home 
until their demise. Mr. White remained with them 
until twenty-five years of age, when he was married 
and moved to Tazewell County. III. There he ob- 
tained some Government land, upon which he made 
his home until 183G, when he removed to Polk 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



559 



County, Ark., and improved a farm, upon which he 
resided about ten years. The Mexii'an War being 
then in progress, he was enrolled in Company B, 
2nd Arkansas Infantry, in which lie served one 
year. Returning then to his homr, he remained 
until tlie following year (1848), when he removed 
to Dade County, Mo., and there lived and labored 
until the war troubles early in the '60's clouded the 
hoi'izon, and endangered the lives of those who 
were as outspoken as was Mr. White, in his views 
regarding the rights and wrongs of the questions 
at issue. Being run out of Missouri on account of 
his views, in 1861, he came to this county, where 
he has since resided. Mr. White at one time 
owneil 400 acres of land in Cedar Township, 
which he had partially improved, and which he has 
given to his children. He is now living in Jeffer- 
son Township. 

The first wife of Mr. White bore the maiden 
name of Margaret Minter, and she was a native of 
()hio. She bore her husband twelve children, and 
lived to encourage him, and bestow motherly care 
upon her children until 1862, when she was called 
from earth. Of her famil3', John M. is now living 
in Shawnee County; Webster, in Colorado; Henry 
C in this county; George V., also in this county; 
Margaret is the wife of Robert Owens, of this 
county; Julia is the wife of J. L. Herron. of To- 
peka; Phelie E. is the wife of William Harrison, of 
this county; Delpha is the wife of Washington 
Marshall, of Leavenworth County. Kan. 

After having remained a widower for a number of 
years, ^Ir. While remarried, the lady whom he 
chose for his companion being Mrs. Sarah Herron, 
a widow whose maiden name was Glass, and who 
was a native of Ohio. The rights of wedlock were 
celebrated between them in 1878. Mrs. AVhite has 
six living children l)y her former husband: Mary 
Ann is the wife of Nathan Leggett, of Ohio; .Sarah 
Jane is the wife of Joshua Graham, of Los Angeles, 
Cal.; Martin is living in Buchanan County, Iowa; 
Isaac resides at Kelly Statiun, Nemaha Co., Kan., 
Matilda is the widow of Daniel Andrews, and lives 
in Buchanan County. Iowa; Maria is the widow of 
l\-rry Harrington, of Ashtabula County, Uliio. 

Mr. While was an old-line Whig, and is now a 
strong l!c'pulilic;in. His first vble was cast for 



Henry Clay. He has been a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church for forty-five years, and 
has held the office of Class-Leader. His present 
wife is also a member of that denomination, with 
which she has been identified since childhood. It 
has been the intention of Mr. White to rear and 
educate his children according to the laws of Chris- 
tianity, and his prayers and labors in their behalf 
have been answered, and their useful lives do honor 
to the name they bear, and give their father just 
cause for a loving pride. Mr. White has ever been 
outspoken in behalf of what he coniidered right, 
while manifesting a spirit of charity toward those 
who are in the wrong. He is interested in all wor- 
thy enterprises, and during his long life has assisted 
to the best of his ability in the upbuilding of the- 
communities in which he has resided. He can look 
back over a life well spent, and when the Master 
calls, can go to iiis grave 

"• Like one who wraps the drapery of his conch 
around him 
And lies down to pleasant dreams.'' 



yfeASHINGTON ADAMS, who now resides 
/ in Kentucky Township, is an old pioneer 
^^^ of Jefferson County tcJ which he came in 
1859 and in whose development he has ably 
assisted. His fine farm consists of 260 acres on 
sections Sand 18, and bears such improvements 
as are usually made by an enterprising and pro- 
gressive farmer; and is a home of which any man 
not desirous of an unusually large share of this 
world's goods might well be pleased to be the 
owner. Mr. Adams and his worthy wife have a 
Large circle of acquaintances and man}- warm 
friends to whom their virtues are well known. 

Before giving an outline of the life of our sub- 
ject, a few words regarding his ancestry will not Ik; 
out of place. His grandfather was Thom.as Adams, 
who was born in Pennsylvania, going thence to 
North Carolina, and later to Kentucky where he car- 
ried on a farm. He was a Revolutionary soldier dur- 
ing the entire seven years of that struggle. His 
son William, father of our sultject, was born in 
North Carolina, and was engaged in the American 



560 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



array in the war of 1812, entering it from Ken- 
tucky where he then lived. He participated in the 
battle of the River Thames, the burning of Maiden, 
etc. About the j'ear 1820, he removed to Missouri, 
living in different counties and finally locating in 
De Kalb Count}% whore he died at the age of sixtj'- 
sixj'ears. His wife, wiiose maiden name was Anna 
Todd, also died in tiiat county and State. She was 
born in the Blue Grass State, and was a daughter 
of Peter Todd, a native of Pennsylvania, and an 
early settler in Kentucky. The parental family 
comprised nine children: Griffin died in infancy; 
Peter lives with our subject; Eli resides in De Kalb 
County, Mo.; Betsey A. and Mary A. are now de- 
ceased ; W. P. died in Oregon ; Franklin died in 
St. .Joseph, Mo.; Martha J., now Mrs. Birge. lives 
in Oregon. 

The natal day of Washington Adams was Nov. IS, 
1828, and liis birth-place was Howard County, Mo., 
where he was reared on his father's farm, receiving 
such educational facilities as were to be had at that 
period in tliat section, which were very limited 
cami)ared with those of the present day. At the 
age of eighteen, young Adams started in life for 
himself by renting some land in De Kalb County. 
on which to carry on the pursuit of agrieultiiie. 
A few 3-ears later he bought eighty acres with a 
Mexican Land "Warrant, and this he improved and 
operated until he came to Kansas, when he sold it. 
His journey to this State was made by wagon and 
team, and he drove his cattle, the crossing of the 
Missouri being made on a flatboal at St. Joseph and 
the valley of the Kansas being readied indue time. 

Mr. Adams lionglit out a claim consisting of 160 
acres on section 14, and engaged in farming there 
until 1865, when lie purchased a quarter section of 
raw land where he is now living and settled on it 
when his log house was the only one in the neigh- 
borhood and none stood between it and Oskaloosa. 
The original purchase h.as been added to and the 
fortunate owner has successfully carried on his life 
work upon it to this da3'. During tlie late war. 
Mr. Adams was in the Kansas Militia and saw ac- 
tive service at the time of Price's raid. In the 
fall of 1864, he was taken sick at Camj) Grand and 
was sent to the Shawnee Hospital and thence home. 

The marriage of Mr. Adams took place in An- 



drew Countj', Mo., May 31, 1846, his chosen com- 
panion being Miss Louisiana (Tarrett. She was 
born in Pulaski Count}-, Ky., on the seventh da}- 
of August, 1830, and was the recipient of the usual 
training of a faimer's daughter, whose education at 
that period included many useful arts unknown to 
the later generation. She attended school in a log 
schoolhouse with dirt floor and slab benches, at the 
age of seven years was able to spin, and at eleven 
could "'do her stent" at weaving. During their 
early life in this State she nobly assisted her hus- 
band and never murmured at hsr privations or 
hardships. She prepared the cotton and flax which 
they raised, sjjun and wove it and made their cloth- 
ing with her own hands, not considering it amiss 
even to assist in the cultivation of the raw material. 
In common with other pioneers, she and Mr. 
Adams saw some days of short rations and many a 
time their only sustenance was furnished b^- corn 
meal and molasses. Their home has been blessed 
by Use birth of three children : Cyrena is now the 
wife of Joseph Gilstrap and their home is in 
(Jhautaucjua Co., Kan.; Emma is the wife of Rich- 
ard Duree, who is farmuig on our subject's estate; 
Zurlkia married Charles Bower, a farmer in Ken- 
tucky Tbwnship. 

The grandfather of Mrs. Adams was Benjamin 
Garrett, a native of North Carolina, where he was 
reared to manhood on or near the Dan River. He 
emigrated to Kentucky wlien a young man, and 
married a daughter of William Caldwell, who was 
born in America of Irish descent, while his wife, a 
native of Ireland, came to America when quite 
young. Grandfather Garrett and his wife had eight 
children, four sons ami four daughters. He was a 
f.armcr through life, with the exception of a few 
vears when he was engaged as a miller. He died 
quite suddenly over fifty years ago. His son. John, 
the father of Sirs. Adams, was born in Kentucky, 
and there labored as a tiller of the soil. Thence 
he moved to Jackson County. Mo., in 18.37. The 
following year he changed his location to Buchanan 
County, still continuing his agricultural pursuits. 
In 18.57 he came to this State, locating in Kaw 
Township, this county, where he suliscquently died. 
His religious belief was that of the old school Bap- 
tist Church. His wife, formerly Miss Lydia Bus- 




Mrs. A.E.Pierce 



,:V 



/ 




Thomas Pierce. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



5G5 



ter. was born in Kentucky. Iier father, John Buster, 
being one of the pioneers of the Blue Grass State, 
to wliifh l.e cnrae from North Carolina, tlie place 
of his nativity. M>'s. Garrett departed tliis life in 
IMissouri, after having' borne eleven ehil<lren. \Vil- 
li.ani C. is now living in Idaho; lie was born April 
2:5. 1823, in Kentucky, and lias followed the occu- 
pation of a farmer through life. He accom- 
panied the family to Missouri in I8;{8. was married 
in 1841). and commenced the work of the ministry 
in 1842. This he has continued up to the present 
time, a period of forty -eight years. In the prose- 
cution of this nork he has traveled more thousands 
of miles than he is years old. He li.as never ex- 
acted a salary for his services. Samuel and Par- 
melia are deceased; Mathew F. lives in Topeka; 
the next in order of birth is Mrs. Adams; Mar- 
garet and Angelctta are dead ; .lohn B. is living in 
this townshi)); Robert II. lives in Winfleld; Bailey 
M. died of exposure during the late war, and 
Bracken M. of consumption soon after its close. 
The last four named belonged to the 1 1 111 Kansas 
Infantry, Company D., and the two who are now 
living served three years each. 

Mr. Adams votes the straight Democratic ticket. 
Me has taken quite an interest in educational mat- 
ters throughout his life and h.as filled the office of 
School Director. He has served on the jury sev- 
eral terms. Both he and his wife are prominent 
and active members of the Baptist Church at 
Evans Creek. 

-J^J^' 

|]_^ ON. THOMAS PIERCE, a veteran of sixty- 

-, Y seven years, came to Kansas in time to as- 

1)1} ■' 

. V^ sist in laying out Pottawatomie County, 

and is one of its largest land-owners, hav- 
ing over 800 acres iu this and Riley Counties. He 
makes a specialty of graded stock, and has contrih- 
uted in no small degree to the material interests of 
this region. 

Mr. Pierce was born in Richland County, Ohio, 
Aug. 22, 1822, and is the son of Thomas and Jane 
(Pitt) Pierce, who were natives of Pennsylvania, 
and the latter born in Armstrong County. Thomas 
Pierce, Sr., emigrated from his native State to 
Ohio in 1808. and died there at the .age of fifty-six 



years. The mother died in Ohio, aged sixty -four. 
She was the daughter of Joseph Pitt, likewise a 
native of the Keystone State, where he spent his 
entire life. The parental household consisted of 
twelve children, only six of whom are living, viz.: 
Joseph, Thomas, Elizabeth, J.acob, Susan and 
Nancy. The deceased are John, Phebe A.. James, 
Archibald, Samuel .and one who died in infancy, 
unnamed. 

Thomas Pierce, Jr., our subject, was the sixth 
child of his parents and was reared on a farm in 
his native county, receiving the advantages of the 
common school. He lived in the Buckeye State 
until 1857, then coming to Kansas Territory, set- 
tled on 160 acres of good land on sections 20 
and 21, in Green Township, Pottawatomie 
County. He chose the land on section 21 for 
his homestead and erected good buildings, be- 
sides effecting other useful modern improvements. 
In the mean time he was recognized as a valued 
addition to the community and after holding other 
positions of trust and responsibility, was elected 
on the Republican ticket to represent his county in 
the first Kansas Legislature. He has raised himself 
to his present position by the exercise of industry 
and perseverance and is a man looked up to in his 
community as one who has been identified with its 
most important interests. 

A short time before reaching his majority INIr. 
Pierce was married in Lima, Ohio, March 16, 1843, 
to Miss Anna E. Carrey. Mrs. Pierce is a native 
of the Province of Hanover, Germany, and was 
born Jan. 22. 1822. Her parents, Henry and An- 
nie Carrey, were likewise natives of Germany, and 
emigrated to America in 1838. They located in 
Columbus, Oliio, where the father was occupied In 
farming and where with his estimable wife he S|)ent 
his last days. Mr. and Mrs. I'ierce are the parents 
of one child, a son, Lorenzo Dow. who was born 
April 8, 1844. He lives near the homestead, with 
his wife, who was formerly .Miss Mary A. Springer, 
and who has borne him six children. 

Our subject and his wife are among the most 
honored of the pioneers of Pottawatomie County, 
and their portraits, which appear elsewhere in this 
volume, are indeed worthy of a |>lace in a work 
designed to perpetuate the memories and deeds of 



b66 



PORTRAIT ANt) BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the pioneers of Kansas. To whatever station in 
life Mr. Pierce has been called, he has;discharged 
his duties with iioiior to himself and with an hon- 
esty of purpose worthy of tlie highest commenda- 
tion. As a legislator he was incorruptible and 
alwaji^s voted as his conscience dictated, and was in 
favor'of all measures tending to the advancement 
of his Slate. 



^^^-i-^^^^^^s- 



i]]_^ GRACE .J. BUTLER. In the spring of 1889 

YTyi' Mr. Butler embarked in the grocery busi- 
'iW'' ness at Ozawkie, Jefferson jCoui^t}-, and is 

(^) now numbered among its prosperous busi- 
ness men. He is comparatively young in years, 
having" been born in ALay, 1850, and is a native 
of Henry County, Ind. Ills boyhood and youth 
were spent on a farm in his native township where 
he attended_tiie district school and was trained bj^ 
his excellent'parents to habits of industry and prin- 
ciples of honesty. He is the son of William and 
Priscilla (Dennis) Butler, who were natives re- 
spectively of Virginia and Henry County, Ind. The 
Butler family removed to Indiana at an earl3' day 
and there tiie father of our subject was married and 
•with his excellent wife is still a resident of Henry 
County. The3' reared a family of seven children, 
five of whom areiiving. The parents were reared 
in the faitii of tlie Society of Friends and continue 
members of that church. 

The paternal grandfatiier of our subject was 
James Butler, likewise a native of tlie Old Dominion, 
where he was reared in the Society of Friends. He 
was married in his native count}- to Miss Martha 
Johnson whose ^-outhful training had been similar 
to his own, morall}' and religiousl_y. They emi- 
grated to Indiana at an early day. settling among 
the earliest pioneers of Henry County, where 
Grandfather Butler cleared a farm from the heavy 
timber and near which afterward grew up the town 
of Louisville. He and his excellent wife sojourned 
there until they were called hence at a ripe old age. 
They died as they lived, firmly rooted in the faith 

of the Quaker Church. 

On the maternal side of the house, Grandfatiier 

Benjamin Dennis served as a solilier in the War uf 



1812. Ariien he was a mere child his parents 
joined the Shakers, among whom he was reared 
until reaching manhood. Upon leaving iiome be 
made his way to Richmond, Ind., where he married 
Miss Clarkie Pool, a native of Virginia and a mem- 
ber of the Friends' Church with which he later also 
united. They reared their family in the above- 
named county and there spent their last days upon 
the farm which they had cleared from the wilder- 
ness. The great-grandfather, Benjamin Pool, was 
for many \'ears one of the most wealthy and iuHu- 
ential men of Richmond, Ind., where he located at 
a very early day with the settlement known as 
(.Quaker City. He was an earnest adherent of this 
peculiar sect, laboring earnestly for its advance- 
ment and died at the ripe old age of ninety years. 
Mr. Butler came to Kansas on an investigating 
tour in the fall of 1870, then returning to his na- 
tive State remained there until 1879. That year 
found him .again west of the Mississippi and in the 
summer of 1880 he located in Ozawkie and engaged 
in the drug business which he prosecuted for about 
eighteen months. He then embarked in the gro- 
cery trade. In the fall of 1879 he was wedded to 
Miss Eveline, daughter of James and Nancy (Cur- 
rent) Keener. Mrs. Butler was born in Clay 
County, Ind., in 1865 and came to Kansas with her 
parents in 1869. Of this union there is one child, 
a son, Dennis. Mr. Butler belongs to the Friends' 
Church in which he was trained from his boyhood 
up. He is recognized as a worthy citizen and has 
been chosen for the Township clerkship. 



Tp]* OBERT H. KEENLY. In noting the prac- 
|Lii? tical farmers of Mill Creek Township, the 
W name of Mr. Keeney can by no means be 
\^omitted from the list. He is the owner of 
120 acres of land, forty of which lie in Nemaha 
County. His homestead is on section 3-, where 
he has brought the soil to a good state of cultiva- 
tion and made the usual improvements suggested 
to the mind of the thrifty and intelligent farmer. 
The land is well watered from living springs, and 
more than ordinarily fertile. It came into posses- 
sion of the present proprietor soon after hisariival 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



567 



in Kansas, in 1876. He landed here poor in purse 
from his native State of West Virginia, he having 
been born in Kanawha County, March 1, 1834. 

The father of our subject was S. J. Keeney, 
liltevvise a native of West Virginia, and who spent 
iiis entire life in Kanawha County, engaged as a 
farmer and lumbevman. He died when sixty-three 
years old. He was an honest, hardworlcing man, 
upright in all his transactions, and a consistent 
believer in tlie doctrines of the Baptist Church- 
Tlie mother bore the maiden name of Amelia Gate- 
wood. Slie, likewise, was a native of Kanawlia 
County, and died of consumption about 18.54, 
when probably' fifty 5'ears of age. She was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The suliject of this sketch was the eldest child 
of his parents, whose family included six sons and 
four daughters. With one exception all lived to 
mature years, and all but one were married. Eight 
are still living. Roliert H., remained with his 
father until reaching man's estate, and became in- 
terested in the coal mines of his native county, in 
which he officiated as overseer. Later he was 
for a time on a section of the Chesapeake & Ohio 
Railroad. He was careful and conscientious in the 
discharge of his duties, as well as being a skilled 
mechanic, and commanded the best of wages. He 
remained there in theemploj- of diffei'ent compan- 
ies until coming to Kansas, and then turned his 
attention to agricultural pursuits. 

Emigrating from his native county to Ohio, Mr. 
Keeney was married in tliat State to Miss Julia 
Kelley. Mrs. Keeney was a native of the same 
countj' in West Virginia as her husband, and was 
born in 1839. Siie is descended from a good fam- 
il}', being the daughter of Jacob M. Kelley, a well- 
to-do farmer, who came to Kansas in 1878 and 
acquired 300 acres of land in Mill Creek Township, 
Pottawatomie County. He died there at his home 
in 188C, at the age of seventy-six years. He was 
a m.an of good business abilities, and for some 
years in his native State was Superintendent of a 
coal mine. In I'eligious belief he was a Baptist, 
a good and conscientious man, wiio sought to fulfill 
faithfully all life's duties. ^Irs. Keeney's mother 
was. in her girlhood. JIiss Elizabeth Carr. She is 
still living, making her home willi her son William, 



in Mill Creek Township, and is now sixty-six years 
old. Her life has been such as to draw artjund her 
many friends, and she has been for years a consist- 
ent member of the Baptist Church. 

After his marriage Mr. Keeney remained a resi- 
dent of his native county until the death of his 
wife, which occurred in January, 1876, at the age 
of thirty-six 3ears. She wa^ a member of the 
Baptist Church and the mother of eleven children, 
two of whom, Elizabeth and Jacob, are deceased. 
Jacob died when five years old. Elizabeth was 
married to Albert Rebone, who died leaving four 
little daughters. Edward married Miss Moll}' 
Burdette, and they live on a farm in Nemaha 
Count}', this State. George and Mack, twins, 
remain at home with their [larents. Mellie is the 
wife of F. II. Bonjour, and they live on a farm in 
Mill Creek Township. Charles H., Stires J., Sally, 
Reuben and Lewis are at home with their father. 
Mr. Keeney, since the death of his wife, h.as exer- 
cised great care in the training and education of 
his children, to whom he has been a good father. 
Politically, his sympathies are with the Democratic 
party. Socially, he belongs to Subordinate Lodge, 
No. 234, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all the 
chairs and Rebecca Lodge, No. 8 1 . Mr. Keeney is a 
skilled- mechanic, and for years was a pilot on the 
Kanawha and Ohio^ Rivers. 

^ ^^^ V- 



■' ENRY KIRBY, a kindly and genial old gen- 
tleman, and one of the moSt highly-re- 
IB)^ spected residents of Kentucky Township, 

(^ w.as one of the early settlers of this region, 
and by a course of industry and prudence h:is 
been enabled to surround himself and his family 
with all the comforts of life, and may usually be 
found at his pleajjant homestead on section 5. He 
lives simply, and is in possession of the gem con- 
tentment, the secret of happiness. His abode is 
simple, and his course in life has been such as to 
wain the esteem and confidence of all who know 



The subject of this sketch was horn in Marion 
County. Ohio, May 1, 1822, and was there reared 
on a farm, obtaining a limited education in the 



568 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBtTM. 



district school. He was at an early age trained to 
habits of industry and economj-, and assisted liis 
father on a farm until a young man of twenty 
years. Then leaving the home roof, he repaired to 
Upper Sandu.sky, which was not far from iiis home, 
as the old farm joined the reservation. He em- 
ployed himself as a clerk two years, and afterward 
engaged on a railroad as a stationary engineer. 
Failing health compelling him to abandon this, lie, 
in 1856, returned to farming pursuits, which he 
prosecuted in his native State until the spring of 
1857. 

In tlie year above mentioned Mr. Kirbj- cast his 
eyes toward the farther West, and started for Kan- 
sas, making his waj- by rail and river to Wyan- 
dotte Count.y. Here also he continued farming, 
and in due time purchased a tract of land, which 
he operated until 1865. In the meantime, duri'jg 
the progress of the Civil War, he was in the State 
Jlilitia, and assisted in driving the rebel raider, 
Price, from the frontier. In the spring of 1865 he 
changed the scene of his operations to, Jefferson 
County, and purchased a small farm in the vicin- 
ity of Indian Mills, upon which he sojourned five 
years. Next he purchased a farm ou the Delaware 
River, where he effected good improvements. Then 
selling out, he operated ns a renter on an adjoining- 
farm {r>Y three 3'ears, and during the grasshopper 
plague. Afterward, selling out once more, lie pur- 
chased 200 acres, which he improved with good 
buiUlings. and which he occupied until 1887. He 
then traded with his son, Virgil, for his present 
place, this comprising twenty eight acres, upon 
which he raises corn, potatoes, etc. He loans money 
to some extent, but in the main takes life easily, 
havino- sufficient to maintain liini comfortably in 
his declining years. 

Mr. Kirby was married in Wyandot County, 
Ohio, in 1844, to Miss Elizabetli Hunter. Mrs. 
Kirby was born in Lancaster County, that State. 
Of her union with our subject there are six chil- 
dren, all living, viz: Sophronia. married to a Mr. 
Kirby, and residing in Perry; P^lizabeth, the wife 
of N. M. Brown, a prominent farmer of Kentucky 
Township : Zelinda, Mrs. Draper, of Fairview Town- 
ship; Virgil. Thomas and Martha. Virgil Kirhj? 
was born in Wyandot County. Oliio. Dec. 17. 18.54. 



and was a cliild of three years when the family came 
to Kansas. He was married, in May. 1883. in Ken- 
tucky Township, to Miss Carrie Fribley, a native 
of Illinois. Thereafter he operated on rented land 
until purchasing his father's farm. He lias tliree 
children — Dall.as K., Mary 0. and Wiilard C. 
Thomas married a Miss Angie (Barrett, of Mis- 
souri, and is living on a farm near Perry; Martha 
married Horace Binns. and lives in Kansas Citj% 
Kan. Mr. Kirby. politically, is a sound Repub- 
lican, and belongs to the Farmers' Alliance. He 
has otliciated as Road Supervisor and School Di- 
rector, and is prominentlj' connected with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, at Tliompsonville. 

The father of our subject w.as John Ku'b}', a 
native of Halifax, Va. His paternal grandfather, 
Obadiah Kirb}', was born in Scotland, and emi- 
grated to America eaily in life, following there- 
after his trade of a blacksmith, and likewise engaging 
in farming. .Jolin Kirby left the Old Dominion in 
1818, and settled in Highland County, Ohio, where 
he lived one year, and then removed to Marion 
County. He there improved a farm of over 600 
acres, and there spent the remainder of his life. 
He was a Whig, politically, and a (Quaker in re- 
ligion. His wife, Willmuth (Moore) Kirby. like- 
wise a native of Virginia, died in Ohio I^efore the 
decease of her husband ; she also was a Quaker in 
religious belief. There was born to them twelve 
children, viz: .Samuel, who is farming in Missouri; 
Virgil and Obadiah, deceased ; Henrj', the subject 
of this sketch; Ruth, a resident of East St. Louis, 
III.; Moses, a resident of Missouri; Jacob, in Iowa; 
Alary, Jolin, Benjamin and Adeline, deceased; and 
Eliza, wlio is living in Decatur, III. 



^■^- 



G 



=^EORGE R. SHARP. Among those who 
came to Kansas during the days of her pio- 
^^^JJI neership was Mr. .Sharp, who has made for 
himself an honorable career as a m.an and a citizen, 
lie occupies the otlice of Postmaster of Circleville 
and lias held other positions of trnst and responsi- 
Itility since his sojourn here, officiating as Trustee 
of Grant Township for three 3'ears and serving :is 
.Justice of the Peace two years. He is an active 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



569 



member of the Repiiblicini i)ai'ty and exercises no 
small inlluenc'e in political circles, being a man who 
keeps himself well posted and one whose opinions 
are generally respected. 

A native of Clinton County, Ohio, Mr. Sharp 
was born May 17, 1841, and is a son of William 1). 
and Ann (Bowman) Sharp, who were both natives 
of Pennsylvania. The family emigrated to Ohio 
in 1849, taking up a tract of land where the father 
prosecuted his farming until his death, in 1854. 
He was then only thirty-nine years old. The mother 
afterward leturned to Pennsylvania and died there 
in 1857. William Sharp was a man of decided 
views and opinions and took an active part in poli- 
tics, voting with the old Whig party. The parental 
household included eight children all of whom 
lived to mature years. Anna M., unmarried, is a 
resident of Blue Rapids, this State; Joseijh B. went 
to Ohio where he now lives; William D. is a resi- 
dent of Marysville, Kan.; George II. is the next in 
order of birth; Aldus is couductiiig a hotel and 
livery stable in Blue Rapids; John B. operates as a 
carpenter and builder in Kansas City; Almira be- 
came the wife of John T. Rodgers and is deceased; 
Lydia is the wife of Dan Longnecker of Pennsyl- 
vania. The paternal grandfather was George Sharp, 
a native of Virginia, a farmer b}' occupation and 
who spent his last days in Ohio. 

The subject of this sketch spent liis early years 
on the farm and accjuired his education in the com- 
mon schools of the Buckej'c State. When reaching 
his majority be left the parental roof and com- 
menced farming on his own account, remaining a 
resident <if his native State until 1868. That year 
he set out for the farther West and coming to Kan- 
sas commenced renting land in Jackson County. A 
few j'ears later be established a restaurant and con- 
fectionery store in Circleville which he conducted 
until 1888, when he sold out. In the spring of 
1889 he was appointed Postmaster by President 
Harrison, taking charge of the office on the 22d 
day of A))ril. 

On the 30th of December, 1880. ,Mi-. Shar| w:is 
united in marriage with Miss Kmma E. Bronson.at 
the bride's home in Jefferson Township. Mis. 
Sharp was born in Dodge County. Wis., Feb. 2, 
18.")(i and is the daughter of E. A. and I'^lviria Bron- 



son, who are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Sharp there have been born two children, sons: 
Scott Hopkins and Lester Earnlee. They also have 
an adopted (laughter. Eva Myrtle. Mrs. Sharp is 
a member of the Christian Church and a lady highly 
respected in her community. The family occupies 
a snug home in the north part of the city and num- 
bers its friends an<I acquaintances among the best 
people. 

■ -l^m ~ 

^^ AMIEL M. TEETER is one of the best 
^^^ known men in this section, having been 
(^£3) engaged for eighteen years in the practice 
of veterinarv surgery in Pottawatomie 
County. His home, which is located on section 14, 
Sherman Township, has been occupied bv him 
since 1879, and is a well arranged farm, well- 
watered, well-stockeil and vvell-adapted to stock 
farming. He came to this county in 1871, and has 
since made it his home, being successful in his 
business, and having won for himself a wide repu- 
tation and a large practice in his chosen calling. 

The natal day of our subject was Aug. 8, 1845, 
and his birthplace Morrison's Cove. Bedford Co., 
Pa., the family being of old Pennsylvania stock 
and Holland ancestry. His father, David B. 
Teeter, was a native of the same county as himself, 
as was also his grandfather, John Teeter, whose 
parents were among the early settlers there. The 
first of the name in this countrj' were six brothers, 
who emigiated from Germ.iny at a very early pe- 
riod in the history of the Slates. .Tohn Teeter, tiie 
grandfather of our subject. learned the trades of a 
carpenter and a shoemaker, but never followed 
either for anj- length of time, giving most of his 
active life to the pursuit of agriculture. He died 
in Bedford County at the age of sixty-three, after 
having accumulated considerable propertv. He 
had been twice married, two children iiaving been 
born by his first wife and twelve by his second. 
The mother of this large family bore the maiden 
name of Susannah Burger, aiul she died in Iowa at 
the age of seventy-one. She and her husband weic 
lifelong members of the (iernian Baptist Church. 

David B. Teeter was the firstborn of the twelve 
children of his father's second marriage, Iheic 



570 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



being five sons and seven daughters, all of whom 
lived to be quite old, and all married but one, who 
is now living in Nebraska and is seventy-five 
3'ears old. David Teeler grew to man's estate in 
his native oounty, and became master of the trades 
of a carpenter, a wheelwrigiit and a cabinet-maker, 
and labored at them for more than forty years. 
He was married, in 1836, to Miss Margaret Maek. 
and in Octolier, 1847, with his wife and family, re- 
moved to Jefferson C'ount3\ Iowa, when that 
county was new and but little of the territory 
within its bounds was broken. In 1874, he came 
to Kansas and made his home on a farm in Wamego 
Township until his death. April 9. 1883. He was 
quite ripe in years, as his natal day was Feb. 27, 
1809. He was a man of excellent education, and 
spent some years as a teacher in both German and 
English. He also possessed a large amount of 
practical knowledge, and was a useful and honored 
citizen wherever he lived. He had held many 
local offices in his township, and was an active 
member of the German Baptist Church, and a Dea- 
con therein for forty years. In polities he agreed 
with the Democratic party. His widow is still 
living, and is now nearly seventj'-three jears of 
age, and an active and energetic old lady, with a 
sound mind and a strong body. She also belongs 
to the German Baptist Church. 

The parents of Mrs. Margaret Teeter were Chris- 
tian and Mary (Shearer) ^Lack, and her father was 
born in Franklin Count}-, Pa., whence he went to 
Maryland wiicn quite young, and there became of 
age and married his wife, who was a native of that 
State. INIr. Mack was of Holland anceslr}' while 
the Shearers were of Swiss descent. After their 
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mack lived on a farm in 
Maryland for some years, and Mr. Mack followed 
his profession of a veterinary surgeon. They later 
removed to Franklin County. Pa., where the}' so- 
journed eight years, thence going to Bedford 
County, where Mr. Mack engaged in farming, and 
also in veterinary work until his death, which took 
place when he was past three score years and ten. 
He had been a man of remarkable physique, and 
very'strong and vigorous. His wife survived him, 
and in 1865 went to Iowa, whence in 1874 she 
came to this State, departing this life in AVaniego 



Township Dec. 8, 1878, when she was ninety-one 
years and nearly six months old. She and her 
husliand were members of the Lutheran CImrch. 
Their daughter, Margaret, who became the wife of 
David Teeters, was born in Antietara Valley, Md., 
May 1, 1827. 

The family of which our subject makes one was 
comprised of ten sons and tvvo daughters. Six 
sons are now deceased, two of them having died in 
infancy. The surviving members of the family 
are: George, who carries on a restaurant in Onaga; 
Elizabeth, who is married and lives in Wamego 
Townsliip; our subject; and Joseph, who is mar- 
ried and living in Wamego Township on his 
mother's farm. 

Samuel M. Teeter was but an infant when his 
parents removed from his place of birtii to Jeffer- 
son County, Iowa, where he grew to manhood, ob- 
tained his education and was married, his life in 
that countv covering a period of twenty-four ^ears. 
There he received a |)art of his education in the 
work of a Veterinary Surgeon, ajtliough it lias been 
chiefly secured by practienl application under the 
tutorship of James Cowen, a prominent veteri- 
narian. 

Gur subject was married at the seat of justice in 
Jefferson Countv, Iowa, to Miss Emma Snook, who 
was born in that county, Feb. 5. 1847. and who 
was well reared by her excellent parents, with 
whom she remained until her marriage. She is 
the youngest of twelve children, nine of whom 
grew to maturity, and married. Her parents, Jacob 
and Sarah (Price) Snook, were descended from old 
Pennsylvania families, and were born, reared and 
married in Tioga County, Pa., vvhere they began 
their wedded life on a farm. After the birth of 
three children the\' came to Iowa, in 1842, settling 
on an unbroken tract of land in Jefferson County, 
which Mr. Snook improved and where he is now 
living, still smart and active, at the age of eighty- 
five years. His wife died in the fall of 1872. when 
about sixty years old. She was a woithy member 
of the Methodist Church, as is her bereaved hus- 
band. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Teeter eight children 
have been born: Maggie is the wife of Harvey 
Winstead. a farmer in Sherman Townshi)). The 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



571 



group that still lingers around the home fireside is 
composed of Charles S., David S.. Adeline, John J., 
James E., Joseph K. and Ella, all |)ossessiiig vigor- 
ous and active minds, and making up a group of 
more than usual interest. Mr. Teeter is a Demo- 
crat. He has held some of the local offices, and 
filled the [jositions in a creditable manner. Both 
lie and his wife belong to the German Baptist 
Church, and their many sterling qualities are not 
without their intluence upon those by whom they 
nie surroundeil. 



••o»o- ®v"v1S-**«" 



■^'>- 



(^r^SillOMAS K. AITKEN. Among the many 
f/^^^ excellent citizens of Jefferson County, the 
^^^' al>ove-nanied gentleman deserves prominent 
mention for his ripe intelligencBi his manl}' charac- 
teristics, and his mechanical skill. He is a risident 
of Valley Falls, where lie is engaged in the practice 
of dentistry, also finding time for artistic work in 
metal, aside from dental work. 

Dr. Aitken is a son of William K. Aitken, a na- 
tive of Edinburgh, Scotland, who was a dentist, 
and possessed an ingenuity which enabled him to 
make anything in wood, leather or metal. He was 
the first manufacturer of mineral teeth in Scotland. 
In 1856 this gentleman came with his family to the 
United States, locating in Sacramento, Cal., hauling 
his family and goods with ox-teams from Florence, 
Iowa, to that city. While crossing the iilains they 
were unmolested by Indians. 

In the spring of 1857 Mr. Aitken brought his 
family back as far as Salt Lake City, where he 
Teamed that the freighters who had his goods in 
transit were snow bound at Devil's Gate, in the 
Rocky Mountains. He pushed on to find them, and 
when his family, with twelve or fourteen other 
people, reached Ham's Fork, they were overtaken 
Ity fifty Mormons, and found fifty already there, 
guarding Devil's Gale. They were permitted to 
pass on through the gap, but the Mormons followed 
and refused to let Mr. Aitken have his goods. He 
proceeded to Ft. Laramie, where the United States 
officer tendered him a position as trainmaster, but 
refusing the offer, he went to Leavenworth, where 
he disposed of his team and wagon. The loss of 



his goods, which he was never able to recover, no 
doubt hastened his death, by leaving him handi- 
capped in his struggle for support in a strange 
land. 

From Leavenwoith Mr. Aitken proceeded to 
Weston, Mo., where he built a fine house for 
a farmer, the job being the first of the kind he hail 
ever undertaken. There our subject learned how 
to drop corn and cover it with a hoe. In the fall 
of the same year the family went to St. Louis, 
where the father engaged at dentistry with Dr. 
AVesterman, and where our subject and his sister 
Cecelia attended the city schools. In the fall of 
1858 the father opened an office of his own, and 
practiced his profession until 1861, when here- 
turned to his native land. His son and daughter, 
who were the only survivors in a family of six 
children, accompanied him and remained with him 
until his death, which occurred Feb. 24, 18G2. at 
the age of forty-five years. His body was laid to 
rest beside that of his sisters and brother.*, who had 
dieil in Scotland prior to his visit to America. 
While traveling in the United States, he had been 
correspondent of the Edinburgh Scotchman, to 
which publication he sent interesting accounts of 
his experiences. 

In 1862, Miss Cecelia Aitken returned to the 
United States The subject of this sketch came 
again to the United States in 18G5. the announce- 
ment of the declaration of peace at the conclusion 
of the Civil War being made to those on board the 
vessel by a steamer which they met. Young Aitken 
attended the St. Louis Normal .School for a time, 
and then took up the study of his deceased father's 
profession, being graduated from the St. Louis 
Dental College in 1867. I'he following year he 
located in Valley Falls, where he has since lived, 
and where he h.as built up a large practice. 

Dr. Aitken has inherited in a high degree the 
mechanical skill which his father possessdl. and is 
especially capable in metal-plating, displaying a 
high degree of artistic talent, as well as mechanical 
skill therein. He has a high reputation in the pro- 
fession, and is Vice Picsiileiit of the K.ansas State 
Dental Association. In 1883. he was elected an 
honorary member of the Kansas City Dental So- 
ciety, and he was one of the faculty of the Kans;is 



572 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



City Dental College. He lectured in the hitter 
institution that year, being demonstrator of the 
continuous gum. He belongs to the Masonic fra- 
ternity. 

Mrs. Aitken bore the maiden name of Sus.innah 
M. Wolff, and the rites of wedlock were celebrated 
between her and Dr. Aitken, April G, 18G7. She 
is a daughter of John Wolff, deceased, and was 
well reared by worthy parents, through whose 
efforts she acquired much useful knowledge and an 
estimable character. .Slie is a member of the Luth- 
eran Church. .She has borne her husband four 
children: William iv., Florence H., Celestia V., 
and Wallace A. The eldest sou is now a student 
in the Kansas City Dental College. 



jaK:^. 



djl iiJLLIAM SUPPLE, Postmaster of ^'ew- 
\0 uian,, 



\/yJl man, Jefferson Count}-, likewise conducts 
W^ -I store of general merchandise and offi- 
ciates as agent of the Union Pacific Railroad Com- 
panj'. He is in good circumstances, being the 
owner of 150 acres of well-developed land on sec- 
tion 17, Kentucky Township, which under liis sup- 
ervision ^delds him a generous income. 

Mr. Supple is a native of the city of Frankfort. 
Ky., and was born Feb. 4, 1854. He crossed the 
Mississippi with his parents in his infancy, they lo- 
cating in Kansas City, Mo., where William attended 
the subscription school and sojourned until 1860. 
The famil}' then set out, with ox-teams, for Kaw 
Valle^', occupying three days in the journey'. 

The father of our subject was Patrick Supple, a 
native of County Mealh, Ireland, a well-educated 
man who learned civil engineering and likewise 
understood farming. When a j'oung man of 
twenty-five 3'ears, he. in 1849. emigrated to Amer- 
ica and in Frankfort. Ky., engaged as an engineer 
in a woolen factory. He sojourned in that regiou for 
a period of eight years and then, having been mar- 
ried in the meantime, set out with his little family 
for the Far West. In the vicinity of Kansas City, 
Mo., he purchased land and was variously occupied 
in order to make both ends meet. He operated a 
sawmill in the b.)ltoms, upon the present site of 
the stock-yards and remained there until 18G0. 



Then coming to Jefferson Count}-, Kan., he located 
a claim in Kentucky Township and thereafter en- 
gaged in fanning until 1876, in the meantime be- 
coming well-to-do. That year, renting the farm 
for three years, he removed to Emmett Township, 
Pottawatomie Count}', where he conducted a ranch 
until 187!). He then returned to his old farm 
where he spent the remainder of his days, depart- 
ing this life in April, 1887, at the age of sixty-two 
years. During the Civil War he was a member of 
the State militia and assisted in driving the guer- 
rilla, t^uantrell, from the soil of the Sunflower 
State. 

The maiden name of the mother of Mr. Supple 
was Mary O'Brien. She was born in County 
Louth, Ireland, and is the mother of James Lawless 
of Kentucky Township, who is represented else- 
where in this volume. Of this union there were 
born five children, viz: William, our subject; Ann, 
(Mrs. Montague) of Emmet Township, Pottawato- 
mie County ; Mary, (Mrs. Sheridan) of St. Mary's, 
Kan.; Katie, at home with her mother; and Julia, 
who died when eight years old. 

Mr. Supple remained a member of the parental 
household until a young man of twenty-four years 
and was about six years old when the family jour- 
neyed overland, with an ox-team, to Jefferson 
County, Kan. They were among the very first set- 
tlers on the Kaw bottoms. They had much diffi- 
culty in making the journey, bringing with them 
their household effects and live stock. William ac- 
companied his father to Pottawatomie County, re- 
maining with him there two years. Then purchasing 
the ranch of his father and brother, he engaged in 
buying, feeding and shipping cattle, having from 
100 to 150 head annually. He transformed the 
ranch of 160 acres into a well-regulated farm and 
remained there until the spring of 1884.- Then 
selling his stock, he took a trip to the Southern 
part of the State, including Reno County, where, 
in 1883, he and his brother had purchased a section 
ach of land. Their intention h;id baeii to engage 
in the stock business there, but not liking the coun- 
try in that region they abandoned the enterprise. 

Upon returning home. Mr. Supple purchased 200 
acres of land in Chase County, but upon this he 
never lived. He went back to his place in Pot- 




5T0CK Farm &. Residence of J. M.Grinter. Survey ir. Kentucky Tr, Jefferson Co. Kan. 




RE5iDENCt& Property of W^^. Supple Newman, Kentucky Tr.Jefferson Co. Kan 




UCY //"POPfforr. 



Residence ofCharloti Willits &Son5, Near Newman,KentuckyTp Jefferson Co. Kan. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



r)75 



tawatomie County and afterward selling out, set- 
tled oil bis father's farm in Jefferson County, re- 
maining there until the father's death. He then 
purchased, in the fall of 1884, that which he now 
owns in the vicinity of Newman. He removed to 
this in 1887 and has effected modern improve- 
ments, having now a very desiiable homestead. 
He has erected most of tiie buildings upon it and 
has modern machiner3' and all the other conven- 
iences required by a first-class farmer. This also 
is largely devoted to live stock. In April, 1889, 
Mr. Supple purchased a stock of merchandise from 
Mr. R. E. Gilluly, also the store building, enlarg- 
ing both and has now a large and well-selected 
stock of goods in convenient quarters for doing 
business. He was appointed to his present office 
as Postmaster, in October, 1889. In addition to 
his property already mentioned he has 200 acres 
of land in Chase County, this State, and is consid- 
erable interested in Norman and Percheron horses. 

Mr. Supple was married Nov. 27, 1888, in St., 
IMary's, Kan., to Miss Mary McGovern. Tiiis lady 
was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 1, 1869, and re- 
moved to St. Mary's, with her parents, when about 
ten years old. Of this union tliere has been born 
one child — William P., who was born Dec. 27, 
1889. Mr. Sui)iile, politically, is a sound Demo- 
crat, and during his residence in Pottawatomie 
County, otliciatcd as Justice of the Peace four years. 
He has also been Road Supervisor. He is a promi- 
nent member of the Catholic Church at Newman, 
and in tiie community is held in general respect. 

In connection with this sketch may be found a 
lithographic engraving of Mr. Supjjle's residence, 
and also of his store. 



-•73- 



'JR-^ 



w 



lilLLlTS BROS. These enterprising young 
farmers of Kentucky Township are known 
WW to the l.irger portion of its people, and 
make their headquarters at a tine farm of loO acres 
on section 15. This land was secured by their 
father, Thomas Willits, during the early settlement 
of Jefferson Count}-, and since his death the two 
sons have operated successfully, and instituted valu- 
able iuiprovemenis, besides clearing a debt of 



$1,800. They have erected convenient modern 
buildings, and availed themselves of the most ap- 
proved machinery. It is now considered one of 
the finest farms on the Kansas bottoms, very fertile 
and adniiiably adapted to grain and stock-raising. 
Of the latter they keep a fine .assortment, but are 
especially interested in fine horses, being able to ex- 
hibit some of the best animals in this part of the 
country. Among them is the famous "IJaywood," 
who is considered the fastest stallion raised in tiic 
State of Kansas. 

Baywood was sired by lUackwood .Manibrino, 
and he by Protos, the son of the noted mare Pro- 
tine, with a record of 2:18, when five years old. 
Protine was sired by Glenwood, record 2:27. Glen- 
wood and Protine were sired by Blackwood, witli a 
record of 2:.31 at three 3'ears old. Blackwood was 
sired b}- Alexiinders Norman, and he w.as the sire of 
Lula, record 2 :14J. Blackwood Mambrino's ilam, 
was Nel Johnson, sired by Mambrino Boj', record 
2:2G, sired of the dams Axtel and AUerton; Axtel, 
2 :12, fastest stallion in the world ; AUerton 2:18, 
three years old. Baywood's dam was Lucy Wood- 
ruff, by Hiram W^oodruff, sired by Vl. Hero, record 
2:.'50, the greatest Morgan horse. Lucy Woodruff's 
dam, Lucy, was owned by Grandfather Willits, 
and brought to Kansas by his son, Thomas. Lucy 
Woodruff is now in the possession of Willits Bros. 
She was foaled in 1874, and is a very valuable 
animal. Baywood's first race was won at Bismark, 
this State, in 1888, when he was three years old, 
three straight heats, record 2:40^. The next week 
at Topeka, he won a race in 2:38;^. The next 
week at Council Grove he won over the field three 
heats, record 2:37. He made bis mile when three 
years old in 2:31, the last half at l:l.i. On the 
22d of August, 1889, he trotted at Abilene, win- 
ning the first heat in 2:34, the third in 2:31, and 
the fifth in 2:29^. Two weeks later at Kansas City, 
he started in the four-year-old race, taking second 
money, being beaten by Tornado, the only horse 
who ever came in ahead of him. In 1889, at To- 
peka, he won the fourth and sixth heats, average 
time 2:33^. He is the finest built equine in tlie 
State, with temper .as gentle as a lamb, and is valued 
at over $4,000. 

Grace W.. bred the same as B.aywood, won her 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



first race when two years old. at the Kansas Horse 
Breeder's Association at Bismark, in 1886, dis- 
tancing tlie field in 2:55. Willits Bros, sold her 
wlien tliree years old. for §1,000. Sillvwood, the 
full brother of Bay wood, is a pacer, and won tlu'ee 
races in California and Los Angeles, Cai., with a 
record when threes-ears old, at 2:25;^. The brotii- 
ers sold liini when a year old. Woodruff, bred tlie 
same as Baywood, suffered a broken leg. Willits 
Bros, also own a number of otlier well-bred fillies. 
The j-onnger brother, Lincoln B.. is a prominent 
member of the Kansas State Horse Breeders' Asso- 
ciation. 

Thomas E. Willits was born in Wayne County, 
Lid., in 1826. His father, Brady Willits, likewise 
a native of tliat State, removed to Mercer County, 
HI., at an early das', in 1836, where lie engaged in 
farming, and also made a specialty of fine horses. 
He owned the mare. Lucy, who is the grand-dum of 
Baywood; Grace W., and Silk wood. The latter 
pulled a buggy of 600 lbs., without an^' prepara- 
tion, a mile in four minutes. She >v!is foaled in 
Kentucky, of Messenger and Bellefounder Bluff 
stock. 

Tlie Willits family is of English descent. The 
paternal grandfather of the brothers, died in New 
Boston, Mercer Co., 111., about 1873. Thomas was 
reared there from the age of ten j'ears, and engaged 
in the mercantile business for several years. He 
then went on to a farm, where he remained until 
the spring of 1 865. and then came overland to Kan- 
s.as, locating first near Rising Sun. He operated 
there on rented land until the f.all of that year, 
then purchased that which his sons now own and 
occupy. He was in feeble health, and much of the 
labor and responsibility of improving the new farm 
devolved upon the mother and the two boys. 
Thomas Willits departed this life Sept. 10, 1881. 
He served as Justice of the Peace for a number of 
years. He was a Universalist in religious belief, 
and in politics, a Republican. 

Mrs. Charlotte I. Willits, the mother of the broth- 
ers, was born in Connecticut, and emigrated with 
her father's family to Illinois during the pioneer 
days of Mercer County. Grandfather Ives took 
up 1 md there, antl farmed until his death. Mrs. 
Willits lives at the old homestead with her sons, 



she having with them an equal interest in the prop- 
erty and the liusiness. Plight children ware born 
to her and her husband, viz: Emerj- I. and Lin- 
coln B,. the subjects of this sketch ; Etta, Mrs. Fris- 
bie, living in Kaw Township; Rosa, Gertrude and 
Maude at home; two are deceased. Emery I. and 
Lincoln B., were both born in Mercer County, III., 
the former Oct. 4, 1858, and the latter Nov. 6, 
1860, upon the day on which Abraham Lincoln 
was first elected President of the United St,ates. 
They accompanied the family to Kansas in the 
spring of 1865, traveling with a team an<l wagon, 
crossing the Mississippi at Burlington, and the 
Missouri at St. Joseph, thence proceeding to Kan- 
sas River. They were at an early age trained 
to habits of indusliy, and secured a practical edu- 
cation in the district school. Both vote the straight 
Republican ticket. Emery is the Road Supervisor 
in his district, and a member of the Farmers' Alli- 
ance. Lincoln B. is Clerk of the School Board. 
Thej- occup3' a high position, sociallj', and their 
home, which is represented b}" a lithographic en- 
graving on another p.age, is one of the most attrac- 
tive within the limits of Kentucky Township. 



^AMES M. GRINTEU. Even in the West, 
where j'oung men occupy so man}' promi- 
nent positions, there are few who are so 
well situated, or have displayed so much 
energy in affairs :is the gentleman above named, who 
owns and occupies a fine estate in Jefferson County. 
His father, J. C. Grinter (wliose sketch appears on 
another page), is the second oldest settler in this 
State, and our subject was born in AVyandottc 
County, and reared on his f.ather's farm, near Ed- 
wardsville. The natal daj' of our subject was Nov. 
4, 1861, and his boyhood and youth were advan- 
tageousl3' spent in acquiring knowledge, not only 
in the schoolroom but amid rural scenes. He en- 
joyed most excellent school privileges, and his 
keen intellect took a firm grasp on the topics pre- 
sented to his consideration. 

At the age of eighteen years, Mr. Grinter en- 
tered his father's store in Perrv. as a clerk, and 



■^S* 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



remalnerl there two years, after which he iPtiinied 
to Wyandotte County, and began farming on his 
father's estate, engaging also in the stock business. 
He liought eiglity acres of land near EdwardsviUc. 
eleven miles from Kansas City, and also a ;35-acre 
tract near Mnncie, eight miles from Kansas City. 
In 1 887 he sold his eighty acres and purcliased a 
farm in Kentucky Township, Jefferson County, and 
the following spring located upon it. It was bare 
of improvements when purchased by hira, having 
not even been fenced, and has been improved at a 
cost of about $5,000. The commodious and at- 
tractive residence was designed by an architect in 
Kansas City, Kan., and covers a ground dimension 
of 36x56 feet. It is represented by a view else- 
where in this volume. The barn is 38x60 feet, 
with an extension of 12x60 feet; the hog sheds 
cover 8x100 feet; and a potato cave is 18x100 
feet. A windmill and tanks supply the needed 
amount of water, and the whole estate, which now 
comprises 290 acres, is neatly fenced. 

The land borders on the Kansas River, and Mr. 
Grinter raises some fine crops. About 100 acres 
are devoted to corn and sixty to potatoes, and dur- 
ing the last five years he has raised about 150 
bushels of the latter to the acre, shipping them to 
Texas, Colorado, etc. He also raises ..wheat, and 
deals to a considerable extent in stock. He feeds fifty 
to 100 cattle per year, and raises from 100 to 200 
head of hogs. His stock is all fine, including some 
thorough-bred Short-horn cattle and. good breeds 
of draft horses and mules, four teams being used in 
carrying on the estate. Mr. Grinter drives a beau- 
tiful span of Arabians, valued at i!400. The suc- 
cess he is meeting with in his chosen vocation is 
but another i>roof tliat a well-trained mind and a 
good supply of book lore, if properly apjilled, aie 
powerful factors in the fortunate termination of 
agricultural enterprises, as well as such business 
affairs as are conducted in the towns. 

The wife of Mr. Grinter was in iier maidenhood 
Miss Elizabeth Timmons. and the rites of wedlock 
were celebrated between them in Kansas City, 
Kan., Feb. 2, 1887. The bride was born near Green- 
land, Ohio, March 17, 1868, and accompanied her 
father to Kansas in 1871, couipieting her educa- 
tion in Kansas City, and growing to a refined and 



cultured womanhood. Her father, the lion. .1. V. 
Timmons, has .served three terms in the Kansas 
Legislature, and is engaged in extensive farming 
operations near Edwardsville, where he owns over 
500 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Grinter are the 
happy parents of one son, William II. H. Mr. 
(xrinter is a Democrat in politics, and has served 
as a delegate to county conventions. He stands 
high in the regard of the citizens of thia locality, 
and it is safe to sui)i)osc that he will ere long be 
one of the most infiuential residents where he has 
already taken a high rank for one so young. 



=|^r;RTHUR D. HAYNES, who is now devot. 
l^/Ull ing his attention to farming on his large 




estate one mile from Perry, in Jefferson 
W^ County, was for a number of years en- 

gaged in the practice of law in that citj', and held 
the offices of Notary Public and Justice of the 
Peace. He had a large practice, and his thorovigh 
legal lore and brilliant pleading have won him fame 
and fortune. His landed estate comprises 430 acres 
in one body, on sections 15 and 16, and bordering 
on the Delaware River. One hundred and thirty 
acres are under the plow, and 300 acres are timber 
land. The entire estate is fenced and otherwise 
improved, having a beautiful walnut grove and a 
fine brick resilience, which was erected in 1886 un- 
der the supervision of a Topeka architect. 

Mr. Haynes is of honorable English ancestry, 
tracing his paternal descent from a colonist of 1640. 
His great-grandfather, James Haynes, was born in 
the southern part of New Hampshire, and was a 
trooper in the Revolutionary Army, obtaining a 
grant for 500 .acres of land for his services, the 
most of the estate still being held b}' the family. 
David Haynes, the grandfather of our, subject, was 
also born in the Granite State, and carried on ag- 
ricultural pursuits. He was a private in the war 
of 1812. His son, David, Jr., engaged in farming 
on tlie home farm of 100 acres in Grafton County, 
N. H., and resided there seventj'-five 3'ears, and is 
still a resident there. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics and belongs to the Free Will Baptist Ciiurcli. 

DjNvid Haynes, Jr., married Miss Sarah G. Gale, 



578 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



who was also a native of the Granite State, and 
whose father, Stephen Gale, owned a farm in Graf- 
ton County, and also worked at his trade of a black- 
smith. He represented his district in the legisla- 
ture seven years, and was also Justice of the Peace 
during a long period. The wife of Stephen Gale 
was Miss Sanborn, whose father was a Drum Major 
in the Revolutionary War. Mrs. David Haynes, 
Jr., died in her native State after having borne two 
sons, our subject and Albyn. The latter enlisted 
in 18C1 in the 12tli Xew Hampshire Infantry, be- 
coming a member of the Union Army when but 
sixteen years old. He died of measles in McClel- 
lan's camp on the Potomac River. 

A. D. Haynes, our subject, was born in Alexan- 
der Township, Grafton Co;. X. H.. his natal day 
being JMay fi, 1838. He was brought up on the 
farm, and after acquiring a fundamental education 
entered the New Hampton Academy when sixteen 
years old, and attended there four and a half years, 
being valedictorian of his class when graduated 
In the fall of 1858 he entered Dartmouth College 
in Hanover. X. H.. and prosecuted iiis studies there 
two years, after which he taught for a year at West- 
port. In September, 1860, he entered the Depart- 
ment of Law in the University at Ann Arbor, 
Mich., and in March. 1862, was graduated with the 
degree of L.L.B. He then continued his legal 
studies under Austin F. Pike of Franklin, X. II- 
and was soon afterward admitted to tlie bar of his 
native State, 

In July, 18G3, Mr. Haynes came to this State, but 
considering the country too rough to make it his 
home he left it two weeks later, and went to Min- 
nesota, selecting the town of Hastings on the Mis- 
sissippi River, for his location, where he engaged in 
the practice of his profession, and also in the work 
of pedagogy in the public schools for two j^ears. 
In JIa}', 1866, he opened an office in this place, 
which was then what James Russell Lowell would 
call '-a nourishing village of two houses." Xot 
being able to obtain board here Mr. Haynes took 
up his abode in Lecompton, whence he walked back 
and forth to his ofllce. He bought the land upon 
which he is now living, and being troubled with 
nialaiia on the river, moved on to his farm in 1869, 
tlill continuing his practice in Perry. He has now 



almost retired from iegal work and is carr3ing on 
the business of farming and stock-raising. He ships 
cattle and hogs of his own raising, and has about 
twenty bead of excellent farm horses. Three teams 
are employed in the work upon the estate, which is 
so improved as to make two different places. 

At the home of the bride in Lecompton, Sept. 
■2;Jth, 1867, Mr. Haj'nes was united in marriage 
with ftliss Amelia F. C. Hoad, a thoroughly culti- 
tured and accomplished lady, who was born in 
Maine; but who had lived in this State for some 
years, and was educated at Leavenworth and Beth- 
any College. She is a thorough musician, and pre- 
vious to her marriage was a [lopular and successful 
teacher of the art of music. She is the mother of 
six children: Marcus. Hugh, .Sarah (i., Arthur, 
Susan and Elaine, all of whom are at home. She 
is a daughter of Francis and Susan Hoad of the Pine 
Tree State, who came to Kansas City in 18.54, and 
a short time after settled at Auburn. After living 
there a few years they moved to Leavenworth, 
where Mr. Fload entered the army as hospital Stew- 
ard, serving till the close of the war. He then 
moved to Olatlie and then to Lecompton. where for 
a time he carried on a fruit farm, later engaging in 
hotel keeping. His death took i)lacein Lecompton, 
where his widow still resides. 

Mr. Haynes is a Democrat and an earnest advo- 
cate of the iiarty principles. He held the position 
of X'otary Public for twelve years' and has made 
many fiiends in the community. Mrs. Haynes is 
a liighlv regarded member of the Presbjterian 
Church. 



|f|U-. KNRY ROSS. The subject of this notice 
Ifjj' lirst struck the soil of Kansas in 1S68, set- 
J^^^ tling in Fairview Township, Jefferson 
'i^ Count}-, of which he has since remainerl a 
continiu)us resident. That venture proved to him 
a fortunate one, and he is now quite imlependent, 
linancially, being the owner of li)i) acres of good 
land, l.")9 lying on section 22 and forty acres on 
section 1.5. A man of more than ordinary intelli- 
gence, he has ever been the friend of progress, and 
warmlv interested in educatlonid matters, donating 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



579 



an aero of gi-ound for school purposes in his district 
and assislinn' materialh' in the erection of tlie 
^chool building. He has likewise served as a Di- 
r(Ht()r most of tiie time since he lias lived iiere. 
Politically, lie is a sound Democrat. 

In noting the personal history of Mr. Ross we 
find lliat lie is the rei)resentative of an old Ken- 
tnck}' family, being the son of liobert Ross, who 
was born in Whitley County, that State. Tlie pa- 
ternal grandfather. Anguish Ross, was a native of 
Scotland, whence he emigrated to America in time 
to partici[),ate as a Sergeant in the War of 1812. 
He was one of the pioneer settlers of Whitley 
County, and although farming successfully, tra- 
veled around considerably looking the country 
over, lie also served as Justice of the Peace for 
many years. Finally, selling out his interests in 
the Blue Grass State, he removed to Missouri, and 
made his home with his son-in-lavv until his death. 

Robert Ross was reared to manhood in his na- 
tive county, where he was married. Subsequently' 
he removed to what is now Scott County, Tenn., 
and located on a farm nine miles from his former 
home in Kentucky. He was a great hunter, killing 
bear, deer, etc.. and likewise eng.agod successfully 
in farming and stock-raising, becoming well-to-do. 
He died in Tennessee in 18C4 at about the age of 
sixty years. 

Mrs. Sally (Gray) Ross, the mother of our sub- 
ject, was born in Ireland, and was the daughter of 
John Gray who, upon emigrating to America, set- 
tled upon the State line between Kentucky and 
Tennessee where he engaged in farming. Both he 
and his wife fell victims to the small-pox very 
near together, in the spring of 1864. The father 
was a member of the Baptist Church. The par- 
ental household included eight children, viz: Henry, 
our subject; Louisa, who lives in Kentucky; Emil^-, 
Mrs. Creekmore, a resident of Tennessee; Sophro- 
nin, Mrs. Chitwood, also of that State; Armilda 
and Sylvia, who died, the former in childhood and 
the latter after marriage; Marion, a merchant of 
Tennessee, and Belle Ann. 

The subject of this sketch was born near Wil- 
liamsburg, AVhitley Co., Ky., A\n-\l 4, 1823, and 
was taken by his parents to Tennessee when an in- 
f;int. He was reared and educated in Scott Count\'. 



pursuing his studies under the siiliscription plan in 
the old-fashioned log school house, and remained 
under the [larental roof until a young man of 
twent}- years. On the 1 1 th of January, he was 
united in marriage witli Miss Lucinda Klswick. 
This lady was born in Scott County, Tenn., Sept. 
25, 1822. and was the daughter of Jonathan Els- 
wick, likewise a native of that State, where he spent 
his entire life, engaged in farming. He, however, 
only lived to be middle-aged, dying when his 
daughter Lucinda, was a child. Grandfather 
Jacob Elswick was also a farmer by occupation and 
died in Tennessee. The mother of Mrs. Ross bore 
the maiden name of Elizabeth Richardson ; she also 
was born in Tennessee, and was the daughter of 
Thomas Richardson, who carried on farm- 
ing successfully and died there. Mrs. Elswick 
was a member of the Baptist Church, and died in 
her native State about 1885. There were born to 
her and her husband four children,onl3' two of whom 
are living — Andrew, a resident of Kentucky Town- 
ship, Jefferson Count}', this State, and Lucinda, 
Mrs. Ross. Nancy and Charit}- died after they 
were married. 

After his marriage Mr. Ross purchased his fath 
er's farm in Tennessee, where he engaged quite ex- 
tensively in the raising of grain and cattle. During 
the war he was a member of the Home Guards, and 
met the enemy in battle at Brimstone. During 
Burnside's expedition, he went out with the sixty 
day's men — a company of 300. Later he volun- 
teered in Company A, which was assigned to 
guaril duty in the rear of the army, and eng.aged 
in several skirmishes. This was in 1863. The 
boys served ninety days, but were only paid for 
sixty daj's. 

Mr. Ross in the fall of 186G made a Hying tripto 
Kansas and purchased a claim in Fairvievv township. 
He could not make arrangements, however, to set- 
tle upon it until the sin-ing of 1868. It looked 
then as if he had unlimited room and cattle range 
for years to come. X'ery nuuli to his surprise, 
however, settlers began coming in. and the land 
was soon all taken up. He began at the foot of 
the ladder, taking up his abode in a log house, and 
commenced farming with one fillj'. Next he se- 
cured a j'oke of oxen, and gradually climbed up 



580 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



until lio fuund himself on the highwaj- to prosper- 
ity. The log house in lUie time gave way to a 
convenient modern residence, and other buildings 
were erected suitable for the shelter of stock and 
the storage of grain. There was considerable 
clearing to be done on some of the land, but it has 
now been brought to a good state of cultivation, 
and presents the picture of a comfortable home- 
stead. Mr. Ross for many years engaged quite ex- 
tensively in the raising of grain and stock, but has 
now practically retired from active labor, renting 
his land. He is a good judge of horse flesh, and is 
the owner of some fine animals. 

Eight children were born to Mr. and Ross, viz: 
Nelson died when about thirty-five years old, after 
bis marriage; Bettie A. is the wife of S. S. Brown, 
and resides in Crook County, Ore.; Sarah, 
Emih" and James are deceased; John E. is farming 
in Fairview Township, Jefferson County; Andrew 
J. is prosecuting agriculture in the vicinity of Pan- 
handle, Tex.; Nanc}- J. <lied when about twenty- 
one years old. 



?/_ ON. EDWARD M. HUTCHINS, who, at 
one time, represented Jefferson County in 
the State Legislature, is now occupied in 

'^^ mercantile pursuits, being a member of the 
firm of Coy, Hutchins & Co., dealers in clothing 
and furnishing goods at Valley Falls. He is a 
prominent man in his community, identified with 
its most important interests, and Vice-President of 
the Delaware Bank. He is also interested in farm- 
ing and stock-raising, feeding and shipping annu- 
ally a goodly number of cattle. 

Mr. Hutchins came to this section of the countr3^ 
in 1856 from Buchanan County, Iowa, and pur- 
chased 1 CO acres of the Delaware Trust lands, two 
miles east of the present site of Valley Falls, whereon 
he settled and effected the improvements naturall}' 
suggested to the man of intelligence and enter- 
prise. Of this he is still the possessor, while he has 
720 acres, all in one bodj', and which is utilized as 
a stock ranch. Tiiere is upon this a plentiful sup- 
ply of timber and a stream of living water, includ- 
ing one mile of a creek. There has been built uiion 



this propertv fourteen miles of fencing, besides 
good barns and other necessary buildings. 

In 1874 Mr. Hutchins removed to Valley Falls 
and proceeded to invest a portion of his capital in 
the building up of the cit3'. He put up a large 
brick and stone livery stable on S3'camore street, 
which he conducted successfully ten years, then 
selling out. in 1886, turned his attention to mer- 
cantile pursuits and banking. He was instrumen- 
tal in the organization of the Delaware State Bank, 
whose doors were open in the summer of 1889. 
In the meantime, Mr. Hutchins, in the spring of 
1888 was elected Maj'or of Valley Falls, serving 
one term. He is a member of the Masonic frater- 
nity, in which he has taken the Chapter degrees. 
He cast bis first Presidential vote for John C. Fre- 
mont, and remains a stanch supporter of the Re- 
publican party. 

The native place of Mr. Hutchins was Caledonia 
County, Vt., and the date of his birth, Oct. •22, 
1832. His father, John N. Hutchins, (now de- 
ceased) was a native of Haverhill, N. H., and for 
many 3'ears during his early manhood he occupied 
himself as a boot and shoe dealer. Edward M. 
was reared in the town of Greenboro and com- 
pleted his education in Phillip's Academy at Peach- 
am. When twenty-one 3'ears old he set out to 
see something of the world, making his w.ay to Illi- 
nois, and halted in the town of Woodstock, where 
he entered the emplo3^ of George W. Bentley as 
a clerk. He sojourned there one year, then, in 
1854, crossing the Father of Waters, took up his 
abode in Buchanan Count3', Iowa, and established 
a store at Greeley's Grove, twelve miles north of 
Independence. He there made the acquaintance of 
Miss Polly M. Co3% to whom he was married May 
28, 1856. He came to Kans.as in the fall of that 
3-ear and concluding to make his home in Jefferson 
County, was joined b3' his wife the following 
spring. He has since continued a resident of the 
Sunflower State and has abundant faith in its fu- 
ture. His family comprises, besides his estimable 
wife,-a son, Willliam E., who was born July 6, 1865. 
Their only daughter, Ida A., who was born in No- 
vember, 1858, died at the interesting age of four- 
teen 3'ears. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject was Will- 



PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



:.8i 



iani Ilutcbhis, a native of New Hampshire and of 
Suotcli ancestry. The mother of our subject was 
Eliza W. Clark, daugliter of Edward Ci.ark, a sol- 
dier of the Revolutionary War, who received an 
honorable wound at the battle of Bunker Hill. 
Grandfather Clark was a native of Massachusetts 
and was the father of three sons and three daugh- 
ters. (Trandfather Hutchins was the father of 
eleven sons and two daughters. Edward M., in 
1887. visited the batcle-ground of Bunker Hill, and 
in a eom[)any of Ave, who viewed it with great in- 
terest, was the only one having the honor of be- 
inii' a descendant of a Revolutionary soldier. 



= eA^ 



HARLES L. THOMPSON, proprietor of the 
Indian Mills at Thompsonville, on the Del- 

_'' aware River, is one of the old settlers of 
Kentucky Township, Jefferson County, and a man, 
who, bj- his industr}' and fine business talents has 
gained a competency, being now independent. He 
is intelligent and well-informed, courteous and 
agreeable, and counts his friends by the score in 
Northern Kansas. 

The mill property of Mr. Thompson embraces 
sixty acres of land, comprising the oldest mill site 
in the State of Kansas. The first building was put 
up in 1831 b\' Michael Rice, an Englishman, and a 
millwright from Independence, Mo., who built the 
mill for the United States Govtrnment in order to 
grind corn for the Indians. It was erected under 
the supervision of Mr. Ctimmings, the Indian Agent 
for the Delawares, and was thus operated for a 
number of years. Finally it was partially aban- 
doned and laj- idle until along in the '40's when it 
was fitted up by some straggling Mormons who 
manufactured flour after a fashion until early in 
the 'aO's. 

Finally becoming reduced in numbers by an epi- 
demic, the Mormons departed, leaving a few graves 
marked by stone slabs on the banks of the Grass- 
hopper River. In 1856 the mill was rebuilt by a 
half-breed Delaware Indian, Everette b3' name, 
who put in and operated machinery for sawing 
lumbar. A \"ear later, while hruding dirt to re- 
pair the dam, the 'Delaware was killed by the cav- 



ing in of the bank. His remains were buried 
on a point of the hill west of the mill on the land 
now owned by Mr. Thompson. 

This mill property then passed into the hands of 
the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and went into 
a state of dilapidation. It was finally deeded to 
Tom Kirby, who retained possession until Its pur- 
chase by C. L. Thompson about 1868. Mr. Thomp- 
son put up the present mill building in 1874, and 
in 1884 introduced the roller process, andthe mill 
now h.as a capacity of 1 25 barrels per day. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Sterling, 
Worcester Co., Mass., June 27, 1832, and his early 
education was completed by an attendance of three 
months in the district school. When a lad of four- 
teen years he went into a cotton factory which turn- 
ed out Lancaster ginghams at Clinton, Mass., and 
worked his way vip to the position of assistant 
overseer. He remained there for a period of seven 
years. Later he ran a milk wagon one year. He 
then rented a mill on the Nashua River, which he 
operated until 1857. That year he resolved upon 
coming West, and made his w.aj' to St. Louis by rail. 
Thence he proceeded b}' a river ateamer to Leaven- 
worth, Kan., and went on foot from there to Law- 
rence, arriving at his destination in the month of 
April. Those were the most trying times on Kansas 
soil when every man went armed. Mr.Thompson em- 
ployed himself at whatever he could find to do, 
and finally began teaming to the river. The fol- 
lowing yeai- he located a claim in Douglas County, 
upon which he labored until 1860 with poor suc- 
cess, not being able raise anj'thing. Finally leaving 
his farm he went to the mountains with an ox-team, 
reaching Denver after a journe}' of six weeks. 
From there he proceeded to Golden Citj- anil after- 
wand he returned to Lawrence and to his farm. 
He was now successful in his agricultural opera- 
tions, and in the fall of 1862 was employed by 
Gen. BaJjcock and others who were engaged to fur- 
nish meat for the United States army for two years. 

During the winter of 1863-64 Mr. Thompson 
filled a contract for furnishing meat to the refugee 
Indians at Ft. Gibson. He experienced great dif- 
ficulty in procuring the animals for slaughter, and 
in getting his provisions across the plains. The 
following summer he returned to his farm, but in 



582 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Uie spring of IHtJ.j sulil lliis ami purchased a saw- 
iiiill in Jefferson County, wLiicb he operated until 
1868. He then purchased his present mill site, 
which was far from being as valuable as it is at the 
present time. In order to obtain the necessary 
water-power lie »vas obliged to raise the dam, which 
could not be accomplished without backing the wa- 
ter so as to damage the Mctzger- mill, two miles 
above him. He was obliged to purchase this latter 
and was thus left without money to repair the first. 

Mr. Thompson then engaged ui saw-milling until 
1874, when he erected the present mill and dam. 
and which, with the machinery, is as fine a piece 
of mill propertj' as lies in the State of Kansas. 
The main building is three stories in height with a 
basement, and occupies an area of 40x60 feet. 
It is equipped with the latest improved machinery. 
The dam has been raised over ten feet, inaking a 
fine waterfall. This mill is patronized by a large 
part of this and adjoining counties. 

Besides his mill property Mr. Thompson has im- 
proved fifty acres of land in the vicinity of Thomp- 
sonviile. of which he was the first permanent 
settler. It was through his influence that the post- 
office was located here, and wliiuh has i)roved a 
great convenience to the people of this region. 
The Thompson residence is finely located on a rise 
of ground, commanding a fine view of the sur- 
rounding countr}'. and situated e'ghty feet above 
the Kansas River. The barns, cattle-sheds and 
other outbuildings are finely ad.apted to the gen- 
eral purposes of farm life. Mr. Thompson has four 
other dwelling houses in that vicinity. He is con- 
siderablv interested in stock-raising, mostly mules 
and swine. 

In Concord, Mass., on Aug. 15, 1856, the sub- 
ject of this notice was joined in wedlock with 
Miss Ann Muirliead. This lady was born in the 
town of Lnbec, Me., and w.as the daughter of John 
Muirhead, a native of Scotland, who, after emigra- 
ting to America, settled in tiie Tine Tree State and 
operated as a hotel-keeper and liveryman. He 
died in Maine. His wife. Mrs. Nancy (Romans) 
Muirhead, was likewise a native of Scotland, also 
spent her last years in Maine. Mrs. 'J'hompson 
w.as the eldest of ten children, and was reared and 
educated in her native State. She is now the 



mother of six children, four of whom- -Carrie, 
Charles E., Albert E. and Frank A. are deceased. 
Maude M. and Una B. are attending the High 
School at Lawrence. iMr. Thompson, politically, 
is a Republican of the first water. He assisted in 
building the first school-house in his district, and 
is serving his second term as Treasurer. 

The father of our subject was Sumner Thomp- 
son, likewise a native of Sterling, Mass.. and born 
March 25, 1803. The paternal grandfarther. 
Thomas Thompson, was likewise born in Sterling, 
and occupied himself in farming. The great- 
grandfather was Benjamin Thompson, a native of 
Osljorn, Mass.. a shoemaker and farmer combined, 
and who distinguished himself as a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War. 

Sumner Thompson farmed in the Bay State un- 
til 1857, then selling out came to Lawrence, Kan. 
He remained only one summer, however, then re- 
turned to Massachusetts, where he sojourned until 
1860. He then came back to Lawrence, where he 
lived until 1880, and then took up his abode with 
his son, Charles L.. with whom he now lives. He 
was married in early life to Miss Eliza T. DivoU. 
Mrs. TiKjmpson was born in Leominster, Mass., and 
was the daughter of David Divoll, likewise a na- 
tive of the Bay State, and a farmer by occupation. 
She died at her home in Lawrence, Kan., in Febru- 
ary. 1880. at the age of seventy four 3'ears. 



'^'^>^^!^t^^^^^ 




kJi ARKUS SIGRIST. A little over eighteen 
if/' iV years ago. in August, 1871, Mr. Sigrist 
came to Jackson Countj-, and secured a 
tract of wild land on section 25, Liberty 
Township, from which he proceeded to build up a 
homestead. His persevering labors have met with 
marked success, as he has now a well-regulated 
farm, 160 .acres in extent, wlieieon he has erected 
the necessary buildings, planted trees, gotten to- 
gether a goodl}^ assortment of live stock and farm 
niachineiy. and is now comfortably situated, with 
sufficient of this world's goods to relieve him from 
the fear of want in his old age. He has just passed 
his lifty-seveiith birliiday, having been born Oct. 
16, 1832, in Switzerland. 





O-ulAJ) 



cP'^^j 




6? 



'//^ 





(Jfy^f^ 




C^^y^.f^-^^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



587 



Mr. Sigrist spent his early years amid the beau- 
tiful scenery of his native country, enjoying the 
advantages of the common school and being 
trained in those habits of industry and econom}- 
wliich have been the secret of his success through 
life. He was man'ied in his native canton Nov. 26, 
186G, to Miss Margaret Aebli and lived there until 
March, 1870, tiien decided upon seeking liis for- 
tune in the New World. He first set foot upon 
American soil in the city of Boston, Mass., and thence 
proceeded to Dubuque, Iowa, with his little family, 
and for a year thereafter employed himself at 
whatever he could find to do. In the spring of 
1871 they removed to Valley Forge, Kan., and six 
mouths later to the new faj-m, which then bore lit- 
tle resemblance to its present condition. 

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sigrist 
three daughters and two sons. The eldest, a daugh- 
ter, ]\Largaret, died in Switzerland in infancy: 
Markus, Jr,; Henry, and Betty, the youngest born, 
remain at home with their parents. Maggie died 
at the homestea<l in Libert3- Township when an 
interesting child of nine years. 



LP:XANDER II. brill, M. D., of Louis- 
ville, Pottawatomie County, is the only 
lii resident physician in that thriving town 
(^ and has a large practice both there and 

throughout the surrounding country. He has had 
long experience in his chosen work, his life as a 
practitioner having extended over almost a quar- 
ter of a century, and the thorough knowledge of 
Therapeutics with which he began has been broad- 
ened and deepened by continued study, observa- 
tion and investigation in the later discoveries and 
theories of the science of medicine. A careful use 
of ilie knowledge which he has acquired and an 
acute judgment in diagnosis, have led to a measure 
of success both gratifying and honorable, and al- 
though the retirement of Dr. Brill from practice, 
which he is now contemplating, will be regretted 
as a loss to the community it can only be regarded 
as a necessity due to his long-continued usefulness 
and arduous labors. 

Dr Brill is descended in both lines from Ger- 



man ancestry. His father, John L. Brill, was born 
in Pennsylvania and in 1812 settled in Guernsey 
County, Ohio, be being then quite young. In the 
Buckeye State he was married to Jliss Elenor 
Shively, a native of Virginia, their union resulting 
in the birth of eleven children, nine of wiiom are 
now living. After many years of happj' married 
life, in death they were not long divided, both be- 
ing called from earth in the year 1886. 

The subject of this notice was the fifth in the 
parental family, and was born Jan. 21, 1835, in 
Guernsey County, Ohio. He was but five years 
old when bis parents removed to Washington 
County, where he grew to manhood under the care- 
ful botne training of his progenitors and in the re- 
ceipt of excellent advantages in the wa}' of school- 
ing. The academic studies were taken up by him at 
Albany, Ohio, and at the age of twenty-three }'ears 
he began the study of the profession of his choice. 

In all the threatenings of the coming war-cloud 
prior to and immediately following the first elec- 
tion of the martyred Lincoln, the young student 
took a thoughtful interest, and the "shot heard 
round the world" had not ceased its reverberations 
ere he was considering the share which he should 
take in the coming conflict. In October. 1861, he 
enlisted in Company G., 6;3d Ohio Infantry, and 
served in the same as a private and non-commis- 
sioned officer for three years. He was then promoted 
to a Second Lieutenancy and took command of 
Company D., in the same regiment, and when sub- 
sequently promoted to a First Lieutenancy assumed 
the command of C'onipauy F., in which he con- 
tinued until his discharge on July 8, 1865. Tiie 
j'oung man was in vigorous iiealth and was one of the 
fortunate number who escaped witliout injury ; dur- 
in"' his years of service, he was able to fulfill every 
duty, never missing an engagement or even a skir- 
mish, in which his command took part. During 
•the Grand Review at Washington iu 1865. he rode 
a half day in an ambulance, for the only lime in 
his life. Among the numerous bloody contests in 
which the Doctor took part, were those at Island 
No. 10, Corinth, Resaca and ail of tlie battles of 
Sherman's campaign in the glorious march to the 
sea. Returning with the force from Savannah, Dr. 
Brill was present at the surrender of Gen. John- 



588 



PORTRAIT AND filOGRAPHlCAL ALBUM. 



ston near Raleigh, N. C, and after Lee's suneucler 
went on to the capitol to participate in the Grand 
Review and receive a merited discharge. 

There being no furtiier need of his services in the 
Union army, Dr. Brill returned to his home and 
again tooit up his studies which liad been interrup- 
ted by the call to arms. His first course of lec- 
tures was taken in 1866, and he itracticed as an un- 
der graduate until the winter of 1871, when he was 
graduated and upon receiving his diploma began an 
active practice which was continued thirteen ^-ears 
in his native State. This has been followed b^- 
eleven years of professional labor in this State, 
during which he has added to the reputation al 
readj' attained as a skillful physician. 

An important step was taken by Dr. Brill, Sept. 
18, 1856, on which day he was united in marriage 
with Miss Xancy E., the second child of Oliver and 
Mary Miller of Washington County, Ohio. Her 
parents had but two children, and Mrs. Brill was 
born Jan. 6, 1839, in the Buckeye State. She re- 
ceived a common-school education. Five children 
have come to bless the Doctor and his worthy wife. [ 
Osto M. is now Postmaster at Louisville. Ella is \ 
the wife of S. L. Nelson, and their home is in To- 
peka. wl'.ere Mrs. Nelson is employed as steno- 
grapher for the banking firm of J. D. Knox & Co. 
Flora is the wife of Daniel Gerwig of Topeka. 
Two sons, Charles M. and Frank Res, complete the 1 
family circle. 

The activity of Dr. Brill is not confined to his 
profession, but in politics, social orders, and church, 
he is an able worker. He cast his first vote for J. C- 
Fremont and has ever since voted the Republican 
ticket. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
and the I. O. O. F. In the former he has held all 
the offices except that of Master Mnson ; in the lat- 
ter he has served through all the Chairs and is now 
Past Grand, and is serving as District Deputy 
Grand Master. He is a member of O. P. Morton 
Post, G. A. R., .at Wamego, of which he has been 
chosen Surgeon ; he is also a member of the Pen- 
sion Board of Pottawatomie Count3^ He and his 
wife are members of the Congregational Church, in 
which he is a Trustee and Assistant Superinten- 
dent of the Sunday-school. Ho owns a half section 
of vvell cultivated and valuable land in Louis\ille 



Township, and considerable city property in addi- 
tion. It is needless to say that he has a high stand- 
ing among his fellow citizens, who will be pleased 
to find on another page of this work, portraits of 
himself and wife. Their Christian character has 
won the regard of all, and their useful lives deepen 
that regard into warmest admiratiou. 



LIAS C. ENGLE. The results of thrift 
l^ and persevering industry are exhibited in 

the career of the above named gentleman. 

and especially during the last decade, in which he 
has been a resident of Jefferson Couutj', as he had 
just prior to that period met with such reverses 
that he had but little means with which to come to 
this section of the "West. He had lived in this 
county but a few years ere he was able to pur- 
chase a quarter of section 2, Norton Township, 
where he now has a very attractive home, a siiecial 
feature of the estate beinga large number of apple, 
peach and other trees, and over 1 .000 stands of 
grapes, in the culture of which Mr. Engle finds 
both pleasure and profit. 

Mr. Engle is a native of the Buckeye State, his 
e}'es'having first opened to the light in AVarren 
County, Dec. 9, 1838. His parents removed to 
Randolph Countjs Ind.. when he was a child of 
four years, and he was reared on a farm in the 
Iloosier State, remaining under the parental roof 
until the age of twentj'-four years. He was then 
united in marriage with Miss Ruth A. Thornbury. 
a native of the Hoosier State and daughter of 
Edward and Hannah J. (Cook) Thornbury. Her 
father was a son of Joseph Thornbury-, of North 
Carolina. The marriage ceremonj' of Mr. Engle 
and Miss Thornbury took place Feb. 1, 1863, and 
they settleil upon a farm which he had purchased 
in the vicinity of his former home. After residing 
there for a couple of 3-ears he sold and removed to 
Rice County. Minn., in which he tilled the soil for 
ten years. 

In 1875 Mr. Engle sold the farm which he had 
improved from the Minnesota prairies, and going 
to Dallas Countj', Iowa, developed another farm 
fi'ou] the unbroken sod. upon which he remained 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



589 



four years, during that time meeting with serious 
reverses of fortune. In the fall of 1879, collecting 
what little capital he could, he came to Jefferson 
County. Kan., and settled north of his present 
place, where he farmed for seven years and where 
he did so exceediiigl}' well .is to be able to pur- 
chase his present estate and begin its marked im- 
provement. He is a progressive farmer and his 
estate is carefully and intelligently conducted and 
proves the source of a comfortable income. 

The family of Mr. Engle comprises seven chil- 
dien. who as they arrive at years of maturity are 
tilling useful positions in life and proving a credit 
to the name which they bear. Jaoies A. is now 
living in Nortonville, where he runs the mill and 
in the fall he also runs a steam threshing machine 
through the countr^^ adjacent; he is married and 
has two children. Mar>- E., a 3oung lady who has 
learned the dressmaker's trade, now presides over 
the house-keeping in the paternal home and is Ail- 
ing a mother's place as far as possible to the j^ounger 
members of the f.imilv. Orpha A. is also grown 
and is working at dressmaking in Nortonville. 
William E., a young man, is his father's mainstay 
in the conduct of the estate. The others of the 
family are Carrie AVater, Addie Belle and Samuel 
Kelly. Mrs. Engle departed this life, Aug. 1, 
1887. She had been possessed of excellent health 
until a few years before her death, and had nobly 
performed her duties as a loving mother and wife, 
and slie is held in reverent remembrance b}' the 
family from whose midst she was removed. The 
parents of our subject were William and Lucretia 
(Cabe) Engle and his mother was a daughter of 
Ellas and Sarah Cabe. Our subject was named for 
bis grandfather " Elias Cabe." The paternal grand- 
parents of E. C. Engle were Isaac and .Sarah (Price) 
Engle, both of whom were of English descent 
and natives of New Jersey. In the earli' colonial 
days three Engles came from England to America 
and settled in Pennsylvania, New Jersej' and Del- 
aware respectiveh'. and all reared large families. 
Our subject is a descendant of the New Jersey 
branch. 

During the Civil War Mr. Engle of our sketch 
belonged to the Indiana militia and ho had four 
brothers in the service. In politics he is a Republi- 



can and on the ticket of that party was twice 
elected Trustee of Norton Township. He is now 
serving his third term in that position, his friends 
having insisted on making him a candidate on the 
Independent ticket. His election was contested 
bj* the Democrats, but was finally settled in his 
favor. He is a member of the A. 0. U. W., 
the Farmers' Alliance, and the Home Protection 
Association. 



#^ 



-i^-- 




AMUEL STEPHENSON, at present a resi. 
dent of Ozawkie, was one of the earliest 
pioneers of Jackson Count}-, having settled 
on Soldier Creek about four miles south- 
west of Hoi ton, in 1862. He purchased a tract of 
land and was eng.aged in its cultivation and im- 
provement until April, 1886. Then, selling out 
here, he removed to the ,village of Ozawkie and 
embarked in the hardware trade, which he has since 
prosecuted very successfully. He is numbered 
among the solid business men of the place. 

A native of Mercer County, Ohio, Mr. Stephen- 
son was born in February. 18.34. and was there 
reared upon a farm, acquiring a practical education 
in the district school. He sojourned in his native 
State until a young man of twenty-five years; then, 
in 1859, set out for the far West, crossing the 
plains to Pike's Peak with a wagon train, and so- 
journing in that region about one year. He then 
returned to Ohio, and from there came to Kansas. 
He was married in Washington, in January, 1870, to 
Miss K.atie, daughter of Augustus and Mary IJurr. 
Thislady was born in Ohio. Her parents spent their 
last days in fndiana. Si.K children have been born 
to Mr. and INIrs. Stephenson, all living, and named 
respectively: Nellie B.. Mary May, Lizzie. Lottie, 
John S. and Francis A. !Mr. and Mrs. Burr were 
members of the Methodist Episcoi)al Church. Mr. 
and Mrs. Stephenson belong to the German Baptist 
Church. Mr. Stephenson votes the straight Repub- 
lican ticket, and served as Trustee of Grant Town- 
ship, Jackson County, from about 1877 to 1883. 

The parents of our subject were John and Nanc}' 
(Riley) Stephenson, natives of Virginia, who re- 
moved when (luile young with their respective 



500 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



parents to Ohio. Thej' were married in Musliingum 
County, that State, and settled in Mercer County, 
among its earliest pioneers. The father hewed out 
a farm from the heavy timber, and there the ten 
cliildren liorn to him and his estimable wife were 
reared. Of these. Samuel, our subject, was the fifth 
in order of birth. Tlie mother died at the old Ohio 
Iiomestead about 1845. aged about fortj'-five 3'ears. 
.)ohn Stephenson died about 1863, in .lackson 
County, this State, when about fifty-six years old. 
Tiie paternal grandfather of our subject, who 
also bore the name of Samuel, was a native of West 
Virginia, and died in Mercer County. Ohio, when 
seventy-five years old. His wife. Catherine Pool, 
a native of iiis own State, died on the same farm ns 
her husband, at the age of seventy-five. P)Oth 
were members of tiie Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Grandfather Stephenson served as a private in the 
War of 1812. There are living only two of the ten 
children of John and Nancy Stephenson, namel}^ 
Samuel and his brother, Lorenzo D., the latter a 
resident of Kansas. Mr. Stephenson has two half- 
brothers and one half-sister, living in Kansas and 
Ohio. 



^ OHN C. HAINES, one of the flourishing farm- 
ers of Norton Township, Jefferson County, 
is a native of Carlisle, Pa., where his eyes 
_ first oi)ened to the light, Feb. 22. 1811. His 
early life until the age of eighteen years, was passed 
in Columbia City, and he acquired a fair education. 
Going to Bioserville, Cumberland Count}', he 
learned the trade of carriage making, and after 
working two years for an employer, started a -shop 
of his own, which he carried on for twelve years. 
During this time he was united in marriage with 
Miss Lovina Oiler, a lady of worthy character and 
domestic virtues well fitting her fur tlie position 
of wife and mother. 

Mr. Haines worked at his trade, and with his 
wife's assistance built up a nice home on 118 acres 
of land which lie owned, and which he sold in 
1873, some time after he had removed to Kansas, 
and purchased the place where he now lives. For 
the first two j'ears after coming West, he followed 
his trade, and in 1864 removed onto his farm, 



which was then in a wild condition, and which has 
since been brought up to a fine state of cultivation 
and improvement. The dwelling is one of the 
finest houses on the prairie, and all of the outbuild- 
ings arc well-ltuilt and commodious; an excellent 
orchard, and a number of fine shade trees are an 
attractive and valuable feature of the estate. Much 
attention is given to the raising of high-grade cat- 
tle, to which the coin raised upon the estate is fed. 
Mr. Haines breeds Short-horns, and his herd is 
among the finest in the county, all his male stock 
being sold for breeding jjurposes. lie paid 82.300 
for an 80-acre tract adjoining his original purchase 
on the south, and the entire quarter-section could 
have been bought a few years before for $800. In 
addition to his fine farm and its equipments, ho 
holds stock in the Nortonville Bank, of which he is 
one of tlie Directors. 

During the first few years of Mr. Haines' resi- 
dence in Kansas, the winds were continual an<l 
steady, and they were later superceded by periods 
of calm, and cyclones. In 1886 his barn was torn 
down by a cyclone, hut in the last few years there 
have been none in his section. 

Mrs. Haines is a daughter of Andrew and Mary 
(Shover) Oiler, and her paternal grandfather. An- 
drew Oiler, was the son of a Revolutionary sol- 
dier of German descent. The paternal grandparents 
of Mrs. Haines were John and Susan ( Barrick ) 
Shover, and her grandfather, who was of Scotch 
ancestry, lost his life in the War of 1812. Mr. 
Haines is a son of John and Annie (Louis) Haines, 
the Haines family being of English, and the Louis 
of German stock. To Mr. and Mrs. Haines nine 
children have been born, and seven still gladden 
their parents' hearts by their presence around the 
famil\- fireside: flattie is a young lady, and follow- 
ing her on the family roll, are George A.. John E., 
Frank jNL, Grace. Cora Belle, and baby Ralph. The 
children of whom the jiarents were bereaved, were: 
Anna IMar}', who died at the age of three years, and 
Sarah E., who departed this life at the same time, 
the sad event occurring just after the family arrived 
in Kansas, an I resulting from measles which thej- 
contracted on the way. 

During the Civil War Mr. Haines enlisted at 
Chambersburg. Pa., in the 158lh Penns^ivania In- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



.■)91 



fantry, and served as a private in Company C, for 
a year, his army duties taking liim to North Caro- 
lina as a member of Gen. Foster's division during 
the Peninsular campaign. At the ex|)iralion of his 
term of service, he was honorably discharged, and 
mustered out at Chambersburg, Pa., and resumed 
the arts of peace. In politics, he votes the straight 
Republican ticket. He is a memljer of the I. O. 
O. F. Lodge No. 118. at Nortonville. and has been 
through the Chairs. He belongs to the Presb3-- 
terian Church, and helped build the new edifice at 
Nortonville. An enterprising agriculturist, a reli- 
able citizen, exhibiting a kindly spirit and strict 
integrity in his associations with mankind, lie is 
favorably regarded by all with whom he comes in 
contact, and. with his wife, has many fiiends in the 
community. 



~x/v^«\«ia2r®^@" j 



|-»»®|S/Zwa»^ "wx^ 




^. LVIN 1). KKXDALL. Mayor of Valley 
(©TLJ! Falls, is likewise occupied as a general 
merchant. an<i is numbered among the 
leading citizens of the place. A native 
New Englander, he was born in Penobscot County, 
Jle., Jul\' 15, 1847. and is the son of Jonathan and 
Dolly (Phillips) Ivendall, who were likewise natives 
of the Pine Tree State. The family is of English 
ancestry, and the father of our subject was a life- 
long farmer of good re|iute. The household circle 
was completed by the liirth of seven children, four 
only of whom are living: Nettie (Mrs. Crosby), 
Alvin D., Abbie (Mrs. Brown), and Inez. The 
two latter are residents of Maine. Sirs. Crosb}'' 
lives in Valley Falls. 

The common school afforded to young Kendall 
his chief education during his early years, while 
later, as a reader, he has kept himself posted upon 
matters of general interest. He came to Kansas in 
IHCt). and, locating in 'N'alley Falls, was for three 
years engaged as a clerk in the employ of Crosby 
Bros. He then purchased an interest in the busi- 
ness, contiiniing with it until 1877. when ho became 
sole proprietor, and has since conducted it with 
even more than its old-time success. He carries 
a capit.al stock of ^22.000, and enjoys an annual 
business of from *.'!0.000 to ij:?.5,<)(i<i. His well- 



appointed store contains everything kept in the 
dry-goods line, with the .addition of groceries arfd 
general merchandise. He owns the store building. a 
finestone.slructure.with brick front, erected ala cost 
of §7, .500. A self-made man in the broadest sense 
of the term, the career of Mr. Kendall illustrates 
in a remarkable manner the results of enter()iise and 
perseverance. Since becoming a resident of Valley 
Falls, he has maintained a warm interest in its ma- 
terial welfare. He was prominent as a member of 
the city council for several years, and is now serv- 
ing his second terra as Mayor. He was the clerk of 
Delaware Township foi- probably sixteen years, not 
because he sought the oflice, but because he dis. 
charged its duties in that acceptable manner which 
commended him to his fellow-citizens as about the 
best incumbent whom they could select. 

The first day of Jauuary% 1875. was appropriately 
celebrated by Mr. Kendall by his marriage with 
Miss Ella, daughter of George McDonald, then of 
"Washington County, Iowa. Mrs. Ella Kendall de- 
[larted this life at her home in Valley Falls in 1882- 
On the 22nd of June, 1886. Mr. Kendall was mar- 
ried the second time to Miss Kate, 'daughter of 
tJeorge Goodrich, of A'alley Falls. Of this union 
there is one child, a daughter. Lyda, born Jan. 
5. 1889. 



ENRY M. DOOLITTLE, dealer in hard- 
li ware, agricultural implements, tinware, etc., 
V at >'alley Falls, is one of the most active 
business men in Jefferson County, and the 
possessor of business tact of a high order. He has 
a large trade, his annual sales amounting to 
$18,000. He carries a full line of slielf and heavy 
hardware, cutlerv, stoves, tinware, wagon material, 
irons, gas pipe, pumps, wagons, carriages and carts, 
farm implements and machinery', and sewing ma- 
chines, the stock reaching 67.000 or -^8.000 in val- 
uation. 

Mr. Doolittle was born in North East, Erie Co.. 
Pa.. Feb. li). 1841, and is the son of the Rev. Milts 
Doolittle, 1). D.. who was a native of Oneida 
County, N. Y., and during his life was eng.aged in 
the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. 



The 



i wife of the Rev, Miles Doolittle, and mother of ou. 



592 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



subject, was Almira R. Morse, daughter of William 
Morse, who kept an hotel that was built on the line 
between New York and Penns3dvania, and Mrs. Doo- 
little enjo}ed the distinction of being born in New 
York State and dressed in Pennsylvania. Of the 
five children whom she bore her husband, two on\y 
are now living, our subject, and his sister, Almira 
R. The latter is the wife of Arthur T. Averill, of 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who owns the controlling in- 
terest in the gas works of that city, and is Presi- 
dent of the Cedar Rapids National Bank. Of the de- 
ceased members of the famil}-, a daughter, Mary, 
died at the age of twenty-two years and a son, 
Frederick W., at the age of thirty-two, his death 
being caused by consumption and taking place at 
Cedar Rapids. Iowa. The subject of this sketch 
was educated in the city schools of his native 
place and other towns in which the family lived 
during his boyhood and youth. AVIiile he was 
quite a lad they moved to New York Stale, return- 
ing later to Pennsylvania, going thence to Roches- 
ter, Racine Co., Wis., in 1857, and to Troy, Wis. 
two years later. The next removal was to Darling- 
ton, in the same State, where they remained till 
1865. Young Doolittlc was desirous of entering 
the Union ami}', but his father would not allow 
him to do so during his minority. On Sundaj', 
Feb. 19, 1865, he came of age, and on Monday he 
was enrolled in Company G, 9th Illinois Cavalry, 
going at once to the front and helping repulse 
Forrest's attack on Eastport, Tenn. 

The young soldier w.as mustered out of the serv- 
ice, November 22, at .Springfield, 111. During his ab- 
sence from home his parents had removed to Cedar 
Rapids, Iowa, and to that place he went, making it 
his home for about fourteen j'ears. From the 
spring of 1866 to the spring of 1880, he was en- 
gaged in the fire and life insurance business there, 
coming thence to Valley Falls. He bought a stock 
of hardware at Centralia, which he brought to the 
Falls in July following, and since that time has 
increased his custom and stock and worked up the 
fine trade he has to-day. 

The first marriage of Mr. Doolittle occurred in 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, March 1, 1869, his bride being 
Miss Allie, daughter of John Stewart, of that city. 
Mrs. Doolittle was spared to her family until March 




5, 1873, when death claimed her. She had borne 
two children, one of whom. Frank M., is now liv- 
ing. After remaining a widower until May, 1881, 
Mr. Doolittle was again married, the bride whom 
he chose being Mrs. Zura Bowling, widow of Frank 
Bowling. Mrs. Zura Doolittle had one child by 
her first husband, but lost it in its infancy; her 
present union has been childless. Mr. Doolittle 
belongs to the A. O. U. W., and the Select Knights. 
Possessing a fine character and pleasant manners, 
he is very popnl.ir among his fellow-citizens. 



rSTIN M. COWAN, M. D. The profes- 
sional interests of .Tefi'erson County would 
be but partially represented did not this 
volume contain mention of Dr. Cowan, a 
prominent physician and surgeon of. Valley Falls, 
where he hiis for a number of years been eng.aged 
in the practice of his chosen profession. At pres- 
ent he has associated with him his son, McClure 
W. Cowan, and they exercise their skill chiefly in 
the Homeopathic School of Medicine, having a 
large practice, which is constantly increasing. Dr. 
Cowan is thoroughly versed in the principles of 
the Allopathic school, .as well as that which he now 
advocates, and in which he is eminently successful. 
Dr. Cowan is a native of Greenville, Mercer 
Co., Pa., and vv.as born Nov. 25, 1828. His father. 
Col. McClure Cowan (now deceased), was a native 
of the same county, and for seven j'ears held com- 
mand of a militia regiment, and during the Mexi- 
can war tendered his services to the United States 
Government, although the shortness of that struggle 
precluded the need of his presence. The father of 
Colonel Cowan was born in the North of Ireland, 
and was an early settler of the county in which his 
son .and grandson were born; his occupation was 
that of a farmer. The mother of our subject was 
also a native of that county, .and bore the maiden 
name of Elizabeth Brown. Her father, Hugh 
Brown, was a Scotch-Irishman, who came to Bal- 
timore when quite young, and was one of the first 
settlers in Mercer County, Pa. The gentleman of 
whom we write was the first born in a family of 
nine children; Mrs. Sarah Blair lives near Valley 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



593 



Falls; John W., a resident of Kansas Cit_y, was a 
Union soldier dniiug the late war, and now draws 
a pension on aceouiit of a wound received at 
Gaines Mills; Mary J. is unmarried; Hugh was a 
teacher, and died durin" the late war; Elizabeth is 
the wife of Dr. Frank Huron, of Danville, Ind., 
who w.as color bearer in Gen. Harrison's regiment 
during the Civil War; Esther is the wife of John 
Stewart, of this county; Mrs. Lavina M. Patterson 
is a resident of Center Point, Iowa; McClure lives 
in San Francisco, Cal. 

The subject of this sketch received his early edu- 
cation and training in his native place, and at- 
tended Jefferson College in Washington County, 
Pa. After finishing his collegiate studies he read 
medicine under Dr. John Martin, of Meadville, a 
year, and then, upon tiie death of his instructor, 
spent two 3'ears in the .office of Dr. F. H. Judd, of 
Greenville. The young student then attended 
lectures in the Eclectic Medical College at Cincin- 
nati, and after two terms at that institution was 
graduated, in June, 18.52, and the following Octo- 
ber began practice at .Springvale. 

After two 3^ears of professional work there Dr. 
Cowan returned to his native place where he con- 
tinued his practice until the spring of 1857, when 
he became a citizen of Iowa, and in 1866 became a 
citizen of Kansas. He first located at New Oregon 
(now Cresco), Howard Co., Iowa, where, in the 
fall of 1860, he was elected to the office of County 
Treasurer, and being twice re-elected, served three 
successive terms, covering a period of six 3ears. 
In October, 1866, the Doctor came to this place, 
which has since been his l.>ome, and where he soon 
built up a large practice, and a reputation for skill 
in diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as a 
personal re|)utation as a man of cultured mind and 
Christian character. 

On October 14. 1852, Dr. Cowan was united in 
marriage with Jliss Mary, daughter of the Rev. 
William Patterson, now deceased. The union was 
blessed by the birth of flvechildien, three of whom 
still survive. The oldest is his father's assistant 
and coadjutor in the medical profession here; he 
married Miss Hattie llaj'worth. and they have three 
children — Musa. Austin M. and Lcnore. Marv E. 
is the wife of Samuel Maginnis, of Colorado Springs, 



Col., and the mother of one son — Harry, now de- 
ceased. Cora M. is unmarried, and is engaged as a 
teacher in the schools of Valley Falls. The wife 
and mother departed this life in the spring of 1871 , 
and on May 16, 1872, Dr. Cowan contracted a 
second matrimonial alliance, his present companion 
being Carrie M. Robinson, also a native of Penn- 
sylvania. She taught the first colored school. The 
second union has resulted in the birth of two chil- 
dren — Austa Musa and Carl Robinson. 

Dr. Cowan belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the 
I. O. O. F. and the I. O. G. T. He is serving on the 
School Board, and has filled the office of School 
Director for fifteen years. He is a member of the 
Congregational Church, has served as Trustee in 
the same, and is now Superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school, as he has been for .many years past. 
He has ever been greatly interested in Sunday- 
school work, and has been an efficient laborer in 
that field. 



?LBERT DAWSON, M. I)., a prominent 
member of the medical profession at ileri- 
den,eame to this place in November. 1872, 
VD and put up the first residence in the vil- 

lage. He conducted a successful practice until 
1877 and then, repairing to St. Louis, attended the 
East Missouri Medical College, from which he was 
graduated the following spring. Then returning 
to Meriden lie resumed his professional duties and 
has practically gro\vn u|) with the town, being 
closely identified with its most important interests. 
He has a ride of from fifteen to twenty miles, and 
for several years after locating here had an almost 
exclusive practice. At that time there were no 
roads or bridges, the country being mostly an open 
prairie and wild animals aliundant. The skill and 
ability of Dr. Dawsun, together with his conscien- 
tious attention to the duties of his profession, have 
made him a popular physician in Jefferson County. 
He belongs to the State Medical Society, and is 
an efficient member. 

The first marriage of Mr. Dawson occurod in the 
spring of 186.3 with Miss Dantie, daughter of 
Jacob and Lavinia (Grable) (iraden. This lady 




594 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



was born in Jackson Count3-, this State, to wliich 
ber parents came about 1857. Mr. Graden died in 
Meriden in 1884. He was a member of tlie Ma- 
sonic fraternity, belonging to tlie lodge in that 
city; the mother is still living there. Mrs. Dantie 
Dawson departed this life at her home in De- 
cember, 1887, leaving one child, Aidie A., who 
was the first child born in the town of Meriden. 
On June 23, 1879. Dr. Dawson contracted a sec- 
ond marriage with Miss Minnie P., daughter of 
Rev. Ml-. Harrington, of Topeka. Of this union 
there have been born three children — Albert M., 
Leona D. and Irene. He w.as at one time the Post- 
master of Mt. Florence, and has held the office of 
Township Treasurer. Mrs. Dawson is a member of 
the Disciples Church. 

ORGAN M. MAXWELL. The main points 
j|, in the career of this highly respected resi- 
la dent of Ozawkie Township. Jefferson 
Count}', are as follows: He was born in 
Morgan Count}-, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1842, and in the 
fall of 1844 his parents. Bazzil and Amy (Guion) 
Maxwell, removed to Marion County, Ind. There 
Morgan M. was reared upon a farm, receiving his 
early education in the district school. His boy- 
hood and youth were passed quietly and unevent- 
fully, he in the meantime assisting to clear the 
farm. 

When read}- to establish a fireside of his own 
Mr. Maxwell was married Aug. 17. 1864, to Miss 
Cynthia A. Kirkpatrick, daughter of James and 
Mary Kirkpatrick. She was born in Rush County, 
Ind., and was married in Marion County, the same 
State. No children were born of this union. Mrs. 
Maxwell died in Marion Count}-, Ind., in May, 
1867. 

Mr. M,axwell was afterward married to Miss Ma- 
tilda J., daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Jones) 
Lambert,the wedding ceremony being solemnized in 
Tipton County. Ind. In September, 1871, he came 
to this State and purchased 197 acres of his ])res- 
ent farm. To this he subsequently added until it 
now embraces 365 acres. It is located on section 




],and was originally an open prairie, as was most 
of the country around. The first dwelling of Mr. 
Maxwell was a small frame house, 16x32 feet in 
dimensions and one and one-half stories in height. 
He occupied this several years and then built an 
addition, so that he now has a substantial and com- 
modious dwelling. He endured in common with 
his neighbors the usual vicissitudes of life on the 
frontier. The first barrel of salt which he pur- 
chased cost him §4.50. He labored early and late 
in the improvement of his proi)erty and has now 
brought his land to a high state of cultivation and 
erected thereon, beside the dwelling, all the other 
buildings required for his comfort and convenience. 

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell 
five children, namely : Minnie M., George Earl and 
Pearl, twins, the latter now deceased; Mary J. and 
Amy. Our subject and his estimable wife are 
members in good standing of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, at Blue Mound, in which Mr. Max- 
well has been Steward for many years and 
Superintendent of the Sunday-scliool. He votes 
the straight Republican ticket and in the fall of 
1882 was elected Justice of the Peace, serving at 
that time two years. In the fall of 1888 he 
was re-elected and still holds the office. He has 
been the Clerk of his sch.o'ol district for a period of 
fifteen years and a Director of the County Fair for 
ten years. Possessing considerable literary taste, 
he has for many years been a correspondent of the 
local papers, treating- mainly upon farming matters, 
and he frequentlv attends the meetings of the State 
Board of Agviculture. Socially he belongs to the 
A. O. V. AV., Acme Lodge No. 42, at Valley Falls, 
in which he has held some of the oflices. He is also 
a member of llie Farmers' Alliance at Blue Mound 
and the Sub-Alliance No. 154, of his neighborhood, 
officiating as Secretary. 

The parents of Mr. Maxwell were also natives of 
Morgan County, Ohio, and the father died at the 
homestead in Indiana, in March, 1887. The mother 
is still living at the old home farm. Both were 
prominently connected with the Christian Church. 
The paternal grandfather was born in Ireland, 
whence he emigrated to the United States early in 
life, settling in Ohio where he was married to Miss 
Nancv Marshall, a native of that State, They 




"Hopeful Farm! Residence of M. M.Maxwell,Sec. 1.-9.-17. 05awkieTr,JeffersonCo,Kan. 




Residence AND Mineral Springs of H. Hoover^ Sec. 22. MillCreekTp,PottawatomieCo.Kan. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



597 



spent tlie remaiiifler of their lives tliere, rljing at a 
ripe old age. Fifteen cliiidren WL're born to tlieni 
of whom Bazzil, the father of Morgan M., was the 
j'oungest. On the mother's side Grandfather 
George Guion, was a native of New York State and 
likewise removed to Ohio when young in years. 
He married Miss Elizabeth Knox, who was born 
there. The3- removed to Marion Connt^-. Ind.. 
where they opened np a farm from the heavy 
timber and spent their last dajs. They died at the 
ages of seventy-one and eiyhty-sevcn respeetivel}'. 
Their family numbered eight children. The Guions 
were of English ancestry. 3Ir. Guion died in tlie 
faith of the United Brethren Church, while his wife 
belonged to the Methodist. The paternal grand- 
father was a soldier in the War of 1812, and of 
German ancestry. The mother's people came from 
England. 

The father of Mrs. Maxwell was a native of \iv- 
ginia and born in 1 803, and the mother was born 
in 1806, in Tennessee. They removed with their 
respective parents to Indiana, where they were 
reared and married. They likewise constructed a 
homestead from the. wilderness and died tiiere. Be- 
side their daughter. Mrs. Maxwell, the following 
children were born to them: Thomas Lambert, de- 
ceased; John R., a farmer in Rural Township, 
Jefferson County; Mary E., wife of Capt. L. H. 
Gest, and a resfdent of Ozawkie Township, this 
county. 

A lithographic view of the home and surround- 
ings on the farm of our subject is presented on an- 
other page. 



^^5s0£r-' — •: 



'~->*^-«» 



I^^ENRY HOOVER has made his home in 
ij Pottawatomie County since 185G, when he 
secured a claim on Mill Creek, in what is 
now Mill Creek Township. He w.asquitea 
young man when he came to this section of coun- 
try, where he has shared in pioneer labors, endured 
privations, developed his own manly energies, and 
secured a merited degree of worldlj' success, to- 
gether with the respect of a wide circle of ac- 



quaintances. The prudence, thrift and sturdy 
l)erseveranee of his Holland ancestry have been 
shown in his own life, and proves that though 
blood may not alw.iys ^'improve with age," yet 
worthy traits are transmitted to generation after 
generation, and when coupled with good training 
will shed an added luster on a family name. 

Henr^' and .lacob Hoover, who were the first of 
that name to settle in America, came from Holland 
l)rior to the Revolutionar3' War, and located in 
Pennsylvania, near the colonies of William Penn. 
They spent the remainder of tlieir lives in the 
Keystone State, and from them most of the name 
of Hoover now living in this country have de- 
scended. The great-grandfather of our subject. Peter 
Hoover, was a native of North Carolina. The 
grandfather of our subject, Leason Hoover, who 
was born and reared in Pennsylvania, must have 
been of the second or third generation in this 
jountry. He married Miss Lucy Webb, of an old 
and respectable Pennsylvania family', and soon 
afterward went to Wayne County, Ind., while that 
country was still a wilderness, and before it was 
yet a State. There they lived for many years, im- 
proving a farm in the wilds, on which the father 
of our subject, Lewis Hoover, was born about 
1815. In 1852 Leason Hoover and his family 
moved to Madison County, Ind., and there he and 
his wife subsequently died when about four-score 
years old. They were well known iu the sections 
where they had lived, and were classed among the 
most worthy citizens, and consistent members of the 
United Brethren Church. 

Lewis Hoover, the father of our subject, was 
reared to the occupation of farming, and in his na- 
tive county married iAIiss Mary Shafer, who was 
born and grew to womanhood in his own neighbor- 
hood. She was a daughter of Jacob and Lucj- 
(Hoover) Shafer, natives of Pennsylvania and of 
prominent families of Holland descent. Her par- 
ents had come to ludiana soon after the war of 
1812 and improved a farm from the untrodden wil- 
derness, where the father died when about seventy 
years old. The mother subsequently went to 
Henry County, and died there in 1879, having at- 
tained to the age of four-scoie years. This worth3- 
couple were also members of the United Brolhicii 



598 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Church. After their marriage, Lewis Hoover and 
his wife moved to Henry Countj-, and located 
eight miles east of Newcastle, this being in 1837, 
while that section of country was still quite new. 
There they lived until 1854, when with their six 
children, they started West with teams, camping 
by the way under the blue canopy of heaven, and 
after a journey of twenty-eight days reached Jef- 
ferson County, Kan., settling near Ozawkee. 

There Lewis Hoover took a claim which he held 
for two years, when the Border Ruffians made it so 
unpleasant that he deserted it, and with the famil}' 
which still remained under the parental roof, came 
in the fall of 1857, to this county, to which his son, 
our suliject, had come some eighteen raontlis pre- 
vious. He took a claim on section 14, Mill Creek 
Township, where the countrj' at that time was new 
and unbroken. Tiiere tlie mother of our subject died 
in tlie fall of 18G5, when about fifty-two years old. 
She was a devoted Christian all her life and a mem- 
ber of the United Bretliren Church, and iier noble 
traits of character secured her many warm friends. 
Her sympathy and assistance vvereever ready at the 
call of need, and to lier own family her loss was ir- 
reparable. Her husband survived her about six 
3-ears his death taking place in 1871. Like her he 
was a member of the United Brethren Church and 
was held in high re|jute by his neighbors. He 
was an Abolitionist and a Republican, and as 
has been intimated passed through some trying 
scenes during the anti-and pro-slavery contest on 
the border. He married a second wife, Mrs. Nancy 
Booth, who is still living. 

Henry Hoover, the subject of this biography, 
is the second child and eldest son in a family of 
six sons and three daughters born to his parents. 
Of these two daughters and live sons lived to 
years of maturitj-. and one daughter and four sons 
are 3'et living, all residents of this State. Three 
brothers, Jacob, AVilliam and Lewis, live in James- 
town, Cloud Co., Kan; Mary E., (Mrs. William R. 
Taylor) lives in Onago, Kan. During the late 
Civil War, Henry Hoover and his brother John en- 
listed in Company K., 11th Kansas Cavalry, under 
the command of Capt. John M. Allen and Col. 
Mo(-inliglit. The company was raised in this county, 
and on Ijeing attached to the 11th, went at once 



to the South. The brothers took part in the battle 
of Ft. Wa3'ne, Ark., where John was taken sick of 
pneumonia, his death taken place at Camp Solomon 
in the spring of 1863. Our subject was also ill for 
a time after the battle, but recovered and rejoined 
his regiment in time to assist them during Price's 
Raid. He remained with them until the battle of 
the Little Blue in Jackson County, Mo., where an 
enemy's bullet entered the left arm near the shoul- 
der and compelled his withdrawal from active cam- 
paign duties. For two months he was absent from 
the command, a part of the time being spent at his 
own home, and he then rejoined tiie regiment re- 
maining with them until honorably discharged at 
Ft. Leavenworth, on the 1st of September, 1865. 

After doing good service in the cause of his 
countr3- and receiving his honorable discharge, Mr. 
Hoover came back to this township, where he has 
since lived. He now owns 1 60 acres of land on section 
22, which forms his home farm, and 155 sicres in 
another part of the township. The Grand Mineral 
Spring is on his home estate. Its waters ))OSsess 
some fine mineral jjroperties — iron, magnesia, and 
soda — and have a good local reputation, having 
made some imiiortant cures. 

Mr. Hoover was married in this townshii), to 
Miss Malinda Kytchison, who was born in Madi- 
son Count3', Ind., March 23. 1841, and is a daugh- 
ter of William P. Eytchison, (For her family his- 
tor3' see sketch of S. A. Eytchison). Mrs. Hoover 
was about sevjcnteen years old when her parents 
came to Kans.as and she has since lived in this 
township. She is a woman of intelligence and 
many womanly' virtues, and her kindness of heart 
and unfailing goodness have won her many friends 
throughout the county. She is the mother of 
eleven children. — Seth C, and George W., died 
when two years old; Laura is the wife of James 
Taylor, and lives on a farm in this township; 
Nanc3' E. is the wife of Francis Teeter and their 
home is in On.aga; William Merritt married Miss 
Mary Peruse and they live on a farm in this town- 
ship; Charles H., James A., Edwin E.. Bessie M.. 
Sarah B., and Cicely P., are still at home. 

Mr. Hoover is a sound Republican in his |)ipliti- 
cal views and practice's. lie is a charter meniber 
of Custer Post, No. 29, G. A. R., in Onaga. Hs 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



599 



and his wife are active in all local ami social af- 
fairs, and are also working members of the Metlio- 
(list Episcopal Church, Mr. Hoover being Treasii rer 
of the Board of Trustees in that body. 

Elsewhere in this volume appears a lithographic 
view of the residence of Mr. Hoover, and its sur- 
roundings, including the (irand Mineral Spring. 

-^4-^1^— 

,p^ HELBY CHITWOOD. Tliis name will be 
^^^ recognized as belonging to one of the most 
Kl£3) ^'orthy pioneers of Jefferson County, to 
which he came as early as 186 4. He was a 
native of Tennessee, born in 1815, and the son of 
William and Sarah Cliitwood, who were probably 
also of Soulhern antecedents. He departed this 
life at his home in Rural Township, April 14, 1870, 
aged fifty-five years, two months and six days. 
Mr. C'hitwood spent his early years in a com- 
paratively uneventful manner, amid the quiet pur- 
suits of farm life in his native State, acquiring 
such education as he could obtain in the common 
school. Upon reaching maniiood he was married 
to Miss Charity Elswick, a native of Tennessee, 
and they removed to Pulaski County, Ky., where 
they resided six j'ears. They decided then to seek 
their fortunes west of the Mississippi, and took up 
their abode in Jefferson Countj-, Kan., locating on 
section 8, and there made their home until their 
decease. The wife and mother survived her hus- 
band for a period of nineteen years, being called 
hence May 28, 1889, at the age of seventy. There 
were born to them twelve children, eight of whom 
lived to mature years. Lucinda is the wife of 
Thomas Chambers of Tennessee; Andrew, during 
the Civil War, enlisted in a Tennessee regiment and 
met his death in the array; John is a resident of 
Cowley County, this State; Joel, who was born in 
Kentucky in 1S51. is the leading representative of 
the family in Kansas; Henry is a resident of Cow- 
ley County; S. Elizabeth is the wife of I). J. 
Doughty of Jefferson County; Pleasant resides in 
Oregon; Polly is the wife of J. G. Hunter of Jeffer- 
son County. The mother was a devoted member 
of the Primitive Baptist Ciuirch. 

Joel Cliitwood was reared to manhood on the 



home farm in Jefferson County, this State, and was 
married in 1870 to Miss Piielje Doughty a native 
of Jasper Countj', Mo.; there were born to them 
four children, three of whom are liviijg — Charles, 
Pleasant and Walter R. Mrs. Phebe Chitwood de- 
parted this life Sept. 2, 1882. Mr. Chitwood on 
the 14th of November, 1884, was marrie<l a second 
time to Miss Blary Bullock of Kentucky and to 
them there have been born three children — Pearl 
Ellen, Mattie vvho died when nine months old, and 
an infant unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Chitwood are 
members in good standing of the Christian Chuich 
in Williamstown. They occupy a comfortalile 
home .and Mr. Chitwood is successfull}' tilling fifty 
acres of land. 



.^^•v,<»«ai2j(y©irS*'-a 



■^v^ jzra^xr- -^/x^^ 



*5i 



OHX MORIN. The live stock interests of 
Jefferson County have been materially ad- 
vanced by this gentleman, who makes a 
specialty of trotting horses (the Almont 
stock) and Short-horn cattle. He has his head- 
quarters at a snug farm of 180 acres, on section 23, 
Rural Township, to which he came in 1882, and 
completed the develo|)ment of a partially improved 
tract of land. He is a true Westerner, having been 
born in Platte County, Mo., and is a gentleman in 
the prime of life, his birth occurring March 16, 
1843. 

The subject of this sketch comes from Southern 
stock, being the son of Jesse and Zerelda V. 
(Hughs) Morin, the former a native of Bourbon 
Countj', Kj'., and the latter of Howard County, 
Mo. Jesse Morin emigrated to the Platte Purchase 
in 1837; later he served as a Major in the Mexican 
War. He took an active part in politics after be- 
coming a resident of Missouri, arose first to the 
position of District Clerk, next was Sheriff of 
Platte County, and iiually was elected to the State 
Legislature, first to the Lower House and then as a 
Senator. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity, 
and departed this life at his home in Platte City, 
Mo., in August, 1853, at the age of seventy-five 
years, having been born in 1808. The mother 
preceded her husband, dying in 1877. She was a 
lady of many estimal.ilc qualities, and a consistent 



600 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



member of tlie ClirisLian Church. Tlie parental 
houseliold inchuled four chUdren, the eldest of 
whom, a daughter. Matilda, became the wife of 
N. R. Green, of Platte County, Mo., and is now 
deceased; Martha is the wife of Thomas ]\Ioran, of 
that Slate; John is the tliird cliild; William is a 
resident of Platte County, Mo. Tlie paternal 
grandfather was .loiiah Morin, a native of France, 
who emigrated to America in time to serve in the 
War of 1812. 

John Morin spent his early life at the parental 
homestead in Missouri, attending the common 
school, and completed his studies in Pleasant 
Ridge College. At the age of twenty-two years 
he emigrated further Southwest, and for three 
3'ears was engaged in the cattle business. Then re- 
turning to his native county, he established himself 
in the livery business at Platte City, residing there 
until his removal to this State in 1882. 

In the meantime Mi-. Moiin was married Oct. 10, 
1878, to Miss Maude, daughter of of T. R. and 
Susan (Hatton) Bayne, of Jefferson County, Kan. 
Of this union there have been born two children — 
Zerelda S. and Mary Maude. Mr. Morin votes the 
straight Democratic ticket, and has held the minor 
offices. His religious views coincide with the 
doctrines of the Christian Church, of which he and 
his wife are members. 






\-f^! DWIN W. ROGERS is the owner and occu- 
^ pant of a pleasant and remunerative estate 
L^ in JelTerson Township, and ranks well among 
the progressive and enterprising farmers of Jeffer- 
son County. He is a man of intelligence, upright- 
ness and ability, and one with whom an hour can 
always be pleasanth' spent, his experience of life 
in different parts of the West having given him an 
excellent fund from which to draw entertaining 
and instructive incidents and opinions. 

.Mr. Rogers was born in Platte County, Mo. Nov. 
12, 1844, to John and Sarah Rogers, who were the 
pMients of twelve children, ten of whom lived to 
ui.ituiity. The Rogers family were residents of 
Kasterii Tennessee, an<l the -father of our subject 



removed West at quite an early day. He was a son 
of Major Rogers, who lived to be above ninety 
years of age. and who was the father of twelve sons 
and one daughter, all of whom grew to maturity 
and were alive at the beginning of the war. Dur- 
ing that civil strife members of the family i)artici- 
pated on both sides. The wife of Major Rogers also 
lived to be above fourscore and ten years old. 

The gentleman of whom we write was reared on 
a farm in his native .State, which he left at the time 
of tlie gold excitement in the Northwest to search 
for the precious metals in Montana, where he made 
mining his business. He was located at Virginia 
Cit3% Helena and the great mining center of Ban- 
nock, and was able to make ^8 per day and to se- 
cure some property-. He h.as [laid as high as $2 
per meal for his bo.ard, and when boarding himself 
bought Hour at §1.10 per jiound. While at the 
mines he was an eye-witness to a hanging, when a 
man was taken from a saloon by a mob and sum- 
marily executed by being hung lo a beef post. 

Returning from the mines, Mr. Rogers staid 
witii his mother until they broke up housekeeping, 
and in 1869 he was united in marriage with Jliss 
Anna, daughter of W. H. and Eleanor Witt, who 
were among the first settlers in Platte County, 
whence they h.id come from Kentucky. After his 
marriage Mr. Rogers remained in Missouri a year, 
and then removed to Leavenworth County, Kan., 
settling on the western line, where he bought and 
opened up a good farm. He had bro'.'ght it to an 
excellent state of cultivation, when, in 1881, he 
sold it, and a few months later bought the place 
which he now occupies. It is one of the finest lo- 
cations along the road, is three and a half miles 
from Winchester and about eight miles from Nor- 
ton ville, occupying parts of section 12, 8, and 11), 
and comprising 145 acres. The Hull Cemetery 
joins his place on the southwest corner. The dwell- 
ing in wliich the fam-ily now live is a well-built 
frame structure, 16x34 feet, witli an L 14x18 feet, 
and porches on the front and rear. It was erected 
in 1883, and the commodious barn which is now 
in use was built in 1889. 

The progeny of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers comprises 
four sons and two daughters : Edwin is a young man 
of nineteen; .lennie, a young ladv; Turner Is fifteen; 



[ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUAJ. 



601 



James, thirteen: Charlej^eleven, and May four years 
old. Mr. Rogers was elected to the office of Town- 
ship Trustee on the Democratic ticket, and filled the 
position so acceptably that his friends urged him 
to accept it again, but he iiositively declined. He 
belongs to the Home Protection Society. Me is a 
member of the Christian Church at Winchester, 
and it is needless to say is highly esteemed by his 
felljw-citizens. 



-^ir'-^' 



LIJAH HARDING. The thrifty farming 
community of Ozawkic Tdwnsliip, Jefferson 

' County, recognizfs in Mr. Harding one of its 

most thorough and skillful agriculturists, operating 
245 acres of choice land. A goodly portion of this 
is under cultivation and the balance in timber and 
pasture. The corn raised on the farm is chiefly 
fed to swine, of which Mr. Harding makes a spe- 
cialty. He has an orchard of five acres and a set of 
good frame buildings together with the machinery 
necessary- to the successful [jrosecution of his calling. 

Ozawkie Township has a fair representative of 
native-born Englishmen who com|)rise a portion of 
its most tlirifty element. Mr. Harding, likewise a 
native of the mother country was born in the town 
of Mokelsfield, Cheshire, in September, 1826, and 
there spent mostly his boyhood and youth. His 
parents were James and Eliza (Yates) Harding who 
were natives respectively of Cheshire and Notting- 
hamshire. In September, 1812. the family set out 
for America, embarking at Liverpool on the sailing 
vessel -'Captain Henry," of New York, which, after a 
vo^'age of six weeks landed them in the city of 
New Orleans. Thence they made their w.ay up the 
Mississippi River to St." Louis and from there pro- 
ceeded to Adams County, 111,, where the}' took up 
their abode. The father died there in 1806 and 
the mother in 18G0, Both while in England, had 
been members of the Methodist Ei)iscopal Church, 
There .had been born to them three children only, 
of whom Elijah was the youngest, 

Mr, Hariling came to Jefferson County, Kan., in 
the spring of 1854, making the trip overland by 
wagons from Adams County. III. He was accom- 
panied on his journey by A\'illiam Tillitson and his 



family with whom he lived until the spring of 
1855. He then entered 160 .acres of Government 
land adjacent to his present farm. He worked out 
by the month and in time had enough money to 
commence farming on his own account. His land 
was in a wild and iincultivated condition and the 
nearest market was in Platte County, Mo., 
near Ft. Leavenworth. Indians were quite numer- 
ous at this time but did not molest the settlers. 
Mr, Harding kept ba(dielor's hall for a number of 
years in a round-log cabin with a clapboard door 
destitute of a lock. This swung on wooden hinges. 
The Indians frequently visited him, often spending 
several hours. He carried on the improvement of 
his propert}' and in due time was married, about 
1868. to Miss Wilson, who lived only a short time. 
His second wife was Mrs. Lydia Reynolds, who by 
her former husband had become the mothei- of 
seven children. Of her union with our subject 
there were born three children — Eliza, Gilbert and 
Noah, Mrs. Lydia Harding departed this life in 
May, 18.S2. The first wife of Mr. Harding was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, while 
his second wife belonged to the Christian Church. 
The present wife of our subject was Mrs. Anna 
Hudson. They were married Jan. 15, 188(5. and 
have had no children. 

\' '■ M. FOWLER is one of the successful men 
I of Jefferson County and highly respected 
' and popular in both social and financial cir- 
'f^/l cles. His valuable and finely improved es- 
tate is situated on section 36, Kentucky Township, 
and comprises eighty acres, eighteen of which arc 
set with thriving fruit trees. At present Mr, Fow- 
ler is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, 
devoting considerable attention to the potato crop, 
but it is his intention to enter the horticultural 
field and give his time to fruit growing. 

The ancestral history of our subject may be 
found in the sketch of his father. A, M, Fowler, 
which fills another page of this volume. He is the 
eldest of eight children, and was born in Hart 
County, Ky,. March 22. 1855, being brought to 
Kansas by his parents when two years old. He was 



602 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



reared on a farm near Lawrence, and was an eye- 
witness of the raid on that city during the border 
troubles. He received excellent advantages in the 
way of schooling and home-training, and is a well- 
informed and upright man. In the spring of 1865 
a removal to this county was made, and the young 
man assisted his father to improve the land on the 
Kansas River that comprised their new home. 

Mr. Fowler attended the Agricultural College 
at Manhattan during the fall of 1881 and the spring 
of 1882, and then entered into partnership with 
his father in the cultivation of the paternal acres. 
About two years later he located upon the estate 
which he now occupies, and where he has so prac- 
tically and successfully conducted his enterprises. 

An important step in the life of Mr. Fowler was 
taken on the first day of JMarch, 1883, when in 
Medina, he became the husband of Miss Mary 
Shepherd, an intelligent and estimable young lady, 
whose father, the late Charles Shepherd, was a pio- 
neer citizen of this county. The mother of Mrs. 
Fowler is now the wife of J. P. Kunkle, whose 
sketch is found elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. 
Fowler was born in Kansas; she has borne three 
children. 

Mr. Fowler is a Democrat, and has represented 
his township in county' conventions. He has been 
School Director three years, and faithfully and 
efficiently discharged the duties of that ollice. No 
young man in the county has a larger circle of 
friends than Mr. Fowler, aud his wife also is held 
in high estimation by her neighbors and associates. 



-S- 



-^3- 



RANK VAN GAASBEEK. one of the most 
prominent and successful farmers of Dela- 
j^ ware Township, is likewise a man of more 

than ordinary intelligence, having sprung from a 
fine old family, well educated and inclined to lite- 
rary |)ursuits, and having for their associates such 
men as Washington, Lafa3ette and (;thers of their 
slam p in the olden times. Ilis homestead is pleas- 
antly located on section 17. and the famil}' occu- 
pies a high social position. 

The suliject of this notice was born in Ashtabula 
County. Ohio, Sei>t. 21. 1830. and is the son of 



Peter Van Gaasbeek, long since deceased. The 
latter was born in Leister County, N. Y., near 
Kingston on the Hudson River, half way between 
Albany and New York City, Oct. 29,1787. He 
was of Holland ancestry and a farmer by occupa- 
tion. He married Miss Phebe, daughter of Will- 
iam Dunham, a full-blooded Yankee. She was born 
near South Danvers. Mass., March 8, 1792. They 
became the parents of eleven children, six of whom 
are living, viz: George. Saloma (Mrs. Masters), 
Lewis, Catherine (Mrs. Shepard). Lovina (Mrs. 
Woodard), and Frank. George is a resident of 
Delaware Township; Saloma lives in Jackson 
County; Lewis, Catherine and Lovina live in 
Wabaunsee County. 

The Van (raasbeek family emigrated to Dane 
County, Wis., in May, 1852, locating eighteen 
miles northeast of Madison, where the father died 
June 15, 1854. The mother passed away Nov. 5, 
1857. Frank received his early education in the 
primitive schools of W^isconsin, remaining there 
until 1866, then ('oming to Jefferson County, this 
State, he settled on land which he now owns and 
occupies, but which was then destitute of any im- 
provements whatever, and the countr3- around 
abounded with wild animals. He h.as labored 
diligently, as may be supposed, to bring it to its 
present condition, and is now surrounded with all 
the comforts of life. 

In Wisconsin, on the 26th of iSIarch, 1857, oc- 
curied the marriage of Frank Van Gaasbeek with 
Miss Eudora Pelton. Six children were born of 
this union, four of whom are living, viz: Carrie, 
Delia, Hattic and Lou. The eldest born, a son, 
Herschel, died at the age of ten years. Another 
child, a daughter, died in infancy; Carrie is the 
wife of Simon Shumway, of Delaware Township, 
and the mother of one child, a son, Frank; Delia 
and Hattie employ themselves as teachers. The 
youngest daughter is at home with her father. 
The mother of these children departed this life 
April 27, 1877. 

Mr. Van Gaasbeek is a sound Republican, polit- 
ically, although no office seeker, aud meddles very 
little with public afifairs. He is a member in good 
standing of the Masonic fraternity. In his farm- 
ing oiseralions he makes a speciality of Hambleton- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



603 




ian and Morgan horses, being able to exhibit some 
very fine animals. 

The paternal grandmother of Mr. Van Gaasbeek 
was a sister of Judge Hasbronck, whose house was 
tiie headquarters of Gen. Washington at Newburg 
during the Revolutionarj- War. This house was 
built by Jonathan Ilasbvouck, father of the Judge, 
in 1 750, and is now the property of the State of 
New York, being utilized as a storehouse for relics 
of the wars of the Revolution and 1812. and the 
Me.xican War. 



OW CLAWER. We find this worthy res- 
ident of St. Clere Township, Pottawatomie 
County, comfortably situated on a good 
farm embracing a part of section 2, where 
he carries on general agriculture and makes a 
specialty of Poland-China swine. His farm is en- 
closed with good fencing and the land is in a highly 
productive condition. There is an orchard of 100 
trees, and trees of the smaller fruits furnish the 
family with the luxuries of the season. Rlr. Clavver 
makes no pretentions to elegance in his style of 
living, simply being surrounded with the comforts 
of life, keeping out of debt and living at peace 
among his neighbors. 

He of whom we write is a native of the Bucke3'e 
State and was born in Hancock County, Nov. 28, 
1845. He was tiicre reared upon .'i farm and attended 
district school, mostly during the winter season. 
When a youth of eighteen years he set out to see 
something of the Great West and spent four years 
thereafter among the mines on the other side of the 
Rocky Mountains. Then returning to Ohio, he so- 
journed there fur a time and we nest find him in 
Colfax County, Neb. From there, in 1860, he 
came to Kansas, visiting Pottawatomie County, 
but only staying a short time. He made another 
visit to his native place, but in the spring of 1870 
came back to Kansas and purchased the ninety' 
acres of land included in his present farm. He 
commenced the improvement of his property and 
was prospered in his labors so that in due time he 
added to his possessions In' the purchase of 200 
acres adjoining, at a time when the country around 



was peopled principally by Indians and wild ani- 
mals. St. Mary's was the nearest market and at 
Circleville was the most convenient mill. 

Mr. Clawer has about 125 acres of his land un- 
der the plow, the balance being in meadow land, 
pasture and timber. His career has been one no- 
ticeable for industry and economy and he occupies 
a good position among the representative men of 
his townsliip. After becoming a resident of St. 
Clare Township, Mr. Clawer was married, at 
the bride's home in April, 1869, to Miss Dora, 
daughter of James and Amanda (AVardell) Anders. 
This lady was born in lielmont County. Ohio, and 
came to Kansas with her parents wiien about twenty 
years old. She dei)arted this life Oct. 13. 1889, at 
the early age of twenty-eight years, leaving one 
child, a son, Ross. The parents of our subject 
were John and Mary (Thomas) Clawer who were 
natives of Ohio, the fatlier born in Pickaway 
County and the mother in Ross County. Their 
family consisted of five children, all natives of 
Ohio, butof whom there are living only two — Dow 
and Susanah. John Clawer and his good wife are 
still living, making their home with their son Dow. 
They came with him to Kansas in 1870. In Ohio 
they belonged to the Methodist Ejiiscopal Church. 



■ > ^ ^- « 



eHARLES J. SWANSON. No resident of 
, Pottawatomie Countj^ better deserves men- 
^_ ' tion in a volume of this description than he 
whose name heads this sketch. The position which 
he occui)ies is not due alone to his successful man- 
agement as a farmer and business man. but to his 
general intelligence, firm principles, and Christian 
integrity. His honorable record as a soldiei dur- 
ing the late Civil War is an added reason for tiie 
respect he receives from all true patriots. 

The energy and uprightness of Mr. Swanson are 
inherited from an honored ancestry, both parents 
having been descended from worthy Swedish fami- 
lies. The father. Swan Johnson, was a farmer in 
good circumstances, who in 1868, emigrated from 
Sweden to America, and settling in Porter County, 
Ind., lived there until his death in 1874. The 



604 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



mother, Eliza Jolinson, moved, in 1885, from the 
Hoosier State to Kansas, and died in 1885. She 
was the second wife of her husband, to whom she 
bore eight children. They are: Charles J., our 
subject; Swen A., who lives in Porter County, Ind.; 
Christine C, of Morris County, Kan.; Johanna, 
who lives in Brookville, Kan.; Anna S., whose 
home is in Belvue Township; Lena T., whose 
home is in Morris County; Emma, who lives near 
Nickerson, Kan., and Tilda, who resides in Riley 
County. The first union of Swan Jolinson had 
been blessed b}' the birth of two children, John 
and Caroline, both now living in DeKalb County. 
111. 

Charles J. Swanson was born near Oscarhamn, 
Sweden, April 30, 1837, and remained under the 
parental roof until seventeen years old, then came 
to America. Leaving Gottenburg on the sailing 
vessel Harrison in company with his half-brother 
John, he landed in Boston after a tedious voyage 
of seven weeks, and proceeded directly to Chicago, 
eight daj's being consumed in the trip between these 
two cities. This was in 1854, before the time of 
rapid transit. 

The first winter after coming to America, Mr. 
Swanson was engaged in chopping wood in Porter 
Count}', Ind., and in the spring, returning to Chi- 
cago, found employment with the Michigan Cen- 
tral Railroad. During the early part of 1856 he 
went back to the Hoosier State and worked on a 
farm for a couple of years, and in the winter of 
1859-60 attended school for two months in Chi- 
cago, which comprises all the education he received 
from the schools of America. However, he has 
obtained a good English education through a sys- 
tematic course of reading on all topics of general 
interest. For a 3ear he worked for a street car 
compan}-, then, in June, 1861 , offered his services in 
the cause of the An)erican Union. The quota being 
filled, his services were not accepted, although he 
offered himself both as an infantry' and cavahy 
soldier. Then going to DeKalb County. 111., in 
August, 18G1, he was enrolled in Company E. 
105th Illinois Infantry, and being mustered into 
the service at Chicago, at once was ordered South. 

The command was engaged in guarding railroads 
and in otiier duties iu Koiituekv and Tennessee 



until the spring of 1 864, when they joined Sher- 
man and marched through Georgia to the sea. Mr. 
Swanson participated in a number of the most no- 
table conflicts of the Civil War, as well as in num- 
erous minor engagements, where the dangers were 
as great and the risks as numerous as in other bat- 
tles more famed in histor}'. The first great contlict 
in which he engaged was at Resaca, and following 
this were Pumpkin Vine Creek, Burnt Hickory, 
Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, and the 
siege of Atlanta, whare he was under fire for over 
a month. After the occupation of the latter city 
the}' marched toward Savannah, engaging in a 
battle at Sandersville, then returning to Raleigh, 
participated in the battles of Averjsboro and Ben- 
tonville. At the close of active campaign life the 
command marched to Washington, and after taking 
part in the Grand Review, was mustered out of 
service. Mr. Swanson was honorably discharged 
in Chicago, June 7, 1865. During the last year of 
his array life Mr. Swanson held the office of Corpo- 
ral, and is proud of the fact that his service was in 
the brigade commanded by Gen. Harrison, and 
that his soldierly duties were performed under the 
direction of the present President of the United 
States. 

Resuming the duties of civil life our subject 
worked at the carpenter's trade in DeKalb Count}-, 
111., for a year, then spent two years on a farm in 
the same county. Later he purchased an 80 acre 
farm in Porter County, Ind., operating and im- 
proving it until 1870, when he sold and came to 
Kansas. For three years he was engaged in break- 
ing the prairie and running a threshing machine, 
and at the end of that period was enabled to pur- 
chase eighty acres of land in Blue Valley Town- 
ship, paying $1,200 for the same. Soon afterward 
he bought fort}' acres adjoining for ^750, later 
added another forty, so that he is now the owner 
of 160 acres of fertile land on section 15. It is 
finely located on the Blue River bottom, is well 
improved, fenced in fields of a convenient size, 
with a well constructed dwelling-house, 18x32 
feet in size in the main part, with an addition 
16x18 feet; a barn 30x60; a wind-mill and the 
various oul-bulldlngs needed by one engaged in 
grain and stock-raising. Mr. Swanson also owns 






-sy 







PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



607 



120 acres of prairie land, pleasantly locatcrl about 
four miles from Olsburg. 

The marriage of our subject look place in Blue 
Valley Township, March 15, 1874, the bride be- 
ing Miss Josephine Johnson, an excellent lady, 
who was born in Linkoping, Sweden. Their union 
has been blessed by the birth of six children; 
Charles O. A., Matilda V., Albiu S., Emma L., 
Alma W.. and Elfle C. 

Politically Mr. Swanson is a true-blue Republi- 
can. He has been School Treasurer for four years, 
lias held the position of Township Clerk for a term, 
and has also served as Supervisor of Roads, trans- 
acting the duties of the various positions in a cred- 
itable and satisfactory manner. He is a member 
of the Blue Valley Stock Breeders' Association, and 
a Director of the Orphans' Home. He is an active 
member of the Lutheran Church at Mariadahl, his 
wife sharing with him in the respect of its mem- 
bers. 



\|; SAAC M. AYERS. This sturdy veteran who 

II is approaching the seventy-ninth year of his 

III age, possesses unusual energy for one of his, 
years and is affectionatelj' regarded as one of the 
old landmarks of Rock Creek Township, Jefferson 
County, and one who has assisted largely in its 
growth and development. He was born in Eastern 
Maryland Feb. 22, 1811, and in 1813 was taken bj' 
his parents, John and Dorcas (Morris) Ayers to 
Brook County, that Stale. About two years later 
tliey made another removal to the vicinit}^ of Wheel- 
ing. \y. Va., and in 1810 they emigrated to Adams 
County, Ohio. 

In the Buckeye State, John Ayers farmed on 
rented land many years. Both he and his wife 
were born in Maryland. The former died in Ohio 
in 1832. aiif! the latter followed her husliand two 
years later, in 1834. Both were consistent mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and died 
in that faith. Isaac M. Ayres was the fourth in 
their family of nine children. His maternal grand- 
mother, Hannah Morris, was born in Virginia where 
she spent her entire life, dying at the advanced 
age of eighty years. 

The subject of this sketch was married in Adams 



County, Ohio. Dec. 31, 1835, to Miss Hannah, 
daughter of John Hamlin, a native of that State. 
Mr. Ayres farmed in Adams County until the 
spring of 1854 and then removing to Russellville 
worked at carpentering until the spring of 1857, 
when he decided to seek his fortunes west of the 
Mississippi. He made his way to Cincinnati by 
wagon and thence by a river boat to St. Louis, Mo. 
From there they traveled overland to Springfield. 
Mo., where they sojourned until the following Oc- 
tober. Then getting ready once more his prairie 
schooner Mr. Ayers, with his wife and seven chil- 
dren and his household goods made his way to 
Kansas and spent the first year thereafter one mile 
north of the present site of Ozawkie. In ihe spring 
of 1859 he removed to the land which he now owns 
and occupies. Thiscom[)rises 126 acres and when 
coming into the possession of Mr. Ayers there was 
upon it only a little log cabin. He had one neigh- 
borabout three-quarters of a mile south and another 
one and one-half miles west. The three families 
constituted the population of that neighborhood. 
The nearest markets were at Topeka and Valley 
Falls and sometimes the settlers hauled grain and 
haj' to Leavenworth. The only piece of timber on 
the farm at that time, aside from what was used in 
the construction of the cabin, was a hickory rail 
fastened to one end of the cabin upon which ^Mr. 
Ayers hung his harness. 

Notwithstanding the cheerless outlook Mr. Ayers 
began the improvement of his land, meeting with 
success in his labors. About 1862 he planted an 
orchard of apple and peach trees, having about 
fifty of the first mentioned and 330 of the latter. 
The farm is now all enclosed with good fencing 
and mostl}' under cultivation. In the meantime, 
in 1869, Mr. Ayers purchased lots and built in 
Topeka, taking up his residence there for three 
years. In the spring of 1872 he returned to his 
farm but in 1882 removed to North Topeka and 
engaged in the coal business, also buying property 
in Topeka. 

Mr. Ayers when a youth of seventeen years con- 
nected himself with the ISIelhodist Ep'scopal Church 
and for several years in Ohio olHciated as Class- 
Leader. Upon his first removal to Topeka he 
joined the United Brethren Church, and also offl- 



608 



Portrait anu biographical album. 



ciated there as Class-Leader, during the entire tinae 
of his residence. Upon going to North Topelta lie 
resumed relations with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of which his wife is also a membrr. She 
departed this life June 26, 1885, leaving six sur- 
viving children, viz: Alson T., James W., S.irilda. 
who was first married to a Mr. Pierce, by whom 
she became the mother of six children and who is 
now the wife of Louis Ankcny; Sarah, (Mrs. George 
Ready); Eliza, who was first married to Albert 
Deaver, and who then married James Mott; Ar- 
mantlia; and Mrs. Francis Mott. Two children 
died in infanc}' unnamed. Francis M. died when a 
promising youth of seventeen years, and Jeuevery 
died at the age of fourteen. 

On the 1st of September, 1887, Mr. Ayers con- 
tracted a second matrimonial alliance with Mrs. 
Amelia E. (Fisk) Uartlett. This lady was born in 
Connecticut, where she was reared and married to 
Charles N. Bartlett, a native of the same State. 
They came to Kansas in April, 1877, locating at 
Salina; later they removed to Clay County, then 
to Junction Cit}' and finally to Topeka. Of their 
union fourteen children wei'e born, six of whom, 
all sons, died in infancy unnamed. The others 
are named respectively: Minnie M., Ruth A., Edith 
A., Susan F., Frederick H., Mary J., Willie M.,and 
James Arthur. Mr. Bartlett died in Topeka (Jet. 
10, 1881. He was a member of the Baptist Church, 
witii w ich he became identified in his native State. 

The parents of Mrs. Ayers were Ira and Anna 
(Lillabridge) Fisk. both natives of Connecticut, 
where they s]jent tlieir entire lives. Mr. Fisk died 
in February, 1877, at the age of sixty-nine years. 
Mrs. Fisk survived her husband almost five years, 
dying Dec. 6, 1881, at the age of seventy-four; she 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
The maternal grandparents were Rufus and Irene 
(Scripture) Fisk, natives of Connecticut The Fisk 
family is of Irish origin, and was founded in Amer- 
ica by three brothers who carae from Ireland. The 
fallier of Mrs. Ayers was a second cousin of the 
father of Jim Fisk, who was killed in New York 
City. Mr. and Mrs. Ayers have an adopted son, 
Charles Bartlett, whom they have ado|jted by law. 
He is now (1890) three jears old. 

Mr. Ayers during the season of 1889 ploughed 



and cultivated forty acres of corn, besides doing 
other work on the farm. His coal business in To- 
peka is managed principally by his stepdaughter. 
Minnie M. 

Elsewhere in this volume may be found a litho- 
graphic portrait of Mr. Ayers. 



-I-+ 



-i-^ 



|. IKILLIAM MrCOY. Few, if any, residents 
\\\4w/ "^ Jefferson Count}' have a more beauti- 
W^ fnl home than this gentleman, who owns 
a flne farm in Norton Township, and a quarter-sec- 
tion in Atchison Count}-, just .across the road 
from the rest of his estate. He is the fortunate 
possessor of one of the loveliest building sites 
imaginable, and he has so improved it as to have 
made one of the finest places in the county. The 
house stands forty rods from the road, down to 
which there is a beautiful drive, leading directly 
along the crest of a sloping ridge, and on either 
side of this roadway are rows of soft maple trees 
and well-kept hedges. The house stands facing 
this drive, with the land falling away from it in 
every direction except the front, and the barns 
and other outhouses, which are numerous and 
well-built, all stand lower than the dwelling. The 
house an<i barn are surrounded by a variety of 
trees and shrubs. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this sketcii 
is one of a family of fifteen ciiildren, ten of whom 
grew to maturity, and is the youngest member, 
except his brother, Joseph, vvho was killed at the 
battle of Antietam, at the age of twenty-two j'ears. 
The parents were Joim and Elizabeth (Beal) Mc- 
Coy, and the ancestral lines were from Maryland 
and Pennsylvania respectively. Our subject is a 
native of Harrison County, Ohio, was born on a 
farm near Cadiz, Oct. 0, 1838, and accompanied 
the members of the family to Central Ohio when 
he was eight years of age. On the 9tli of Novem- 
ber, 18(50, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Tirzah Borland, of Franklin County, Oliio. who 
w!is his cherished companion and devoted helpmate 
until May 3, 187.'), when siie was called from time 
to eternity. 

The tidal wave of indignation which swept over 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



609 



the North when Ft. Sumter was fired upon, and 
roused a p.atriotic fervor in the breasts of young 
and old, was felt by Mr. McCoy, and he enlisted 
in Company D, 95th Ohio Infantrj-, serving in 
Kentucky about five months, and while there tak- 
ing part in the battle at Richmond. This was the 
only serious contest in which lie was engaged, as 
he was discharged for general debility in January, 
1863. and after returning to his home was unable 
to work for a year. At the battle of Richmond he 
was captured, with the most of his regiment, but 
made his escape the following night with a num- 
ber of comrades, who broke for the woods and 
succeeded in escaping recapture. There were three 
of the McCoy brothers in the service, and only 
one returned fiom the army in as fine physical 
condition .is when he entered. 

As soon as he was able to resume active occupa- 
tions, Mr. McCoy took up farming in his native 
State, which he left in the fall of 1868 for a home 
in the ^Yest, coming to .Jefferson County-, Kan., 
with his family-, and spending the winter in A'allej' 
Falls, lie bought 160 acres on section 26, Norton 
Township, which was improved to the extent of 
having the sod turned on fifteen acres, and a small 
shanty erected upon it. He has since added 320 
acres, wliich, with tiie exception of the tract in 
Atchison County, adjoins his original purchase. 
The most of it is now in a good state of cultiva- 
tion, and there are about three miles of hedge upon 
it, although Mr. McCoy uses wire fencing al- 
most exclusively at the present time. An or- 
chard and some line trees were destro^yed by a 
storm May 11, 1887. since which time he h.as 
planted others. Stock breeding and feeding are 
made a specialty b}' Mr. McCoy, and he raises 
large droves of hogs. Short-horn cattle and man3' 
fine horses. He keeps a thorough-bred Short-horn 
bull, and dehorns all his cattle, of wliich he is now 
feeding 100 head. 

After the death of his first wife, Mr. McCo\' was 
married to jMrs. Clara A. Hayes, widow of Ezra 
Hayes, of A'alley Falls. She had one son, Alvin 
B. Hayes, who is now married and living near Val- 
ley Falls, his family comprising one child. Mr. 
McCoy is the father of six ciiildren, born to his first 
wife. The second of these, and the only daughtei'. 



was Jennie E., who died in early childhood ; the 
oldest son, Charles E., owns and operates a farm 
near Meriden, Jefferson County, is married and 
has four children; Joseph M. is the agent and tele- 
graph operator of the Missouri Pacific Railroad at 
Gasconade, Mo.; William B. is at home, and taking 
kindly to agricultural pursuits; George W. is 
attending school at Norton ville; James E. is at 
home. 

Mr. McCoy is a member of the A. O. V . W.. in 
which he carries $2,000 insurance. He is a Repub- 
lican, and never fails to support the candidates of 
the party and the principles set down in the party 
platform. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and helped to build the edifice at Norton- 
ville, in which that congregation worships. He is 
regarded as one of the most progressive and enter- 
prising farmers of the section of countrj- in which 
he lives, as a reliable citizen, and as a neighbor 
and friend whose companionsliip is agreeable and 
whose heart is kind. 



VUFUS H. CROSBY. Among the business 
p . men of ^'alley Falls, Mr. Crosby occupies 
a prominent position, being proprietor of 
'^, tlie Valley Falls Deposit, successor to the 
Valley Bank & Savings Institution. He assumed 
proprietorship of this enterprise eleven years ago. 
and under his able and wise man.agement it has 
become almost indispensabh^ to the people in this 
part of the county. Valley Falls li.as quite a rep- 
resentation of New Ehglanders — among them Mr. 
Crosbj' — who was born in Penobscot County, Me., 
Oct. .5, 1834. 

The immediate progenitors of the subject of this 
notice were Samuel N. and Mary A. (Halliliurton) 
Crosbj', likewise natives of the Pine Tree State, 
and who spent their last jears in Iowa. The pa- 
ternal grandfather was Ebenezer Crosby, an honest 
New England farmer, who died many years ago in 
Hampden, ;\Ie. Grandfather George Halliburton 
descended from substantial Scotch ancestry. He 
was a native of Frankfort, Me., and died in that 
place. 

To Samuel and Mary Crosby there was born a 




610 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



family of five children, four of whom are living, 
namely: William, .1 resident of Delaware Town- 
ship. Kan.: Rufns H., the subject of this sketch; 
George IT., of Denver, Col., and Mary (Mrs. Shep- 
herd), of Delaware Township, this county and 
State. The parents became residents of Grinnell, 
Iowa, several years ago. the motlier dying in 1875 
and the fatlier in 1877. Unfus H. completed his 
education in Haniitden Academy, in his native 
county, and subsequently tanglit two terms of tlie 
common school, one in liis native town. In 1855 
he and his brother \Yilliam came to Kansas and 
established the first store of gencr.al merchandise in 
Valley Falls. From that time on he has prospered ; 
becoming not onl}- a man of note in liis communitv, 
but accumulating a competence. 

The marriage of Rufus H. Crosby and Miss 
Nettie Kendall was celebrated at the bride's lionie 
in Hampden, April 13, 1862. Mrs. Crosljy was 
born in Penobscot County, Me., and is the 
daughter of Jonathan and Dollie Kendall, who are 
represented elsewhere in this volume. This union 
resulted in the birtli of one child, Lottie. Mr. 
Crosby is an intelligent and well-informed man, 
somewhat inclining toward literary pursuits, and in 
1863 was employed as editor of the Kansas Jeffer- 
sonian. He votes the straight Republican ticliet, 
and served as County Commissioner in 1872-73. 
and was Mayor of Valley Falls in 1887. Previous 
to this in ] 855, he was a memi^er of the Topeka 
Constitutional Convention. He is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M. 



e^^hH*^ 



1?/-_^ENRY KELLER, Jr.. M.ayor of Ilolton, 
|i[)j; Jackson Co., Kan., stands among the foro- 
^ most of the young men of brain, energy and 
'^^ enterprise, who by their piogressive and 
far-sighted business methods are infusing new life 
into the city, and within the last decade have ma 
terially advanced its interests in various directions. 
Mr. Keller is successfull3' carrying on business as a 
manufacturer of liarness in partnership with his 
cousin, J. G. Ilinnen, and they have built up an 
extensive and flourisliing trade in this industry. 
Our suliject was born Feb. 28, 1861, in Tell City, 



Perry Co., Ind., a son of Henry Keller, Sr., who 
was one of the founders of that city, which was 
named in honor of the Swiss hero, William Tell. 
He was a native of the Canton of Zurich, in Switzer- 
land, coming of an honorable Swiss familj'. His 
father came to America when he was quite aged 
and spent his last days in Indiana. The father of 
our subject was a young man when he came to this 
country to make a home and cstablisli himself in 
life. He located first in Ohio, where he learned 
and carried on the tiades of beliows-maker and 
carpenter. From Ohio he went to Indiana, and be- 
came one of the first settlers of Tell City, in Perry 
County, which he helped to organize. He bought 
l^roperty. erected a comfortable dwelling, and in 
following his trade tliere hiis become quite prosper- 
ous, and in his pleasant home is well fortified 
against want and poverty. His wife, who aided 
him in its upbuilding, shares its comforts with 
him. Her maiden name was Louisa Tell, and she 
was born in Wurtemberg, Prussia, coming to this 
country when she was young. She is the mother 
of nine children. 

When our subject was ten years old he came to 
Kansas to live with his uncle. Casper Hinnen, a 
r-isident of Jackson County, living three miles 
from Holton. He attended school and gained a 
substantial education, and assisted his uncle in the 
labors of the farm. At the e.xpiiation of three 
years he came to the city to learn the trade of 
harness-makerjof his cousin, and after serving an ap- 
prenticeship of three 3'ears he did journeyman work 
till 1882, when he formed a partnership with his 
cousin and has been engaged in business with him 
since then. They have a neat and attractive estab- 
lishment, and their manufactures are of a fine 
quality and r.ank with tlie Ijcst thrown on the mar- 
ket and command a large sale. They also carry on 
a business at Onaga, Kansas. 

Although a young man to have been so early in- 
ducted into so important an office as the one that 
places him at the head of the government of this 
municipality, to which position he was elected in 
1889, Maj'or Keller has proved himself to possess 
fine qualifications for the mayoralty, and his fellow 
citizens, satisfied with liis just, equitable and busi- 
ness-like administration of city affairs, feel that in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



611 



giving hill) tlieir suffrages they have selected one 
wlio will look sharply ami carefully after the inter- 
ests of this metropolis of .laciison County, and do 
all tiiat he can to advance its welfare, lie pos- 
sesses a cool head, well-balanced mind, firmness and 
force of character, is straightforwai'd and manly in 
his dealings, and his pleasant disiiosition and his 
friendly, coiirteons manner render him very popu- 
lar witli all. He is a member of Holton Lodge, 
No. 42, A. F. it A. M., and also belongs to Holton 
Camp, M. W. A. He is a stalwart supporter of 
the Republican party, and has voted for its candi- 
dates ever since he attained his majority, casting 
his first ballot for James G. Blaine. 



\ '• AMES A. STATLEK, a leading druggist of 
Ozawkie, is numbered among the substantial 
business men of the place, and is contributing 
i^^/' his full quota to its material interests. He 
carries a well-selected stock of goods in this line; 
also books, stationery, wall paper, paints, fancy 
goods, etc. The annual business aggregates from 
$1,000 to $2,000. Mr. Statler lias been quite pro- 
minent in local affairs, holding the oflice of Town- 
ship Clerk and Trustee; also serving as Constable 
and Justice of the Peace. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Roanoke 
County, Ya., Jul}' 26, 1840, and lived there on a 
farm until a lad of fourteen years. In December, 
1853, he went to Woodford County, 111., and there- 
after for three years made his home with his brother 
Charles and sister Sarah, the latter Mrs. William 
Gish. In the meantime he attended school during 
the winter seasons and worked on the farm in the 
summer. When leaving there he took up his abode 
in Wabash County, Ind., where wiis employed as a 
farm laborer until 1864. He was married in that 
county in November, 1861, to Miss Magdalen •, 
daughter of James and Susan (Puderbaugh) M 
Farland. 

Upon coming to Ozawkie Mr. Statler worked at 
wagon making probably two years. He theji pur- 
chased eighty acres of wild land, which later he 
sold and bought another eighty acres, moving upon 
the latter and carrying on its improvement and 



cultivation until the death of his wife, in August. 
1874. Thereafter he employed himself at sawmill- 
ing, until 1884, when he embarked in the drug 
business in partnership with Dr. Aaron Puderbaugh. 
with whom he is still associated. 

There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Statler six 
children, only one of whom is living, a daughter, 
Ella, who obtained a good education, and employs 
herself as a teacher in the village school. The de 
ceased children were James, Herman, Marietta and 
two infants who died unnamed. Mrs. Statler 
was a member of the German Baptist Church, in 
the faith of which she passed away. 

The father of our subject was Abram Statler, 
who was born on a f;um in \'irginia and on that 
farm spent his entire life. The maiden name of 
his wife was Magdalene Secat, also a native of the 
Old Dominion, and whose paternal grandfather was 
born in Scotland. The latter emigrated to the 
United States and died in Virginia. The parental 
family consisted of twelve children, of whom James 
A. was the youngest born. Abram Statler departed 
this life at his home in Virginia in 1848. His wife 
preceded him about four years, dying in 1844. 
Both were members of the Lutheran Church. 

The p.aternal grandfather of our subject was 
Jacob Statler, who vvas either a native of Germany 
or of direct German ancestry. He spent the 
greater part of his life in Virginia, where he reared 
his family and died. He was also a memlier of the 
Lutheran Church. Abram Siatler served as a Cap- 
tain in the War of 1812 and was a Justice of the 
Peace several years. He was a man well liked in 
his community, honest and uprigiit in his dealings, 
and a citizen in whom the people had confidence. 



:'OHN T. CARTER is conducting a livery 
establishment and engaged in buying and 
selling horses at Nortonville, and is one of 
those young men of whom Jefferson County 
has so many, who are exhibiting practical business 
ability of no mean order, and who are ably assist- 
ing in the development of all its resources. 

The ej'es of our subject flrst opened to the light 
in Greenbrier County. AV. Va., the date of hia 



612 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



birth being June 20, 1850, and the first ten years 
of his life being spent in his native county. His 
parents, W. P. and Catherine (McCannon) Carter, 
then moved to Atcliison County, Kan., locating not 
far from the spot where Nortonville now stands. 
The father was well supplied with money, but 
loaned it out to his neighbors in 1861, and in 18G2 
there was gre.at suffering throughout this section, 
and under these circumstances tlie family sustained 
life and built up their strength on a corn diet with 
a change in stjles. In 1863 the elder Carter fitted 
out a train of ox teams to cross the plains to 
Denver, and in 1864 took a train there for another 
party. The same year he rigged out another train 
of his own and went to Ft. Smith, Mont., on the 
Big Horn River. The Indians in that section of 
the West were then on the war path and travel was 
hazardous and e.^ citing. Before their party reached 
Ft. .Smith the train was made up of about 120 
wagons and accompanied by 110 mounted soldiers. 
They were met by savages between Ft. Kearney 
and Ft. Smith, and tlio train fired into, the Indians- 
who numbered probably 1,000, riding around the 
corrall several times. They finally rode up and 
offered to compromise for something to e,at, and 
being given a box of crackers and a few sacks of 
flour, took their departure. 

In 1865 Mr. Carter returned to Kansas and at- 
tended school in Lancaster, which town he made 
his home until April, 1882, when he moved to 
Nortonville. In 1877 he bought a wild farm four 
miles west, which he has placed under an excellent 
state of cultivation and upon which he has mside 
good improvements. The dwelling is two stories 
in height, 16x26 feet in the main body, with a 
wing 14x14; the barn is a well-built structure, 
26x36 feet, with sixteen-foot posts. The estate 
bears about seventy-five apple trees, with grapes 
and small fruits in variety. 

In the year 1882 !Mr. Carter bought out the liv- 
ery business of Mr. Dorr and that of Mr. Morris, 
at Nortonville, and consolidated the two, selling 
out the establishment in 1884 to Mr. Lambert 
Clark. During the summer he built the large bain 
where he now carries on his business, and which is 
50 X 60 feet, with sheds 80 feet long, "the hay-mow 
being capable of holding 20 tons of hay. lie 



bought out Mr. Lambert Clark the same year, and 
two years later sold out to O. L. Dowd, buying 
back again in 1887. Since that time he has not 
only carried on the business successfully, but has 
been buying horses throughout the county and 
shipping by the carload to Denver and Pueblo, 
Colo. He and W. L. Layson now own the Ken- 
tucky jack, Billy Flint; Black Nick, Warrior, Mo- 
hawk, and three other fine jacks, and the fine stal- 
lion Roderick .Jr., of Harabletonian trotting stock. 

The marriage of Mr. Carter took place at the 
home of the bride in 1872. his chosen companion 
being Miss Angie. daughter of C. B. Tiiley, of 
Atchison, and formerly of Ohio, in which State 
Mrs. Carter w.as born. Three of the children whom 
Mrs. Carter has borne died in their infancy, and 
five bright faces cluster about the family hearth- 
stone: these belong to Ella, Jesse (a lad of ten 
years), Marj', Ruble, and baby Edith. 

Mr. Carter belongs to the Masonic fraternity and 
is Secretaiy of Mount Zion Lodge, Xo. 206. He 
also belongs to the A. O. U. W. at Nortonville. He 
has served as Trustee of Norton Townslii]) for a 
term, having been elected to the position on the 
Democratic ticket. 



^/OHN F. DICK. Among those who have 
made an art and a science of agriculture 
may properly be mentioned Mr. Dick, who 
came to Jefferson County in 1864, during 
the period of its early settlement. Having now 
maintained a residence here of over a quarter of a 
century, and having distinguished himself as an 
honest man and a good citizen, he is thus worthy 
of a more than passing notice among those men 
tlu'ough whose industiy and enterprise Jefferson 
County has attained to its present position. 

A native of Pulaski County, Ky., Mr. Dick was 
born, Nov. 29, 1832, and is the son of William 
and Fanny (Speers) Dick, who were natives, 
respectively, of South Carolina and Kentucky 
William Dick was taken by his parents to the Blue 
Grass Slate when but a child, and there met the 
lady whom he afterward married, and who was born 
there. The Speers family was of Irish descent. The 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



613 



p.aternal grandfather of our subject was John Dick, 
a native of Scotland, who emigrated to America in 
time to take a hand in the Revolutionary War. 
Afterward, he followed farming pursuits in Ken- 
tucky, to which he had removed from South Caro- 
lina. His son, "William, the father of our subject, 
was reared to manhood in Kentuckj', and there 
spent the remainder of his life, departing hence in 
186;?, at the age of sixty-five years. He had sur- 
vived his wife for a period of twenty years, 
her death having taken place in 1843. Mrs. Fann^' 
Dick was a member of the Baptist Church. The 
children of the parental family' are recorded as 
follows: William S. is farming in Jefferson County, 
this State; .Jerusha died when past fift3- years old ; 
Hezekiah is a lumber dealer of Platte County, 
Mo.; Samuel A. is a farmer of Jefferson County ; 
John F., our subject, was next in order of birth; 
Teirel K., is a resident of Missouri; Rachel is the 
wife of James Stevens, of Rural Township, Jeffer- 
son County ; Polly, Mrs. Green Dick, lives iu Pu- 
laski County, Ky.; "\'alentine, during the late war, 
enlisted in the 1st Kentucky Infantry and died in 
the army. After the death of his first wife, Mr. 
Dick contracted a second marriage and there were 
born to him two sons — James Marion, deceased, 
and Thomas W., who lives on tlie home farm in 
Kentucky. 

John F. Dick spent his early years at the old 
homestead in his native county, and when reaching 
his majority, set out for the West, crossing the 
Mississippi into Appanoose County, Iowa. He only 
remained there a short time, however; then returned 
to Kentucky and sojourned there until 1864. In 
the meantime, in 1856. he ' was wedded to Miss 
Bethenie Stewart, a native of his own count}', and 
the daughter of Golman Stewart, who was also 
born in that Slate, and who spent his last 
years in Kansas, dying at the age of eighty- 
one years. The young people commenced the 
journey of life together on their own farm, which 
they occupied until their removal to the West. 
They came directlj" to Jefferson County, and Mr. 
Dick purchased the farm which he now owns and 
occupies. It bore little resemblance then to its 
present condition, being a wild uncultivated tract 
of 1 l-T acres, located on section 7, Rural Township. 



He was prospered in his labors as a tiller of the 
soil, and added to his landed possessions until he is 
now the owner of 265 acres, all of which he has 
brought to a productive condition. There has been 
no small amount of time and money expended in 
building up the homestead, which is complete 
with all the requirements of modern farm life. 

In connection with sowing and reaping, Mr. 
Dick makes a specialty of fine stock, especially 
mules and jacks, in the sale of which he realizes 
usually $2,000 annually. One of these animals, in 
18811, he i)arted with for the snug sum. of $800. 
He is a self-made man in the strictest sense of the 
word, having started in life a poor boy, without 
influential friends or assistance of any sort. He 
consequently enjoyed only the advantages of a 
limited education, but has kept his eyes open to 
the events passing around him, and by a course of 
reading keeps himself posted upon the leading 
topics of the day. He is independent in politics, 
aiming to support principles rather than men. He 
and his estimable wife have been faithful members 
of the Christian Church for the long period of 
thirty-two years. They are the parents of eleven 
cliildren, one of whom, Cyrena, who was born, 
Dec. 25, 1857, became the wife of James Butler, 
of this township, and died Jul}' 31, 1888. Isaiah, 
their eldest son, is farming in Rural Township; 
Nelson also operates a farm in this townsliip; Mel- 
vina, Mary, Alonzo, Walton, Rufus, Levvis. Luther, 
and Charles, remain with their parents. 



^ -^-^^^ « 



Vf ACOB MILLER. Mr. Miller rents and op- 
erates a fine country estate, embracing 320 
acres of as fine land as is to be found on 
(|^^' the Kansas bottom. He gives his attention 
to the raising of grain and stock, and avails himself 
of modern machinery in the cultivation of his land, 
using three teams in his farming operations. He 
settled in Kaw Township, in the spring of 1887, 
and occupies the place familiarly known as "the 
old Rushmore farm." now the property of J. C. 
Grinter, of Perry. 

A native of Monroe City, Ohio, Mr. ililler was 
born, Feb. 25, 1859, spending his boyhood ami 



614 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



youtli amid the peaceful pursuits of farm life. He 
attended the district school in his native township 
until a youth of fifteen years, mostly during the 
winter season; then, the family having decided to 
seek the farther West, he accompanied them to this 
State. They located in Norton County, where the 
father took up land at a time when wild animals 
were plentiful. Young ililler hunted considerably, 
going out on the plains near by after buffaloes, and 
when a youth of sixteen years, has killed as many | 
as three in one day. 

At the age of eighteen years Mr. Miller began 
doing for himself, leaving the farm and securing a 
situation in the repair yards of the Kansas Pacifie 
Railroad, at Brookville. He obtained the confi- 
dence of his employers by his strict attention to 
his duties, and in due time was made foreman of a 
track-laying gang and remained in the employ of 
the company until 1881 . That year he came to Jefif- 
erson County and entered the employ of John 
Montague, in Kaw Township, with wiiom lie re- 
mained two years. He then worked as a farm lab- 
orer in Kentucky Township three 3ears. At the 
expiration of this time he began renting land in 
Kentucky Township, operating thus until the spring 
of 1887. His next removal was to the farm which 
he now occupies. 

At Thompsonville, on the i;3th of August, 1885, 
Mr. Miller contracted marriage ties with Miss .Sadie 
Moore. This lady is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
Nathan Jloore, who were natives of Indiana, 
whence the}' removed to Iowa during its pioneer 
days. The father took up land from which he 
constructed a good homestead, where he died. 
Mrs. Moore resides on her farm of eighty acres, 
near Harris, Sullivan Co., Mo. The three children 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller all died in infancy. 
Mr. Miller, politically, is a stanch J^eraocrat and 
belongs to the Farmers' Alliance at Grantville. 

The father of our subject was Christian Miller, 
a native of Germany, and who emigrated to Amer- 
ica when a young man twenty-five 3ears old. He 
was a carpenter by trade, and followed this in 
Upper Sandusky, Ohio, for several years. Later, 
he removed to Monroe County, Mich., where, 
in connection with carpentering, he took up laud 
and improved a farm. He also operated .as a con- 



tractor and builder. Finally in 1874, desirous of 
a change, he disposed of his interests in Michigan, 
and, coming to Kansas, homesteaded 160 acres of 
land in Norton County. He was pros|)ered in his 
labors as a pioneer farmer, and is now well-to-do, 
having good improvements on his farm, and with 
a sufflciency of this world's goods to insure him 
against want in his declining years. Before leaving 
the Fatherland he served eleven years in the array. 
He participated ir the German Revolution, and the 
adherents of this cause being defeated, Mr. Miller 
concluded that America would furnish to him a 
more satisfactory field of operation than his native 
country. He is a respected citizen, and a member 
in good standing of the Methodist Church. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Catherine Keller. She wfts a native of 
the same province as her husband, and departed 
this life at their home in JNIonroe County, Mich. 

The five children of the parental household 
were named, respectively: Libbie, now a resident 
of Kansas City; Peter, who is wandering somewhere 
over the West; Jacob, the subject of this sketch; 
William, a resident of riioniiisonville, this State, 
and John, who sojourns in Norton County. 

. *' —f > 



■y.i BRAIIAM GISH. One of the neatest farms 
^'Ol in Rock Creek Township, Jefferson County, 
111 is owned and operated by Mr. Gish, who 
^f is numbered among its most thrifty and 

prosperous citizens. He was born in Botetourt 
County, Va., Aug. 25, 1843, and is the son of Will- 
iam and Julia Ann (Sell) Ciish, who in the summer 
of 1847, kaving the Old Dominion, emigrated to 
Montgomery County, Ind. They put up a log 
cabin in the woods and the father began to clear a 
farm. 

The Gish family sojourned in Montgomery 
County, Ind., until 1856, then pushing on still 
farther Westward into Cedar County, JIo., the 
father purchased over 1,000 acres of land, jiartially 
improved. Sojourning there until 1861 they again 
took up their line of march for Franklin County, 
this State. In the fall of that year they removed 
to Henry County, Iowa, and in the spring of 1862, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



6iD 



returning to Kansas, the father of the subject of 
tliis notice located in Rock Creek Township, pur- 
chasing 480 acres on section 24. Here he improved 
another farm upon which he lived until near the 
time of his death, which occurred Jan. 8, 1888. He 
was then aged seventy-seven years, eight months 
and ten days. The mother had been called away 
.June 22, 1884, at the .age of seventy -two. Of the 
seven children born to them six lived to m.ature 
years, Abraham being the fourth in order of 
birth. The parents were life-long members of the 
German Baptist Church, in ^hich the father had 
officiated as a minister for a period of nearly fifty 
years. He was a man of marked ability and 
thoroughly devoted to the Master's cause. He 
organized the present church at Ozawkie, and the 
Western District, comprising Kansas and a part of 
Iowa, was for man}' ye.ars under his jurisdiction. 
Although not highl}- educated b}' anj' means, he 
was carefully trained b^' an exemislary mother and 
his career was that of a man respected and beloved 
by all who knew him. His father had died when 
he was four 3ears old. 

The early education of Mr. (iish was conducted 
ill the schools of Missouri, although he attended 
one term after coining to Kansas. Upon reaching 
man's estate he was married in Jackson County, 
Oct. 1, I8Ga. to Miss Mary E., daughter of Alpheus 
and Alvira ( Elton) Bainbridge. Mrs. Gish was 
born in Grant County, Wis., Jan. 8, 1847, and 
when a mere child was taken by her parents to 
Clay County, Mo. Her mother died there in 1851. 
Six years later the father came to Kansas with liis 
three children and located on a farm in Jackson 
County where he still lives. He married for his 
second wife Mrs. Kosanna (Acre) Bainbridge and 
of this union there were born seven children. Da- 
rius Bainbridge came to Kansas with liis son Al- 
pheus in ISSC.and died in 186(1. Heofliciated for 
many j-ears as a minister of the liaptist Church, to 
which the father of Mrs. Gish als<i belongs and in 
which he officiated as a Deacon. 

.Soon after his marriage Mr. Gish located on his 
father's farm, living in a log cabin about two years. 
He operated as a renter until 1879. then purchased 
the sixty-three acres where he now lives. Upon 
this there w.as a small house and other improve- 



ments. He now occupies a more modern dwelling 
and has constructed other buildings, making of tiie 
premises a very desirable home. Mr. Gish learned 
carpentering in Missouri, wliicli he h.as prosecuted 
considerably since with farming. Politically, he 
supports the principles of the Democratic party. 
He is liberal and progressive in his ideas and offici- 
ates as President of the local Farmers' Alliance. 
He was appointeil State Organizer of that body in 
1888. He was one of the first Constables iuRock 
Creek Township. The six children born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Gish are named respectively, Etta, now 
the wife of Ambrose Collins; William A., Lewis 
F.. Samuel A., Henry A. and John P.; they arc all 
living. 

^;AMES H. PRICE, a respected pioneer of 
'65, after having done good service as a 
soldier in the Union army, came to Kans.as 
and homesteaded forty acres of land in 
Green Township, Pottawatomie County. He began 
his labors in a modest manner, dependent upon his 
own resources, and is now the owner of 311 .acres, 
occupying a part of sections 30, 31 and 36, mak- 
ing his home on section 30. He is quite exten- 
sively interested in stock-raising, making a specialty 
of thoroughbred cattle and swine. He keeps a 
number of good horses, and in all his farm opera- 
tions has i)ursued that thorough and systematic 
method which seldom fails of success. Politically 
he is a stanch Republican, but is no office-seeker, 
preferring to give his undivided attention to his 
farming interests. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Barn- 
stable County, Mass., Dec. 22, 1841. His father, 
George P. Price, is likewise a native of that State 
and born in 1819. He spent his last years in 
Massachusetts and died M.ay 27, 1849, at the early 
age of thirty years. He was a glass-blower by occu- 
pation and a member of the Jlethodist Episcopal 
Church. The paternal grandfather, John Price, a 
native of England, emigrated to America at an 
early date and settled in M.assachusetts. where he 
spent the remainder of his life. 

Mrs. Lucy (Eaton) Price, the mother of our 
subject, was born in England and crossed the At- 



620 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lantic with ber parents when quite j'oiing. Her 
life thereafter was spent in the Bay Stale, where 
she dierl at an advanced age. Of her union with 
George P. Price, there was born a family of four 
children, namely, James; Mary E., who died in in- 
fancy; Mary E., second, and Lucy. James H., the 
eldest born, was reared and educated in Boston, 
completing his studies in East Greenwich College. 
Afterward he was employed as clerk in a store 
until about 1855. Then leaving New England he 
emigrated to Illinois, but a short time later pushed 
on further Westward to Detroit, Mich. In 1855 
he enlisted in the regular army, serving until 1809. 
In September. 1862, he re-enlisted as a Union 
soldier at Atchison, Kan., in Company K., 9lh 
Kansas Cavalry, officiating as (Quartermaster and 
participating in the battle at Prairie Grove. He 
there received injuries which greatly' affected 
his hearing, but he remained in the service until 
the close of the war, being mustered out at Leav- 
enworth, May 19, 1865. Tliat same year he located 
in Pottawatomie County, of which he has since 
been a resident. 

Amongst the campaigns in which Mr. Price served 
while a soldier of tlie United States, was the one 
against the Mormons, commanded by that brave 
officer, Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson, the Confeder- 
ate general who fell at Shiloh. 

On Dec. 10, 1863, while home on a secret ser- 
vice, by order of Gen. Curtis, Mr. Price was mar- 
ried at the bride's home in Pottawatomie County 
to Miss Mary J. Adkins. This lady was born in 
Parke County, Ind.. March 10, 1842, and is the 
daughter of Ephraira and Martha (Harper) Ad- 
kins, who were natives of Kentuckj-. Mr. Adkins 
was a farmer by occupation. He left the Blue 
Grass regions when a lad and emigrated to Indiana. 
His death took place in Illinois, while on a visit to 
friends, when he was about fifty-tive years old. 
He had come to Kansas in 1854 and pre-empted 
land in Pottawatomie County. After his decease 
Mrs. Adkins occupied the home place until about 
1885, when she toOk up her abode witii her daugh- 
ter. Marv J., in Pottawatomie County, where she 
now lives. She has attained to the age of three- 
^coie and ten years, and is a consistent member of 
the ^lethodist Episcopal Church. 



To Ml', and Mrs. Price there have been liorn six 
children, viz.: Luc^'A. E., George W., Martha I., 
Joiin H. D., Annetta J. and Mar3^ E.,all of whom 
are living at home with their parents. 

Among the representative citizens presented in 
the portrait department of this volume is Mr. 
Price. He is well-known and highly esteemed, and 
his portrait will be gladly received by his many 
friends throughout the county. As a fitting com- 
panion picture the publishers present the portrait 
of his estimable wife. 




-^. ^^ ^ 

AVID M. SMITH, Notary Public and 
General Insurance Agent at Oskaloosn, 
is one of the honored and useful residents 
of Jefferson Count}', in which he has made 
liis home since the fall of 1861. He is a son 
of Thomas and Mary (McCread\') Smith, and is of 
Scotch descent. His paternal great-grandfather came 
from Scotland to this county with his family in the 
latter part of the last century, and his maternal 
grandfather also came from the land of the heatlier 
and the gowan. Our subject is also descended from 
a race of farmers, and until a few years ago followed 
farming himself. His father was born in 1809 and 
died in Ashland, Ohio, in December, 1883; his 
wife, was born in 1811, and still resides in Ashland, 
Ohio, aged seventy-nine years. Both were natives 
of Washington County, Pa., and their family con- 
sisted of seven children, our subject being the first- 
born. 

James B., his eldest brother, married Miss Emma 
Patterson and has seven daughters, their home 
being on the old homestead near Ashland, Ohio. 
He served in the 42d Ohio Infantry three years, 
and was taken prisoner at Black River and ex- 
changed, and received a serious injury in the 
shoulder while scaling the works at Vicksburg. 
Elizaljeth is the wife of William Buchanan and the 
mother of three daughters and one son; her hus- 
band served during the late war in an Ohio regi- 
ment and now carries on a farm near Savannah, 
Ashland County, Ohio. Amanda is the wife of 
Joseph Day, a farmer, and their iiome is near 
Mansfield. Ohio, and their family comprises two 



PORTRAIT AND BIO&RAPHICAL ALBUM. 



G21 



(■liildren. Robert M. lives on part of tlie old 
bonicstead near Ashland; ho lias been twice married 
and has three cliildren. Mary lives at Marysville, 
Ohio; she is the wife of William M. Campbell and 
they have tvvo daughters. Samuel, with his wife 
and familv. reside on a part of the old homestead. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this notice 
was born Nov. 7, 1834, near Ashland, Ohio, and 
was reared on the farm, receiving a good common 
school education and supplementing it by an at- 
ten(]ance of a j'ear and a half in the Union Semi- 
nary at the neighboring town, while his brothers and 
sisters attended Vermillion Institute at Haysville. 
On Nov. 20, 1855, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Julia A. Stone, a native of Jefferson County, 
Ohio, and a daughter of William and Catherine 
Stone who were born in Penn.sylvania. Mrs. Stone 
departed this life in 1873, and the father is now 
living in Ashland. Oliio. Mis birth took place in 
1804. 

After his marriage Mr. Smith settled on a part 
of the old homestead and remained there until 
1860, during which year he made a trip to Kansas 
and bought 160 acres of land northwest of Oska- 
loosa, which is now the County Poor Farm. In 
the fall of 1861, he brought his family West and 
took possession of the estate, upon whicli they re- 
mained until 1865. when he leased it and moved 
into town. Being incapacitated for farm work by 
reason of an injury received while threshing, he 
turned his attention to book-keeping and entered 
the employ of S. S. Cooper and L. D. Price, who 
were then keeping a general store in this place. 
Becoming their book-keeper and .assistant, he re- 
mained with them a year and a half and then built 
an edifice on tlie south side of the square, on the 
site now occupied by A. G. Patrick's grocery store. 

Receiving the appointment of Postm.aster from 
President Johnson in 1867, he conducted that office 
for eleven and a half years, and also carried on a 
book and stationer}' store, continuing the latter 
business until the spring of 1885. and selling musical 
instruments also. At the date mentioned, he sold 
out and has since th.at time been eng.aged in the 
business noted above. 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the happy parents of four 
children. The three daughters have been educated 



in the State University at Lawrence and are cul- 
tured and honorable members of societ}'. Mary 
E. is the wife of J. 11. Johnson, now a resident of 
Kansas City (see sketch of F. M. Johnson), and 
formerly Deputy Treasurer and Treasurer of this 
County for four years each; their family consists 
of four children. Martha J. is the wife of J. M. 
Dick, a prosperous farmer living near Winchester, 
and they have three children. James R. married 
Miss Lizzie Hughan and is the father of one son; 
he is in the employ of the Bethes<Ia Springs Mineral 
Water Company, at Waukesha. Wis. Lulu K. is 
still single and at home, and is engaged in teaching 
mnsic. 

Mr. Smith lias been a delegate to the county con- 
ventions of the Reimlilican party which he earne.'^tly 
supports. He is a Mason and adiliates with the Os- 
kaloosa Lodge, No. 14, and Chapter 9, being Secre- 
tary in the latter. In 1866 and '67, he served as 
Township Trustee and in 1868 and '69, .as County 
Commissioner. He belonged to the latter board 
when the court-house plans were accepted and 
during the early [lart of the work of construction. 
but resigned on account of his remov.al to this city, 
which took him from the district. He belongs to 
the Presliyterian Church and holds the ottice of 
Elder, haying been the first incumbent of that po- 
sition when the society was organized here. His 
pure and useful life, his industry and perseverance, 
and his intelligent interest in all matters that per- 
tain to the public good, alike entitle him to the 
respect of his fellow-citizens who are not slow to 
accord it, while his estimable wife holds her own 
measure of friendship and esteem. 



ellARLES II. GILLMAN. Jefferson County 
would be but poorly represented in this 
volume, did not its pages contain a bio- 
graphical sketch of Dr. Gillman, a prominent resi- 
dent and professional man of Valley Falls, where 
he is engaged in the practice of dentistry. He 
throughly understands his profession, and is one of 
the best and most rapid workers in the Stale, his 
liusiness being an immense one, and including work 
that no other dentist in the county has or is capa- 



622 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ble of (loinof. He not only has a first-class local 
practice, but patients come to biin from Holton. 
Winchester, Oskaloosa, Norton ville and Topeka. 

Tlie father of our subject was Dr. C'iiarles Giil- 
maii, who was born on shipboard while his parents 
were en route from Gl.asgow, Scotland, to the 
United States. He was a well-informed and suc- 
cessful ph}'sician, who practiced his profession in 
Erie County. N. Y., in Rock and Kenosha Coun- 
ties, Wis., and in Toronto. Canada. He was at the 
latter place during the War of 1812. and taking the 
part of the United .States, participated in the battle 
of Lundy's Lane, and in consequence was compelled 
to tlec to the States to escape execution. He 
departed this life in Rock County, Wis. 

Dr. C. H. Gillman, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Erie County, N. Y.. March 17, 1840, 
and finished his education in the college at Milton. 
Wis., being graduated from that institution in 
the spring of 1860. He taught school for a short 
time, and then took up the study of medicine, 
reading under Dr. William Swain, of Wau|)un, 
Wis., and teaching singing schools as a recreative 
and remunerative change from his studies. Hav- 
ing completed his medical studies, he opened an 
otlice at Blue Mound, Wis., where he practiced his 
profession seven years. He then returned to the 
Empire State, and without abandoning the profess- 
ion which lie alread}' understood, began the study of 
dentistry-. 

Dr. Gillman at length devoted his attention 
entirely to the study of his new profession, and 
spent some time in attendance at the Baltimore 
Dental College. He subsequently opened a dental 
office in Watertown, Wis., and also practiced at 
other |)oints in the same State until December, 
1877, when he came to Valley Falls. With the 
exception of tno years spent in Holton, Kan., Dr. 
Gillman has resided and iiracticed in Valley Falls 
since his first arrival, with the result noted above. 
He has not only a thoroughl)' established profes- 
sional reputation, but is regarded as a man of 
excellent moral character, fine social qualities, 
.■ind intellectual and musical tastes of no mean 
(ilik'l. 

On Aug. 8, 1876. Mr. Gillman was united in 
marriage with Bliss Mary E., daughter of William 



Thomas (deceased). The bride was born in Cov- 
ington, Ky., and was brought up in Cincinnati, ac- 
quiring a liberal literaiy and musical education, 
and her cultured tastes and worth of character are 
duly appreciated by a large circle of acquaintances. 
She is an es|)ecially fine performer on the organ. 
To Dr. and Mrs. Gillman four children have been 
born. Samuel E., JLary .J., and Charles, are now- 
living. 

The social and benevolent characteristics of our 
subject lead him to take an interest in various 
orders, and he is now a member of the L O. O. F., 
the A. O. U. W., and the K. of P. Mrs. Gillman 
is a member in high standing of the Baptist Church. 

-''' -^^-^ '^ 



'TjpXOAH H. I 
j[ jjj among th- 
ill/Z^ is occupi( 



OAH H. HAHMAN. A prominent (ilace 
le pioneers of Jefferson County 
pied by our subject, who settled 
among the Indians and wild animals in what is now 
Delaware Townshi)) in 1857. and who has lieen a 
useful citizen from that day to the present. He has 
borne an honored part in the u[)liuilding of the edu- 
cational system of tliis section, in developing the 
resources of the country, and bore his share in mil- 
itary work during the late "unpleasantness." He is 
a descendant of an honored family of the Old Do- 
minion and of remote German ancestry, and during 
the late war a number of bis near relatives suffered 
much on account of their devotion to the Union. 

The gentleman of whom we write was, born in 
Pendleton County, W. Va., Jan.. 24, 1829, and 
was the first child born to Solomon and Elizabeth 
Harman. He was reared on a farm and educated 
in the common schools of his native county, acquir- 
ing a good knowledge of the English branches, and 
afterward imparting instruction to others for seven 
years, mostly during the winter seasons. During 
the winter of 1852-53 he taught in Champaign 
County, Ohio, returning to Virginia in the spring 
and tilling the soil there. On Nov. 19, 1853, he 
became the husband of Miss Emily J. Burgoyne, 
who was born in Pendleton County, W. Va., and 
whose father, Thomas P., was a second cousin of 
Gen. Burgoyne of Revolutionaiy fame. 

In 1857, as before stated, Mr. Harman became a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



62.1 



citizen of Kansas, locating on wild land and work- 
ing liard to build up a comfortable home for him- 
self and family. His land consisted of both prairie 
and timber, and his dwelling was made of wood 
grown on his own ground, it being constructed of 
a pole frame boarded up. with a canvass roof, and 
the only door, a blanket hung in the doorway. 
Cooking w.is done outside, and when it had rained 
and ice had formed on the canvass the room was 
quite comfortable. Mr. Harman never had any 
trouble with the Indians, although they camped on 
his [ilace, 200 stopping there one night when he 
was absent and Mrs. Harman was alone with her 
babe. The next morning one of the Indians came 
to the house and wanted to trade a pony for the 
'•pappoose." Valley Falls, at the period of which 
we are now speaking, contained one store, one 
blacksmith shop, and one liotel (a board shanty). 
Now a flourishing city stands there, and in place of 
the unbroken and uncultivated land and the little 
shantj' which Jlr. and Mrs. Harman then called 
home, they are surrounded by all the com- 
forts of life, the 1,180 acres of their present estate 
being un('er thorough cultivation and improve- 
ment, their dwelling a modern and tasteful one, 
and their means sufficient to ward off anj- anxiety 
as to their declining years, and enabling tliem to 
gratify their tastes and generous impulses. Their 
residence is on section 27 of the township and 
county named at the beginning of this sketch, and 
Mr. Harman is occupied with farming and stock- 
raising, keeping graded Short-hoiii rattle and Po- 
land-China and IJerksliire hogs. 

Ml'. Harman, like other members of his family, 
displ.ayed his patriotism during the late war, help- 
ing to raise money to clear the township of the 
draft, and going out in a militia company during 
Price's raid, endeavoring to capture that noted 
guerilla. The company went as far as the Big 
Blue, Mo., whence they were ordered l)ack. Dur- 
ing the '60's he taught school in his district, and 
was the instructor during three winters, continuino- 
his farm lal>ois in the interims. He had furnished 
all the native lumber to build the school house, and 
hauled it at his own expense, but the district after- 
ward paid him for it. He has always been a mem- 
ber of the School Board hut lias no desire for 



official honors. He belongs to the Sons of Tem- 
perance, and has been Justice of the Peace for 
eight years. 

The mother of Mrs. Harman was Nancy Burnett, 
who was married at the age of flfteen years, and 
who was afterward a physician of large practice in 
Pendleton County, W. Va. She had six sons and 
six daughters, of whom George A., Margaret L.. 
(Mrs. Harman), C.vrus H., Ezra G., Isaac N.. and 
James R. are deceased. The survivors are: Mrs. 
Martha H. Ward, Mrs. Sarah C. Higginbotliam, 
Mrs. Isabella L. Harman, Mrs. Cynthia D. Short- 
ridge, Mrs. Noah Harman and Harrison H. Tho- 
mas Burgoyne, father of this family, was a soldier 
in the War of 1812, and first serving as Lieuten- 
ant Colonel, was made General before peace was 
declared. He was the father of three children 
by a former marriage, viz: Elizabeth (Mrs. 
Stump) ; Harriet (deceased), and Washington who 
died at the age of seventy years. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Noah Harman nine children 
have been born: David H. died in his second year 
and Andrew J. in his fourth year; N. Webster, 
Charles F., Mary F., Cynthia L., John B., Colfax 
B. and E. Hortensia are still living. Webster mar- 
ried Mary A. Francis, and lives in Delaware Town- 
ship, Jefferson County; their family comprises 
Emma F., Esta May and Eva Sylvia. Chailes F. 
married Lucy Carnahan and has live children — 
Denton, Cyrus, Belva, Si)encer, and an infant son; 
be lives on a part of his father's farm. 

Solomon Harman, the father of our subject, was 
a native of Pendleton County, W. Va., and is now 
eighty-three years old. During the period of his 
active years he was engaged in farming and stock 
raising. His parents were Isaac and Christina 
(H inkle) Harman, and his mother's family were 
among the wealthiest and most honored citizens of 
the Old IDominion. They once owned some of the 
best land in Hardy County, W. Ya., on the south 
branch of the Potomac Rivei', but became bank- 
rupt by going security for other parties. Mrs. 
Christena Harman had five brothers, two of whom 
were Lutheran ministers and two in the Methodist 
ministry. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Elizabeth Harman, and was a daut^hter of 



(524 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



George Harman, a millwright and farmer. Al- 
though she bore the same surname as the gentle- 
man whom she married, and Tioth were of German 
ancestr}', there was no relationship between them. 
She bore twelve children: Noah A., (our subject), 
David, Mary A., Asa, .Job, Samuel, Benjamin and 
and .ioseph (twins), .Jesse, Jane, Solomon, and one 
who died in infanc}'. Samuel died of small pox 
about seventeen years .ago, and Benjamin was 
assassinated by Rebels in Randolph County, W. 
Va., during the late war. 

During the Civil War nearh' all the sons of the 
Harman household were members of the Home 
Guards in West Virginia; Samuel and Joseph were 
shot by the Rebels but recovered after severe suf- 
fering. Joseph, upon being wounded fell with his 
face in the snow, and one of the enemy was about 
to thrust a bayonet through him, but the Lieuten- 
ant in command said "never mind, he is dead anj'- 
how," so they stripped him.and going to the house of 
some of his relatives near by, told the inmates that 

they had killed that "Yankee sou of a ,'' and 

showed the clothes and the pocket knife which they 
had taken from him. His friends took clothing 
and set out to hunt him, and found that he had 
crawled 100 j'ards through the snow toward the 
house, to which they assisted him and where he 
w.as cared for so that in a few months he was able 
to resume hostilities. He was an excellent shot 
and killed many Rebels, who were constantly plun- 
dering the communit3-, it becoming necessary to 
carry sixshooters when following the plow or when 
performing other peaceful labors. 

On another occasion Joseph Harman and his 
father were taken by Rebels, tied, and made to 
march ninety miles to Stanton, Va., the journey 
being especially cruel to the father, who was then 
nearly sixty years old. Upon reaching their des- 
tination the elder Mr. Harman's release was or- 
dered by otlicers who were his personal friends and 
he was sent to his home. Joseph was tried for 
treason against the State of Virginia, but as his 
captors failed to establish the truth of the charge, 
he was also released. 

A cousin of our subject, one Elijah Harman, was 
also a Union soldier in Mrginia. and on one occa- 
sion made one of a conip;iiiv of thirteen men who 



captured the fiend, George Harper. This Harper 
was the man who gave whiskey to the men who. 
while intoxicated, killed Benjamin Harman, the 
brother of our subject. Harper was captured by 
the little party above mentioned, which stopped 
for breakfast at the house of an uncle of our sub- 
ject. While they were there some Rebels passed 
and ambushed themselves in the neighborhood, and 
as the little band of Union men came on, the Re- 
bels fired, killing three and wounding others. Har- 
per took to his heels, calling out "give them h — 11, 
boys," and made his escape. Elijah Harman shot 
and killed twaor three Rebels and wounded two 
others, but he was afterward captured, taken to 
Richmond and placed in Libby Prison. He es- 
caped and was fired upon and recaptured several 
times, finally reaching his home, after which he re- 
turned to his guerrilla warfare against the Rebels 
until the close of the war. He is now living near 
Seneca, Pendleton Countv, W. Va. 



^ SAAC S. PLOUGHE is the owner and occu- 
pant of a valuable estate in Kentucky Town- 
ship. Jefferson County, where he is engaged in 
general farming and stock business. The farm 
comprises 400 acres located on section 35, and bears 
marked improvements, amongthera beinga beautiful 
modern residence, substantial barns, a wind-mill 
and tank, and thrifty orchard and groves. All is 
neatly fenced, and pervaded by a general air of 
prosperity and order, quite indicative of the char- 
acter and financial standing of the owner. 

Jlr. Ploughe was born in Rush Countj', Ind., 
Dec. 9, 1837, and was reared on his father's farm, 
acquiring a good education at the free and subscri))- 
tion schools in the old fashioned log school houses 
of that d.ay. Until his sixteenth year he lived in 
his native county, and he then removed with his 
father to Howard County, the succeeding two years 
being spent on the Indian Reservation there. He 
then found emplo3'nient in a hotel in Komoko, Ind., 
where he remained until of age. In the fall of 
1859, he and a brother started for Texas by team, 
and were on the road eight weeks. Having reached 
Dallas County, (jur subject engaged in farming 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



625 



there until the following fall, when he drove up to 
this State, and, after locating a farm in Franklin 
County, worked out until spring. 

On the Uthof April, 1861, Mr. Ploughe enlisted 
in Company E, 2d Kansas Infantry, and being 
mustered in at Kansas Cit^-, Mo., almost immedi- 
ately- liegan active service in skirmishing; then tak- 
ing part in the battle at Wilson's Creek, and sub- 
sequently going to St. Louis and back, and then to 
Leavenworth, where he was mustered out in October, 
after a six months' service. 

He went back to the Hoosier State shortly after 
his discharge, and busied himself in farm labors 
there until the following spring, when he again 
offered his services to his country. On this occa- 
sion he became a member of Company F. 118th 
Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into service at 
Indianaiiolis as Sergeant. During the six months 
for which they were enlisted the regiment was on 
was on duty in Kentucky and Tennessee, and did 
a fair share of skirmish work, though they took 
part in no heavy engagements. Mr. Ploughe was 
again mustered out of the service in the fall of 
18G3, at Indianapolis, and after twelve months 
spent in civil life, for the thinl time entered the 
Union army, becoming a member of Couipany E, 
ITolh Indiana Infantry, the term of enlistment 
being a year. Again he was mustered into the 
service at the Hoosier capital, ami was sent South, 
and in Delaware was employed in the duties of 
guarding and reconstruction until the close of the 
war. 

The day after receiving his honorable discharge, 
Mr. Ploughe started for Kansas, and having reached 
tliis State, located in Douglas County, where he re- 
mained till February. 1866. He then changed his 
location to this county, and entering the service of 
C. L. Thompson, ran a sawmill at Williamstown, 
and then one above Tliompsonville, for five years. 
in 1870 he bought sixty acres of land on section 1, 
and settling ujion it brought it to a good state of 
improvement, and added to the acreage other land 
which he also improved, and there he resided until 
1882. He then sold the 286 acres which he owned, 
and bought 194 acres where he is now living, and 
to this he has added until his present landed estate 
amounts to 400 acres in this township, and eighty 



acres in Cowley County-, which he rents. Over 
200 acres of his home farm is of bottom land, 
which affords him an almost inexhaustible soil, and 
his feed lot, being situated on Rock Creek, is favor- 
able for stock. Mr. Ploughe keeps graded cattle, 
and about twenty head of horses of a high grade, 
and generally feeds a carload of cattle and three 
loads of hogs per year. 

At the home of the bride in Rural Township, 
this county, in the month of May, 1869. Mr. 
Ploughe was united in marriage with Miss Margaret, 
a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Mathias) 
Elias, who were natives of Pennsylvania, an<l 
there spent their last days. Mrs. Ploughe is 
also a native of that State, and an intelligent 
and estimable lady. Their happy union has been 
blessed by the birth of four children. Harry A., 
a promising youth, is now attending business col- 
lege at Lawrence. Nellie M., Mary E.. and Mag- 
gie, form an interesting group around the home 
fireside. 

The father of our subject was Isaac Ploughe, 

I who was born in Virginia and reared in Kentucky, 
of which State his father was an early settler. Isaac 
Ploughe was a farmer and drover and a dealer in 

' stock in the 151ue (irass State, wlience he moved to 
Rush County. Ind.. and buyir)g tiovernment land 
there, engaged in farming and stock-raising. There 

: he was married to his second wife. Miss Elizabeth 
Powell, a native of that countv. and daughter of 
James Powell, a farmer therein. She died in that 
State when our subject was ten years old and the 
father subsequently' married again. He was a Dem- 

j ocrat, served as a Justice of the Peace, and was a 
member in good standing of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. His death also took place in the 
Hoosier State. The first wife of Isaac Ploughe bore 
him five children: Alfred II. is now living in Hutch- 
inson, Kan.; William R. lives in Indiana; James W. 

i enlisted in 1861, in the 39th Indiana Infantry, and 
served until captured by the enem^-, and his death 
occurred in prison; Jlrs. Elsie Caldwell lives in Indi- 
ana; the fifth child of this union died in infancy. Mrs. 
Elisabeth Ploughe bore her husband four children, 
he of whom we write being the second. Thomas 
B., the eldest, is deceased. Theodore enlisted in 
1862 in an Indiana regiment and served three 



626 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



years, being taken prisoner, paroled and exchanged; 
he now lives in Fairview Township. The foiutii 
child died in infancy. Two children were born to 
the third union. The\' are Nebraska and Millie K., 
both of whom live in Missouri. 

Mr. Ploughe is widely known as an old settler of 
Kentucky Township, as an lionorable man, and as 
a reliable citizen. He has been on the jury several 
times, and has acted as School Clerk for years. In 
politics he is a Democrat, although he voted for 
Lincoln and for (4rant. He does not aspire to 
office, preferring to devote iiis time to liis personal 
affairs and to his family, and to fulfilling the more 
qniet duties of citizenship. 



x^ HESTER B. WALBRIDGE. The farming 
ill n co'iimunity of Rural Township, Jefferson 

■^^z County, recognizes in Mr. Walbridge one of 
its most enterprising and successful men. He came 
to this region in the fall of 1867 and purchased 
eight\ acres of partially improved land, to which 
he subsequently' added, and is now the owner of 
200 acres, 100 of which are under cultivation. He 
has erected substantial buildings and avails himself 
of modern machiner3' in his farming oi)erations. 
A man of plodding industry, he is eminentlj' de- 
serving of the comforts by which he is surrounded. 
The subject of this sketch is a native of ^'ermont 
and was born July 1, 1829, to Levi and Susan 
(Silver) Walbridge. who were both natives of Ver- 
mont and of English ancestry. Tlie paternal grand- 
father, Roger Walbridge, shouldered his musket 
during the War of 1812 and assisted in driving 
the British the second time from American soil. 
Grandfather Richard Silver w.as born in England, 
and crossed the Atlantic with Cornwallis as a sol- 
dier of the Britisli arm}' ; lie soon discovered the 
righteousness of the Colonists' cause and, deserting 
the ranks of the British, went over to the American 
army. It is believed that he spent his last 3'ears in 
Vermont. Levi Walbridge, the father of our sub- 
ject, prosecuted farming in the Green Mountain 
State, and died there. The mother is still living. 
There were born to them the following children : 
Chester B.. Walter (deceased ). Fanny, Jesse (de- 



ceased). Sarah, Schuyler. Adeline (deceased), Hel- 
len, Rufus J.. Marcia, and Monroe. 

Chester B. Walbridge spent his early years at 
the old homestead in Vermont, and when reaching 
his majority started out for himself, going to 
Connecticut, and for two years thereafter worked 
in a stone quarrj'. From there he repaired to the 
city of Hartford, wherein he sojourned, however, 
only a brief time, then returning home was married, 
in his native township, Nov. 10, 1850, to Miss 
Lucy A. Spalding. This ladj- was a native of New 
Hampshire. The j'oung people commenced the 
journey of life together on a farm in Vermont, 
where they lived several years. Then emigrating 
to Ohio, Mr. Walbridge worked on a railroad for a 
time; afterward he engaged in farming, and fol- 
lowed these and various other occupations for a 
period of twelve years. After leaving Ohio Mr. Wal- 
bridge engaged in railroading on the Illinois Cen- 
tral, and later removed to Missouri, where he was 
engaged on the North Missouri. In the meantime, 
emigrating further "Westward, he became Assistant 
Superintendent of the Leavenworth branch of the 
I'nion Pacific Railroad. Later he became a con- 
tractor for street car work in Wyandotte, .and on 
other street railways. His next move was to pur- 
chase a part of the farm which he now owns and 
occupies. 

Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wal- 
bridge onl}' two are living, Jesse M. and Levi R., 
who are both farming in Jefferson County. Chester 
B.. a farmer, died in 1882 at the age of thirt}' years, 
leaving a wife and two children; the latter, Chester 
IL and Clarence M., make their home with their 
Grandfather Walbridge Mrs. Walbridge is a mem- 
ber ill good standing of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Her parents were Rulof and Dorothea A. 
( Lamberton) Spalding, natives of New Hampshire. 
Her paternal grandfather, Amos Spalding, was like- 
wise a native of the old Granite State. Grand- 
father Joseph Lamberton was born in Connecticut, 
and served in the War of 1812. He traced his 
ancestry to Scotland. The family was first repre- 
sented in America during the Colonial days. Hulof 
Spalding and his estimable wife died in \'ennont, 
the latter in 1880. Both were members in good 
stancling of the Baptist Church. There were born 



1 




%(H^ ISi^vtkrl^ 





y 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



631 



lo tlieni five children, and Mrs. Walbridge is tlie 
only survivor of lier family, unless it be Zadoek, 
who has nut been heard from for a number of 3'ears. 
Mr. Spalding was a very intellioeut man, firm and 
outspoken in his beliefs, and held in general respect 
in his community. 

Mr. Walbridge, while a resident of Missouri, 
during the late War, served in the State militia nine 
months. Politically, he supports the principles of 
the Democratic party. He is a member of the 
.School Board of his district, and has been a liberal 
contributor to the enterprises calculated for the 
public good. He is looked upon as a thorough 
and skillful farmer and an honorable citizen. 

Y| OHN DEARDORFF. This honored old 
I pioneer of Jackson County, came to what 
! was then Kansas Territory-, as early as 1856, 
■ and during his sojourn of thirty-three years 
r.mong the peoi>le of Jackson County, has firmly 
cstablishcil himself in their confidence and esteem. 
He was born in Green County, Ohio, in 1827, and is 
a son of John and Apharacia (Johnson) Deardorff, 
who were natives rcspectivel}^ of Virginia and 
Ohio. John Deardorff was a tanner by trade but 
followed farming mostly through life. The pater- 
nal grandfather, Henry Deardorff, w.as a native of 
Virginia and of German parentage. He was a 
blacksmith by trade and spent his last years in 
Ohio. 

The father of oursubject was a Whig, politically, 
and one of the earliest pioneers of Green Countj', 
Oliio. He lived there until 1831, then pushing on 
further Westward into Indiana, located near the 
old Tippecanoe battle ground, in the county of 
that name. He opened up a farm from the wilder- 
ness upon which he lived until 183!), then removed 
across the Jlississippi into Henry County, Iowa. 
There, as before, he entered a claim from the Gov- 
ernment from which he constructed a comfortable 
homestead and there he remained until 1850. He 
died in Madison County Iowa., April, 1888, at the 
advanced age of eighty-eight 3'ears. The mother 
passed away prior to the decease of ber husband 
in 1871. She was originally' a member of the 



Friends' Church, but later worshiped with the 
Methodists, to which church her husband belonged. 

To .John Deardorff and his estimable wife there 
was born a familj' of eight children, the eldest of 
whom, a son. Jacob, is farming in Madison County', 
Iowa. John was the second born. Margaret is 
the wife of Samuel Bosley, and they live in Monte- 
zuma Milage, Iowa; Pauline married S. J. Dolb}-, 
of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Pleasant died in Madison 
County, Iowa, in 1879 ; Xancy is the wife of John T, 
Byers, of Poweshiek County, Iowa; P]lizabeth 
Ellen is the wife of J. J. Hill of California: Will- 
iam H., is a resident of Madison County, Iowa. 
John, our subject, was a lad of twelve years when 
his parents took up their abode in the Hawkeye 
St,ate, which then presented the appearance of a 
wild unsettled region, peopled largely by wild ani- 
mals and Indians. He consequentl}- received only a 
limited education and assisted in the development 
of a homestead. 

When ready to establish a fireside of his own, 
Mr. Deardorff w.as married, in 1851, to Miss Mary 
Gorshuch. This lad^- was a native of Maryland 
and the daughter of Joshua Gorshuch, who was 
likewise born in that State. The newly wedded 
})air commenced the journey of life together on a 
rented farm, and Jlr. Deardorff thus followed agri- 
cultural pursuits until 1856, when he determined 
to seek his fortunes elsewliere. Coming then to 
Kansas he located in Jackson County, pre-empting 
160 acres of land on section 20, Jefferson Town- 
ship. He put up a log house and lived in frontier 
style for nine years when he purchased the farm 
which he now owns and occupies. This comprises 
182 acres of prime land whereon he has erected a 
handsome residence and other buildings besides 
effecting the improvements naturally- suggested to 
the enterprising and progressive citizen. 

The following is a record of the children born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Deardorff: Joshua B., is farming 
in this township; Mary E., is the wife of George 
Helm of Pottawatomie County; William operates a 
farm in Jackson County; Laura is the wife of Will- 
iam Fairbanks of Jacksou County; ElHe is a teacher 
in the public schools at Circleville; Hugh is at home 
with his parents. The deceased are Xancy, who 
died at the age of eleven years; John, who w,as 



632 



PORTtlAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALfiUM. 




killed by lightning when four years old, and Charles 
who died at the age of eight, besides Jesse and 
Frank who were taken from the home circle in in- 
fancy. Mr. and Mrs. Deardorff are members in 
good standing of tiie Methodist Episcopal Church, 
while Mr. Deardorff, politically, votes with the Re- 
publican party. He takes a thorough interest in 
politics, keeping himself posted upon the current 
events of the da}'. He is well tiiought of in his 
community and is considered one of the best far- 
mers of Jackson County. He has served as Justice 
of the Peace, also as Township Trustee and Treas- 
urer, and at one time was a County Commissioner. 
A portrait of Mr. Deardorff, together with that 
of his wife, appears on another page of this vol- 
ume. 

I USSELL MAXSON, was a resident of Jef- 
ferson County from 1874, to the date of 
his death, April 7, 1886, and was a success- 
^pi ful, intelligent, and progressive farmer, and 
a man of upright character, highly respected by all 
who knew him. He was born in Chenango County, 
N. Y., near Oxford, and lived there until he was a 
young man, acquiring an excellent education, and 
receiving a diploma from the Binghamton Busi- 
ness College, in which he took a thorough course 
of study. He was a son of Russell and Sarah 
(Clark) Maxson, and his p.alernal grandfather also 
bore the name of Russell, while his maternal grand- 
father was Job Clark. 

On April 5, 1864, Mr. Maxson was united in 
marriage with Miss Hannah Alibie Babcock, whose 
acquaintance he had made while engaged as book- 
keejier and clerk in a village near her home. She 
was a native of Rhode Island, was born near West- 
erly, not far from the ocean, and lived there until 
her marriage. She was a daughter of George and 
Abbie (Brown) Babcock, and a grand-daughter of 
Jonathan and Elizabeth (\\'right) Babcock. Her 
maternal grandparents were James and Abbie (Wil- 
cox) Brown, and her grandfather Brown was the 
son of Christopher and Annie (Bramans) Brown. 
Christopher Brown was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary War, and served his country in helping to 
guard the coast, and preventing the British, who 



held Newport, from crossing to the main land. 
Later he received a pension. He was a descendant 
in the fifth generation of Chad Brown, who lived 
contemporaneously with Roger Williams, being a 
member of the latter's church, and also a Baptist 
minister. Chad Brown was the son of Peter Brown, 
who came over in the Maydower. 

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Max- 
son of this sketch, lived for a short lime with the 
parents of the groom, and then went West, "to 
grow up with the country." Tliey located a home- 
stead in Freeborn County, Minn., on the lonely' 
prairie, and there they made a dugout, which they 
occupied for two years. Their nearest ueighbors 
were three miles away. They had lived on the 
homestead about three j'ears, when Mrs. Maxson's 
health failed, and she returned to her Eastern home. 
She was carried to the depot in the arms of her 
friends, placed aboard the cars, and reaching her 
home, remained a year, recovering health and en- 
ergy in the salt sea air to which she had formerly 
been accustomed. She then returned to her hus- 
band, and they completed their occupancy of the 
land, proving up and securing their homestead, 
which they sold in 1869. 

Mr. and Mrs. Maxson then came to Kansas, and 
resided in Emporia for a year, going thence to 
Cowley Count}'^ before the survey was made, and 
taking a location on the bottom lands. The situa- 
tion proved unwholesome, and they were all taken 
sick, and returned to Emporia with neither monev 
nor stock, and for a while had a very hard time to- 
get enough to eat. Getting some money then from 
his land, Mr. Maxson purchased a span of mules, 
came into Jefferson County, and rented a tract of 
land which he operated for two vears. He then, in 
1874, purchased land in Norton Townsliip, where 
his family now lives, an<] which he reclaimed from 
its primitive condition to a well-cultivated acre- 
age, upon which he erected an excellent house and 
outbuildings, set out a good orchard, and enclosed 
the land with good fences. 

In the spring of 1886 the diphtheria entered the 
Maxson household, and three of the inmates fell 
victims to it. The tirst to yield was Ina Belle, a 
promising girl of sixteen years, who breathed her 
last March 1st, and whose death was followed bv 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



633 



that of her brother Clyde, two weeks later. On the 
7th of April tlie father fell a. victim to tlie same 
disease, and was laid beside his children. Mr. Max- 
son was of a nervous temperament and very im- 
pulsive, was generous to a fault, and was exceed- 
ingly kind to his family, bj^ whom his memory is 
held in loving remembrance. He was a member 
of the Seventh Day Ba|)tist Church, to which his 
family now belong. In politics, he was a Repub- 
lican. 

To Mr. Maxson and his estimable wife eleven 
children were born, six of whom now survive. The 
first born, and the oldest surviving member of the 
family, is Bertie; the next on the family roll was Ina 
Belle, whose death has been noted; Clifford is now 
eighteen years of age, and a young man of great 
promise, who is carrying on the farm for bis 
mother; Clyde was the next in order of birth; Al- 
fred, Franklin and Lyle are attending school; La- 
verue died in infancy; Klena is a school girl; Irwin 
and Mervin (twins), died when about one year old. 

In connection with this sketch of Mr. Maxson, 
we will briedy give his genealogical record. On 
the maternal side he is a descendant of John Clark, 
who was born Oct. 8, 1609, in Bedfordshire, 
England. In 1038 he came to Newport, R. I., in 
company with his brother, .Joseph, and six years 
afterward they organized a church, of which .lolin 
Clark was minister. They kept the seventh day, 
and practiced the l.aying-on of hands. John Clark 
died at the age of sixty -si.x j'ears, leaving no chil- 
dren. His brother, Joseph, had two sons, the eld- 
est of whom, also named Joseph, married, and 
became the father of a son, Thomas. From the lat- 
ter in the fourth generation, was descended Sarah 
Harris Clark, who married Russell M.axson, the 
father of our subject. 

On his father's side, Mr. Ma.vson w.as descended 
from John M.axson, whose father was said to have 
been murdered by the Indians. John Maxson mar- 
ried Mary Moshor about 1C64, was ordained Sept. 
20. 1708, and died in 1720, aged eighty-two years^ 
His wife died two years prior to his decease. Of 
their six children, Joseph mairicd Tacy Burdich, 
was ordained at Newport, and died in 1748. when 
about seventy-eight years of age. Of his four ciiil- 
dren. John was twice married, and liv his seeonil 



wife, had two children, the older being Jesse, who 
had a son and a grandson bearing . the name of 
Russell. The latter married Sarah Harris Clark, 
Oct. 28, 1828. 

^^^^^^ 

■^f AMES M. VANATTA. "WlLatever is worth 
doing at all, is worth doing well," and 
"Honest dealing," have been the mottoes of 
' the above-named gentleman, and to the 
fullillment of their teachings, and his practical 
business ability and good education, his success in 
life has been largely due. He attributes the greatest 
measure of it, however, to his excellent wife, who, 
he s.a3's, has done more than her share of the labors 
and borne more than her share of the hardships 
which led up to their pleasant surroundings and 
beautiful home. Their place is one of the finest in 
Jefferson County, the tasteful residence being one 
half mile from Nortonville, on an elevation that 
separates the waters of the Stranger and Delaware 
Rivers, and commands a fine view ot the surround- 
ing country. 

The parents of our subject, James and Katie 
Ann (Blobeck) A'anatta, removed to Iowa in 1834, 
and celebrated their golden wedding in May, 1886. 
Since that time the father has departed this life, 
while the mother still lives on the old place near 
Muscatine, where our subject was bom, and where 
he lived until some time after he bad reached man's 
estate. The natal day of our subject was Aug. 19, 
1848, and he acquired a first-class education, con- 
tinuing Ills attendance at school during the winters 
until he was twenty-one jears old. He was always 
a great home-body, and was often laughed at for 
remaining with his parents so continually' and so 
long. 

When twenty-four years old Mr. Vanatta made a 
trip to Kansas, returning the next season to his 
former home, where be was nnitcd in marriage 
with Miss Maggie Ramsey, a lady of rare taste, 
industry, good judgment and fine breeding, whose 
wlidle life work has been to make home attractive 
to her husband and to her three lovely children. 
She is a daughter of Robert Rarase}', vvho since her 
n)arriage h.as come to Jeflferson County with his 
faniilv. In the sijring of 1873 Mr. and Mis. Van- 



634 



PORTRAIT AND litOGRAPHlCAL ALBUM. 



atta came to Jefferson County, tlieir worldly pos- 
sessions then amounting to about $500. The young 
man had learned thecarpenter's trade and followed 
it after coming to Kansas. He bought a house and 
lot in Winchester, which he soon traded for sixty 
acres of land adjoining the farm which he now 
owns, and keeping a hand on the place, continued 
liis work at his trade. Nortonville was just start- 
ing into existence, and during- its first j^ears he did 
a great deal of contracting in tliat place, and many 
of its best buildings are the work of his hands and 
those of liis employes, among them being the Metho- 
dist Church. 

In 1878 Mr. Vanatta bouglit a farm in Norton 
Township from liis brother, who had purchased it 
a j-ear or two before, and which cost $3,500, a 
ver\- exorbitant price at tliat time. On this place 
he lias made his home, bringing it up to its present 
condition of Ijeaut3' and productiveness, and in 
188G adding to his landed estate eighty acres just 
across the road, the new piece being mostly prairie. 
He has the finest orchard in the county, consisting 
of 800 apple trees of the best varieties and of a 
thrifty nature. A tasty dwelling. 14x26 feet, with 
eighteen-foot posts, w.as erected in 1885; the two 
floors are each divided into four rooms, and a 
cellar was built under the whole and enclosed with 
a solid stone wall in a peculiar shape, which effect- 
ually keeps w'ater out of the cellar. 

Mr. Vanatta was the first to come to Kansas 
from his old neighborhood in Iowa, but others 
have followed, and now a dozen families, mostly 
his own and his wife '8 relations, are settled about 
liiin, and all have pros|)ered. Last year Mr. Van- 
atta made a trip to Lake Charles, La., where he 
thinks he will locate ere long, perhaps during the 
coming season. While there he met some of his 
relatives from Illinois, who had formerly lived 
across the river from Muscatine. 

Mr. ^'anatta is a Republican an<l belongs to a 
Republican famil3-. He was strongly opposed to 
the bonds of the county, and at one time spoke 
against their issuance in almost every school-house 
in the township. He belongs to the Farmers' 
Alliance and the Protective Association. He and 
his wife and their eldest daughter are meinbcr.s of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, since joining 




■which bodj' Mr. Vanatta has become very active in 
church and Sunday-school work. He was Superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school a year. Assistant 
Superintendent two 3'ears, and all the work de- 
volves on him. The eldest daughter of the fam- 
ily — Miss Cora — is sixteen 3^ears of age; the other 
members of the family are Ida and Lillie. All are 
attending school in Norton ville. and are .veil 
advanced for their years. 



ATHAN J. STARK. The Bioiutu-uicAL 
Album of Jefferson County would by no 
means be complete without due mention of 
Mr. Stark, a retired lumber dealer, and one of the 
oldest settlers in the city of Perry. His native 
place was in the vicinit}' of (ireenfield, M.ass., and 
the date of his birth Aug. 17, 1817. His father, 
Jedediah Stark, was born in Groton, Conn., and his 
paternal grandfather, Nathan Stark, was also a na- 
tive of that State. The latter farmed for a time 
among the Connecticut hills, and then removed to 
Vermont, where he spent his last, daj's. 

Jedediah Stark prosecuted farming in Franklin 
County, Mass., during his early life, then emigrated 
to Erie Count\% N. Y., locating in the Holland 
Purchase He spent his last years in Bennington. 
Vt. The mother was Lydia Stafford, a native of 
Connecticut, and the daughter of Stukeley .Stafford, 
likewise a native of that State, and a soldier of the 
Revolutionary War; he died in Franklin Count}', 
Mass. Mrs. Lydia Stark departed this life in Port- 
land, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., about 1845. She was 
the mother of seven children, all of whom, with the 
exception of the subject of this sketch, are deceased. 
Thev were named respectively: Betsej*, Maiy, l)e 
borah. Patience, Lj'dia, Stukele}', and Nathan J. 

Mr. Stark was eight years old when his parents 
removed to New York State, making the journey 
overland, and over the snow in sledges. He at- 
tended the common schools of Erie County, and 
when twentj'-three j'ears old, was apprenticed to 
the mason's trade, which he learned thoroughU-, 
and in due time eng.aged successfully as a con- 
tractor. In 1 843 he removed from Erie to Chau- 
tauqua County, where he sojourned five years. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



635 



We next tind Mr. Stark in Ingham County, Mich., 
« licie he followed his trade for a time, and finally 
secured 120 acres of wild land, from which he 
opened up a farm and prosecuted agriculture until 
18t)5. That year he changed his location to Henry 
County, 111., .spending the following summer in 
Kewanee. In the full of that year he turned his 
ste|)s toward the farther West, coming first to Law- 
rence, this .State. He onl\' remained here a short 
time, howev».r, returning within a few weeks to Illi- 
nois, but in the spring of 186G, he again sought the 
j'oung State of Kansas, bringing with him his fam- 
ily, and locating on a farm in the vicinity of Perry. 
Here he secured 160 acres on the Kaw bottoms, and 
became agent for the town site of Perry, in the in- 
terest of the Union Pacific Railroad Company with 
which he was connected twelve years. The first 
year of his arrival here he erected the Perry House, 
the first hotel in the town. He officiated as "mine 
host," and engaged in the real-estate business for 
a number of years. 

Finally, in 1880, JIi'. Stark formed a partnership 
with David Rarick, of St. I^ouis, Mo., and pur- 
chased the town site of Perry from the Union 
Pacific Railroad Companj'. He was fortunate in 
disi)osing of lots, and has put up a large number of 
dwellings. He is still largely interested in town 
property. In 1870 he embarked in the lumber 
trade, instituting the first yard in the town. He 
was snccessfid from the start, transacting a large 
business. In 1885 he took his son into partner- 
ship, aud under the firm name of X. J. Stark A: Son, 
thej' operated until 1889, when the son purchased 
his father's interest in the business, and the latter 
practically retiied. Mr. Stark has had the happy 
faculty of making a success of most anything which 
he has undertiiken, and being a liberal and public- 
spirited citizen, the people of this region have 
cause to look upon him m one of their public bene- 
factors. 

Mr. Stark was first married in Erie Count}', X. 
Y., Dec. 14. 1839, to Miss Mary Annis. This lady 
was born in Sudford, Orange Co., Vt., and died in 
Michigan in 1857, leaving five children, the eldest 
of whom, a son, Byron, is married and engaged in 
general merchandising at Petoskey, Mich.; Louisa 
died aged about thirty years; Martin when a lad of 



fourteen years, enlisted at the opening of the war 
in Company (i, 12th Michigan Infantry, and served 
until the close of the war. He was captured by 
the rebels, and held a prisoner at Tyler, Tex., 
seven or eight months. After the war closed he 
went South, and has been lost track of. Mary is 
deceased; Francis M. is a lumber dealer at Perry. 
The present wife of Mr. Stark, to whom he was 
married, June 14, 1858, iii Michigan, was in her 
girlhood Miss Harriet Van Guelder, a native of 
Lenawee County, that State. 

Politically, Mr. Stark is an uncompromising 
Democrat, and is in favor of prohibition. He served 
.IS .Justice of the Peace eight years in Michigan, 
and six years in Kansas, until resigning the office. 
He was Mayor of Perry two terms, and has held 
various other offices of trust and responsibility. 
In Michigan he was an active member of the I. O. 
O. F., and at present belongs to the Masonic lodge 
at Oskaloosa, and the Chapter at Lawrence. The 
Presbyterian Church at Perry acknowledges him. as 
one of its chief pillars. Although well advanced in 
years, Mr. Stark is hale and heartj', able to accom- 
plish, mentally and physically, moie than many 
30unger men. His good management and wise in- 
vestment of capital have rendered him inde[)en- 
dent. financiallv. 



— 5-<-i-^^^^:€H-t- 



^^EORCiE H. McP] 
||| g=- is the owner of 
%3! fertile land in J 



^^^EORCiE H. Mcpherson. This gentleman 
several hundred acres of 
Jefferson County and is an 
old settler of Kansas, in which he first located in 
1854. He has had a varied experience in frontier 
life as a pioneer farmer, and as a freighter over the 
Western plains and mountains, and many a page 
might be filled with incidents vvhicli he h.as wit- 
nessed or in which he has participated, but which 
it is impossible to include in a volume of this na- 
ture, and which, though interesting to read, would 
pi'ove still more entertaining if given liy word of 
month by Mr. McPheison himself. 

The subject of this brief .sketch is a native of 
Kentuck}- and a descendant of an ancient and hon- 
orable Scotch ancestry. His grandfather, Alex- 
ander McPherson, left the land of Bruce and Wal- 



63 G 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lace prior to the Revolutionary War to become a 
citizen of the New World, and sympathizing 
thoroughly with the colonists in the determination 
to avoid "taxation without representation." he 
served six years under Gen. Waslu'ngton in tlie 
first great struggle for American Independence. 
His first settlement was made in Virginia, whence 
he moveil to Kentucky, being one of the first set- 
tlers in the section where he made his home, and 
entering it shortly after the renowned frontiersman 
and scout, Daniel Boone, after whom the county 
was named. His death took place about the year 
1830, on the old homestead in the Blue Grass State. 
His grandson, our subject, lias »■ broad-ax which 
was owned by him and that did the liewing for a 
large settlement in that Stale, and with which the 
father of our subject did tlie hewing for his cabin 
upon first coming to Atchison County, Kan. The 
weapon is yet a good one and capable of still farther 
frontier service in the hands of an etticient woods- 
man. 

The father of our subject also bears the name of 
Alexander and he fallowed farming in his native 
State, Kentucky, for some 3ears. Tiiere he married 
Miss Tirzah Hughes, a native of Boone County, 
who bore him six children. Alexander F., who 
was next younger than our subject, died in Jack- 
son County, Mo., in A|)ril, 1846, unmarried. 
Thomas J. departed this life in the same count}' in 
December. 1848, he also being single. Sarah Kliza- 
beth married John Taj'lor, and lives near Atchison, 
Kan., where their home has been since 1854; they 
have four sons and two daughters. Cliarlotte, who 
died in M.aj-, 1855, in Atchison, Kan., was the wife 
of James Wigglesworth; they had one child, Will- 
iam, who was murdered in Buchanan County, Mo., 
in 1885, as the result of a quarrel originating in 
a horse trade. Martha Ann was the wife of John 
M. Hendrickson; she died at the residence of our 
subject in February, 1887, leaving three sons. 

The natal d,a\' of our subject was Jul}- 30, 1822. 
and his birthplace the paternal homestead in Boone 
Countv, Ky. He received the usual training of a 
farmer's son in a new country, acquiring as thorough 
an education as could be obtained in the schools of 
that day, which were kept up by subscription, and 
which were held in the old-fashioned log school- 



houses with puncheon floors, slab benches, and 
greased paper windows. He was a lad of thirteen 
}'ears when his parents moved to Missouri, settling 
in Jackson County, twelve miles below Indepen- 
dence. There they remained until 1851. when 
they changed their residence to Buchanan County. 
In the meantime, in 1847, he of whom we write 
had gone to Platte County and settled near Wes- 
ton, and the following spring went back to Jack- 
son County, where he remained a3ear, after which 
he began freighting on the plains from Ft. Leav- 
envvorth to Sante Fe. one trip consuming nearly 
six months time. He was in the employ of J. B. 
Smith & Co., Government freighters, and upon 
quitting them i-eturned to Jackson County and 
sojourned in Sibley a twelvemonth. 

During this time Mr. McPherson had been 
investing his savings in land and endeavoring to 
accumulate property and attain to a position of 
comfortable financial standing and prosperity. On 
M.ay 16, 1850, he landed where East Atchison, 
Mo., now is, and where at that time there was noth- 
ing but a wood-yard, and selecting a location three 
miles east, entered 160 acres of Government land. 
He remained there until the fall of 1854, when he 
pre-empted a quarter section seven miles northwest 
of Atchison, Kan., on the Atchison and Topeka 
road. His father settled there at the same time, 
taking an adjoining claim, and his brother William 
and sister Martha came West with their parents. 

Mr. McPherson passed through the troublous 
times of Kansas" histor}' without experiencing any 
serious difficulty. He was a Pro-slavery man and 
believed in giving the States equal rights under 
the Constitution, and desired that the question as 
to shwery in Kansas should be left to actual set- 
tlers and not to squatters. During 1862 he engaged 
in freighting from Atchison to Denver and to Ft. 
Smith, Ark., running two outfits with five yoke of 
oxen each to the latter place. 

Six years after locating in the neighborhood of 
Atchison, Mr. McPherson purchased an additional 
160 acres, and in 1864 sold out the entire half sec- 
tion, and in the fall of the following year bought 
another farm in Atcliison Countj', consisting of 
320 acres. On this he remained until 1883. when 
he sold and removed to this county, settling in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



637 



Oskaloosa Township, on the place where he now 
resides. He first Durchased 410 acres, subsequently 
adding 128 acres, making the flue estate of 538 
acres. He has since let his oldest son have eighty 
acres and his landed estate now comprises 458 
acres of iniprovcil and valuable land. Tpon his 
estate are found commoiiious and substantial farm 
buildings, a windmill and other improvements such 
as might be expected on the farm of a prosperous 
and progressive .\griculturist. The residence wliich 
he now occupies was erected in 1886, and is a two- 
story frame structure, 40x16 feet, with a an "L" 
16x2!t feet, convenient in design and attractive in 
appearance. 

Mr. McPlierson is engaged in general and mixed 
farming, and raises liigh grades of Short-horn and 
Jersey cattle for the mai ket. and also Clydesdale, 
Xorman and Morgan horses, and Poland-Cliina 
hogs. He is a thorough going Democrat and has 
set as a delegate in several county conventions 
and also .acted in that capacity during tlie State 
convention in 1882, when (iovernor Glick was 
nominated. He holds membership in the A. F. & 
A. IM. fraternity. He is a member of the Missionary 
Baptist and his wife of tlie Ciirislian Church, and 
l)oth are accorded a due measure of regard for their 
good qualities and intelligent, upright lives. 

Tlie first marriage of Mr. McPlierson took place 
in Missouri, Oct. 21. 1846, and his worthy com- 
panion was removed from hiin by the hand of death 
on the 4th of Jnly, 1864, the sad event occurring 
near Atchison. Kan. Siie was burn in 1825. and 
was therefore thirty-nine years of age at the time of 
her decease. She left four children, of whom the 
first born, Zenas, is now living in Oregon and is 
unmarried ; Luther is also single; Malinda is still 
at home; Sarah married Charles Meadowcroft and 
they live on a part of her father's farm. 

The rites of wedlock were celebrated between 
Mr. McPhersou and his second wife Nov. 25, 1864, 
and their union has resulted in the birth of two 
children; Mary and Alice. Mary is tiie wife of 
Arthur Kvans, lives a half-mile west of her pater- 
nal home, and is the mother of one child. Alice 
still resides under the parental roof. The maiden 
name of the present Mrs. McPher.son was Hes- 
ter A. Rowe and she was the widow of Daniel 



D. Hendricks, by whom slie had four children. 
John D. is a dentist in Hollister, Cal.; he married 
Miss Emma Cooper and the\- have five children. 
William E. is unmarried and lives in Tulare 
County, Cal. Daniel D. married Miss Florence 
(lartside, and died when twenty-three years old, 
leaving no children. Henry T. is a single man and 
is engaged in the i)ractice of dentistry at Hanford, 
Cal. 

-l^^- 



E 



MAXl'EL AULT, who is the occupant of a 
fine brick residence in Valley Falls and the 
owner of other valuable property in Jeffer- 
son Count}', has been a resident of Kansas for eight- 
een years, and is a valued citizen, his manly and 
upright character, his superior intelligence, and his 
financial ability, alike meriting the respect of his as- 
sociates. He has passed his three score years and ten, 
and can look back over a well-spent life, rejoicing 
in the successful outcome of his efforts, enjoying 
his well-earned i)rosperity, and moving gently for- 
ward to the eternal reward after earthly life has 
ceased. 

The natal day of our subject was Nov. 2, 1818, 
and his place of birth in Ross County, Ohio, and 
his parents, William and Mary (Cross) Ault, both 
of whom were born in the Old Dominion. They 
went to Ohio in 1816. settling in a heavily wooded 
region and rearing a family of seven children. 
Three daughters: P^sther A., Mary and Emily are 
now deceased; our subject. Reason, William, and 
Ambrose survive. The father died on the old 
homestead in 1852. and the mother survived until 
1870, when she breathed her last in Cliillicothe, 
Ohio. 

His boyhood having been spent in a region which 
was at that time considered far out on the frontier, 
the earliest recollections of Mr. Ault are of the 
farm life of such settlements, and of educational 
work pursued in subscri[)tion schools whieh were 
held in buildings of the most primitive construction. 
A log cabin with a clapboard roof, windows of a 
single row of lights, where a log had been left out. 
split pole seats, desks formed by placing boards on 
pins in the wall, a stick chimney, and a huge fire- 
place in one enil of the building — these were the 



638 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



surroundings under which he acquired a good 
knowledge of the elemental-)- branches of an English 
education. 

After attaining sufficient years and knowledge, 
Mr. Aiilt taught school during the winter seasons 
for several 3'ears, teaching- two terras in his home 
district, and in intervals carrying on agricultural 
pursuits in his native county. In 1845, he moved 
to Allen County, Ind., and located in the woods 
twelve miles west of Ft. Wayne, where he literally 
hewed a home from the wilderness, himself cutting 
the logs to build his house and clearing a spot on 
which to raise sufficient crops to support life. lie 
returned to his native county in 1 848 and continued 
his vocation of farming there until 1869, when he 
removed to Jackson County, Mo., settling on a 
prairie farm. 

After a sojourn in Missouri of about two years, 
Mr. Ault sold his property there and removed to 
Olathe, Kan., and in the spring of 1872, to a farm 
in Johnson County, twelve miles distant. This 
estate he operated until the spring of 1887, when 
he sold it and the following fall bought the resi- 
dence which he now occupies and became a dweller 
in Valley Falls. lie purchased another brick resi- 
dence on coming here, and he now owns three 
residence properties iu the city, a farm of 160 acres 
two miles west, and seventy-five acres two miles 
south, of 'N'alley Falls. 

On Nov. 17, 1842, Mr. Ault celebrated his mar- 
riage to Miss F^lizabeth Ortman, daughter of John 
Ortman, of Maryland, who was a pioneer of Ross 
County, Ohio, where Mrs. Ault was born. The 
union has been blessed by the birth of eight chil- 
dren and the parents have been bereaved of two 
sons — Lyman, who died in his twenty-first year and 
Austin at the age of twenty-eight years. The sur- 
vivors are: John W., Addison, William Fletcher, 
Mary C., Elda A. and Sarah E. John married 
Lizzie Jliddleton and lives in Colorado; their fam- 
ily comprises three children — Mabel E., Olive and 
an infant son. Addison married Mary A. McEl- 
wain, lives in Delaware Township. Jefferson County, 
and has five sons — Alvin. W., Arthur L., James 
Perc}', Ilarle)' A., and Warren O. Mar^' married 
Thomas Jefferson Long, also of this county and has 
four children: Sarah I., John E., Fletcher and 



Alraa E. EWa married William A. Penisten, also 

of this count)', and lias one child — Flora E. The 
deceased son, Austin, was the husband of Emma 
Nichols and the father of one daughter, Nellie May. 

Our subject's grandfather, William Ault, was a 
native of Germany and so also were both the grand- 
fathers of Mrs. Ault, her gr.andfather Ortman 
having come to America when eighteen years old. 
Her father was a soldier in the War of 1812. 

Mr. Ault is a sturdy Hepul)lican. He never 
seeks office but was persuaded to fill the position of 
Townsiiip Tiustee in Ohio for several years. He 
and his wife are membeis in good standing in the 
Methodist Episco|)al Church. 



^ 



WILLIAM HARRISON WIBLE takes rank 
among the leading farmers of Jefferson 
^ ^. County, and his hijmc in Kavv Townshi|) is 
one of the finest and most attractive to be seen in 
travei-sing the country round about. He is one of 
the old soldiers to whom the Nation is indebted for 
the preservation of the Union, and the prosperity 
and peace which now Mess us. He has high stand- 
ing in the community as a progressive farmer, an 
intelligent and trustworthy citizen, and a man of 
honor and uprightness in his private character. 

In the paternal line Mr. Wible is of German 
descent and ou his mother's side he comes of good 
Irish stock. The Wibles were for many years resi- 
dents of Pennsylvania, and Andrew Wible, the 
gr.andf.ather of our subject was born in Lancaster 
County, that State. He became an early settler iu 
Allegheny County, first engaging in teaming at 
Lawrenceville and Pittsburg and subsequently oc- 
cupying himself with agricultural pursuits, and 
becoming quite well-to-do. His son, Adam, w.as 
born in Allegheny County, became a land owner 
and a prominent farmer there, and died at the age 
of forty- four years. He was a Democrat and a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. The wife 
of Adam Wible, bore the maiden name of Jane 
English, was born in Count}- Tjrone, Ireland, and 
came to Allegheny County, Pa., with her father 
when she was seventeen years old. Nine children 
were born to her and her husband, five of whom 



1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



641 



lived to mature years; of these our sulgect and 
one sister alone survive. IMar3', (Jlrs. Ingram), 
Lizzie and Margaret are deceased; Mrs. Sarah Had 11 
lives in Allegheny Count}-, Pa. Mrs. Jane Wible 
died in the Keystone State in Decembei', 1873. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch 
was born near Allegheny Cit}', Pa., Oct. 6, 1841, 
and reared on the farm, receiving common-school 
advantages during his early boyhood. His father 
died when he was only eleven years old, and his 
mother and her children carried on the farm, of 
which- our subject had charge from the time he 
was fifteen j'ears old. On attaining his majority 
in October, 1862, he enlisted in Company G., 14th 
Pennsylvania Cavalry, was mustered into the 
Union service at Pittsburg and sent to Harper's 
Ferry. There the command did j^icket duty, 
scouting and skirmishing to protect the place under 
the orders of Gen. French. 

In June, 1863. when Lee crossed the river, the 
Union forces were ordered to evacuate Harper's 
Ferry, and went to Frederick City, Md., scouting 
between Lee's army and the Potomac River. They 
burned the pontoon bridge on which the Confeder- 
ate forces had crossed the river, and Mr. Wible 
carried a part of the way the two gallon jug of 
coal oil which was used in starting the blaze. The 
command had a skirmish with the guard that was 
left and took some prisoners. Returning to 
Frederick City they joined Pleasanton's cavalry 
command, crossed the river and went down the 
valley to Hedgeville where they rejoined the re- 
mainder of their regiment. They had a skirmish 
at Hedgeville, and then went on a raid through 
Western Virginia. 

A skirmish at Warm Springs and the battle of 
R(>cky Gap were the last of Mr. Wible's active 
work for a time. During the battle at the Gap he 
was shot in the left shoulder, a minie ball pene- 
trating and cutting through part of the lung, 
causing him to spit blood. The regiment was dis- 
mounted at the time, and as the shot struck Mr. 
Wible while he was slightly stooped in getting 
ready to fire his life was saved, but the wound 
would have been fatal had the ball struck him a 
trifle lower. He was taken prisoner Aug. 27, 1863, 
and lay in the Rebel hospital at White Sulpur 



Springs nearly two months with no care but that 
bestowed upon him b}' his comrades. A wonder- 
fully strong constitution enabled him to pull 
through but for many months he was unfit for duty. 
The prisoners were taken to Richmond, Va.. and 
after si)ending a few days in Libby Prison were 
confined in Pemberton Warehouse three weeks. 
Mr. Wible being thought unfit for duty, was pa- 
roled and exchanged at Cit}- Point in November. 
18G3, and being sent to Annapolis, received the 
very best of treatment at the hospital. His wound 
healed in about a year, although he still bears the 
deep marks, the bullet having taken out a piece of 
the collar bone. He was placed in the 2d Battalion 
of Veteran Reserves and as soon as he was able 
did hospital dut}- until he was honorably dis- 
charged in Mai-ch, 1864, at Annapolis .Tunction, b}' 
order of Gen. Lew Wallace. 

Being obliged to abandon all thought of fmilier 
service in the army Mr. Wible returned home and 
carried on the farm until the spring of 1868. when 
he came to Kansas. He purchased 160 acres of 
land, which was partly improved, and for which 
he paid $3,500, and turned his whole attention to 
farming, in which he has been more than ordinarily 
successful. He now owns 299 acres of valuable 
land with exceptionally fine buildings and all need- 
ful improvements, including an orchard six acres 
in extent. The place is supplied with water by a 
never failing spring, has fine pasture lands, and an 
ample acreage devoted to tame grass. Mr. Wible 
raises and feeds cattle and hogs, and ships his own 
stock. He also has driving horses of half grade, 
Membrino Messenger and Echo Chief stock. The 
beautiful dwelling in which the family now resides 
was erected in 1889 and its internal ap|)earance is 
as indicative of the taste and housewifely skill of 
the mistress of the home, as is the order which 
reigns without a manifestation of the enterprise 
and capability of our subject. On another page 
of this volume will be found a view of their com- 
modious residence. 

Topeka, Kan., was the scene of an interesting 
event when on Dec. 30, 1869, W. H. Wible was 
joined in holy wedlock with Miss Mary Armstrong. 
The bride was born in Butler County. Pa., .Ian. 28, 
1848, and when sixteen years old came to Leav(.n- 



612 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



woi'th, Kan., becoming an inmate of her brother's 
home and since that lime continuing to reside in 
this State. Her father, Thomas Armstrong, was 
born in Westmoreland County, Pa., whence he 
went to Butler County, where he engaged iu farm- 
ing. He belonged to the Pennsylvania State 
Militia, was appointed Ensign by Gov. Findley in 
1814, and Second Lieutenant by Gov. Schulze in 
1828. He was a proir.inent and enterprising man 
and was for years a member of the Presli3'terian 
Church. His death took place April 3, 1860, when 
he had reached tlie age of seventy-three j'ears. 
His wife. Frances, daughter of Daniel Drake, was 
born in Washington County, Pa„ and was a lineal 
descendant of Sir Francis Drake, whose exploits 
belong to the history of the early navigation of 
American waters. She died Oct. 3, 187-5, at the 
age of seventy-five years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were the parents of 
twelve children : David H. now lives in Mercer 
County, Pa.; Samuel, in South Topeka, Kan.; 
James is deceased; Susannah, now Mrs. McNees, 
lives in Butler County, Pa. ; Sarah A. is deceased ; 
George W. resides in Butler County. Pa.; Rebecca, 
Jlrs. McCune. in Lawrence County. Pa.; Archibald 
is deceased. 'J'homas enlisted in the 13-tth Penus\l- 
vania Infantry for a nine month's term of service, 
and after being honorably discharged re-enlisted as 
a member of the 100th Pennsylvania or the 
'•Roundhead Regiment;" he participated iu several 
battles among them being the Wilderness and 
Spottsj'lvania, where he was killed. Alexander W. 
also belonged to the 100th Pennsylvania Infantry, 
he enlisted in 1862, and had served a year when he 
was honorably discharged on account of physical 
disability; he has since died. While serving his 
countr}-, he w.as at one time with his regiment en 
route from Beaufort, S. C, their vessel ran into 
another, and the terrible collision threw a number 
of soldiers into the ocean. Among them was 
Alexander, who lemained in tiie water three 
and one-half hours, and contracted a cold from 
which he never fully recovered. Frances J., now 
;\Irs. tiuackenlnish, lives in Holton, Kan., and 
Mm V E. is the wife of our subject. 

'I. I Mr. and Mrs. VViblo four children have been 
born — John C, Laura F., Daisy and Chester, They 



are receiving the very best advantages in the way 
of schooling and home training, and bid fair to do 
honor to their father and mother. Mr. Wible be- 
longs to Meridan Post, No. 160, G. A. R., and is a 
stanch Republican. He declines all offices, finding 
siifticient tooccup}- his time in his personal affairs 
and the ordinary duties of citizenship. 










LONZO W. ROBINSON, editor and pro- 
prietor of the " Valley Falls New Era," is, 
in addition to being a lively journalist, a 
Vg man ])ersonally possessing great magnetism 

and one who draws around him warm friends wher- 
ever he goes. He is of that sanguine and com- 
panionable disposition which enables him to make 
the best of life and circumstances and in the call- 
ing to which lie is now devoting himself, he is a 
pronounced success. 

Mr. Robinson was born in the village of JNIead- 
ville, Crawford Co., Pa., April 5, 1851, and is the 
son of William W. Robinson, deceased, who was a 
native of Beaver Falls that State. The latter was 
a stone mason by trade and was likewise a man of 
breeding and education, greatly interested in the 
subject of phrenology upon which he delivered 
lectures for many years. The maiden name of the 
mother was Melissa Moore; she was born in Mead- 
ville. Pa., and bore her husband two children onlv, 
Alonzo W. and Cari ie. The latter is the wife of 
Dr. Cowan of Vallej^ Falls. William W. Robinson 
departed this life at his home in March 1877. His 
wife is living and makes her home with her children 
in \'alk\y Falls. 

The subject of this notice when leaving his na 
tive State, in 1856, with his parents, was only five 
years old. Thev settled in Perr^', Pike Co., III., 
whence they came to this State in the spring of 
1861, locating at first in Topeka. In the fall of 
that year they changed their residence to Valley 
Falls which h.as been the home of Alonzo W. 
since that lime, although he was at one period 
absent several years. When a lad of eleven he 
entered the office of the old Topeka Record where 
he commenced learning the printer's trade, He 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



643 



woi'ked there five or six months, then coming to 
"\'alley Falls worked in the pnruing office during 
the summer seasons and attended school in the 
winter. He was thus em[)loyed in tiie offices of the 
Gazette, the Jefferson fan and Neir £'ca until gaining 
a thorough knowledge of the business. When 
about seventeen years old joung Robinson went to 
.Tenkin's Mills. Neb., where he established the 
Little Blue, which he published nine months with a 
partner. Then disposing of his interest in the 
business he established the Western Nen-s at De- 
troit, Dickinson County, this State, which he con- 
ducted nearly one year at that place, then removed 
the material to Marion Center, where in 1873, he 
established the first pa|)er in the county-, naming 
this also the Western Netrs. Later this was merged 
into the Marion Record and is now one of the lead- 
ing papers of Kansas, being conducted by lion. 
Ya\ Hoch, a member of the Legislature. Mr. 
Robinson sold out again in 1874, returning to 
Valley Falls, and the following year eslaulished the 
Pike County Express in Curryville, Mo. This he 
likewise conducted one year. While a resident of 
that State he was married Dec. 24, 1876 at Curi-3'- 
ville to Miss Julia G., daughter of Squire J. Har- 
ve3^ Mitchell. He returned to Vallej- Falls on the 
1st of .Taunary, 1877 and In the summer of 1878, 
returning to Topeka, became local editor of the 
daily Journal sojourning there three mouths 

We next find Mr. Robinson as De|Hity Postmas- 
ter of Valley Falls which position he lield until in 
November, 1881, when he accepted the nomination 
on the Republican Prohibition ticket as Clerk of 
the district court. lie was defeated at the election 
but sojourned here until in Januarj', 1883. Then, 
going to AVinchester, he purchased the Argus 
which he conducted until January, 1888, at which 
time he returned to Valley Falls, bringing with 
him his press .and material and continuing the pub- 
lication of the Xeii: Era. 

The New Era is the oldest paper in Valley Falls. 
In politics it is radically Republican and enjoys a 
wide circulation. In form, it is an eight-column 
folio and is mostly devoted to local matters, ad- 
vocating what it believes to be right regardless of 
fear and favor. Jlr. Robinson is quite prominent 
in political affairs and during the Presidential elec- 



tion of 1888, was presidential elector from the first 
district. He is the proud father of three boys who 
were all born in the month of February, on Sunday 
and five years apart — Paul S., Feb. 17, 1878; 
Clyde. Feb. IG, 1 88:5 and Leland. Feli. 2(5. 1888. 
Mr. Robinson is a member in good standing of the 
Congregational Church and prominent iu Masonic 
circles. He also belongs to the 1. O. (). F. and the 
A. O. U. W. He occupies a neat home and with 
his estimable wife enjoys the acquaintance and 
friendship of the best people of his comrannity. 



-Er- 



BRAHAM R. HOSLER is an honored pio- 
^W l "''•^r of Jefferson Conntj', and a man who 

ill « has endured numerous hardships, trials ami 
^ afflictions, including financial lo-sses and 

family bereavements, but survives them all. His 
early life was passed amid frontier surround- 
ings, his boyhood home being a little house in ihe 
Pennsjdvania hills, far away from anj- town and in 
a very sparsely settled section. The limited edu- 
cational advantages which he enjoyed were in a 
subscription school, whose teachers vvere generall3' 
of the "ox-gad" persuasion. The temple of learn- 
ing was a log-cabin, with puncheon floor, and slab 
seats, and the writing-desks formed of other slabs 
on longer legs; the door was of clapboards with 
wooden hinges, and a wooden latch and string 
formed its only fastening; the roof was also of clap; 
boards, with knees and weight i)oles, and the chim- 
ney- was of sticks and mud; a huge fireplace in one 
end of the room, into which b.acklogs were hauled 
by a horse, furnished the pupils with beat, at least 
on the side toward the fire. 

The parents of our subject were George B. and 
Catherine (Rorebaugh) Hosier, both natives of 
York County, Pa., and the parents of six children, 
namely: Henry, Abraham, Leah (Mrs. Rule), 
Samuel R., Elizabeth (Mrs. Steffey). and George 
R. The first and third born of these children are 
now deceased. The father was a carpenter and 
joiner, and was a soldier iu the War of 1812. 

Abraham Hosier was born in York County, Pa., 
Jan. 9, 1818, and was a lad of fourteen years when 
his parents removed to Perry Township, Richland 



G4-1 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Co., Ohio, settling in the forest where they were 
surrounded by wild animals, and with Indians in 
the near vicinity. He learned the carpenter's and 
joiner's trade with his father, and followed it for 
twenty-one years in succession, and for three years at 
a still later period. In 1859, he went to Andrew 
County, Mo., and the following year to Jefferson 
County, Kan., locating April 15. of that year, on 
section 26, Delaware Township, p.aying $10 per 
acre for the quarter-section which he purchased. 
His farm has been well improved, and is well 
managed and devoted to the purposes of farming 
and stock-raising. Theresid(Mice, with its contents, 
was destroyed by fire .lune IC, 1888, but Mr. Hos- 
ier rebuilt at once. He received $900 insurance 
on the ruined edifice. He raises Poland-China and 
Berkshire hogs and graded Short-horn cattle. 

Mr. Hosier has been married three times and 
is the father of twent\- children. His first matri- 
monial contract was entered upon March 20, 1842. 
his bride being Elizabeth, daughter of John and 
Susan (Hible) Spencer, who was born in Penns3-1- 
vania. Mrs. Hosier died in .January, 1844, having 
borne one child, who is now deceased. Mr. Hos- 
ier was again married in December, 1845, lieing 
then united with Harriet, daughter of Jacob Dief- 
enbaugh, deceased. This union resulted in the 
birth of nine children, five of whom are now living, 
and of them we note the following: George W. 
married Etta Coffman; they live in Mitchell 
Count}-. Kan., and have three children — Etta E., 
Edith and Catherine. Sarah married Ernest Sum- 
morfield, of Delaware Township. Jetfcrson County, 
and has five children — John, George, Ellen. Bertha 
and Ernest L. Henry married Lovina Sn^-der, and 
lives in Jewell County. Kan., being the father of 
six children, three of wliom are deceased; the liv- 
ing are Francis A.. Alva E. and Preston. Eugene 
A. married Lenora Slrawn, and lives in Delaware 
Township, Jefferson Count}-, having five children. 
two deceased; the living are Ethel. Miller and 
Herbert. Damon W. married Laura Gordon, and 
has one child — E^ffie ; his home is also in Delaware 
Township. The mother of these children, Mrs. 
Iltirriet Hosier, departed this life Jan. 31, 1861. 
The third companion of Mr. Hosier bore the 
Ml! ideii name of Martha E. May and was a native 



of Virginia, who accompanied her parents, Mr. 
and Mrs. George W. May, in 1857. to Kansas. 
The rites of wedlock were celebrated between her 
and our subject Aug. 14, 1852, and they became 
the parents of ten children, of whom seven now 
survive — William J., John L., Dora C, Laura E., 
James F.. Martha A. and Francis A. . William 
married Dais}' Whitman, and lives in Denison, 
Kan.; they have one son — William A. Dora mar- 
ried Carl Painter, of Delaware Township. Jefferson 
County, and has borne one child, now deceased. 
Mrs. Martha Hosier was removed by death in Sep- 
tember, 1880. 

Mr. Hosier takes no interest in politics, except- 
ing so far as to exercise the elective franchise, and 
is not a party man, although when he came to 
Kansas he was a Free-State Democrat. He is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
has high standing in society, and in the esteem of 
the citizens in general. 



^Yi'AMES DAVID is now carrying on in JeiTer- 
S(m County the occupation to which he 
was reared, and in which all his mature 
years have been spent. His farm is located 
in Kentucky Township, about one mile from the 
town of Jledina, and was purchased by him about 
three years ago for ><48 per acre. It has the fertile 
soil of the Kansas bottoms, is well watered, and 
well adapted for both grain and stock-raising. The 
entire estate is well fenced, and some marked im- 
provements have been made upon it by iSIr. David, 
among them being a barn .34x54 feet, a well-luiilt 
carriage house, eommoilious corn-cribs, granaries, 
etc., and a large dwelling of tasty design, good con- 
struction and most comfortalile furnishings. Sixty 
acres of the estate are devoted to the culture of 
tame grass, and corn and wheat are the chief crops 
of grain. Thoroughbred Short-horn cattle are 
raised and full-blooded Poland-China hogs, and 
Mr. David ships from 100 to 150 swine per year to 
Kansas Citj". Two teams of good draft horses are 
kept constantly erai)loyed upon the place. 

Mr. David is next to the youngest in a family of 
seven children, and was Ijorn in Kent Count}-, Del., 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



G45 



near the city of Dover, Sept. 10, 1848. lie was 
hrouglit up on a farm and attended a log school- 
liouse, ac'Cpiiriiig a common-school education by an 
attendance of about one montii per year. His 
father liaving died when young Janus was eleven 
years old, he was reared l)y an uncle until eigh- 
teen years of age, wlien he hired out on a farm. 
After a few years spent thus, he rented a farm and 
operated it for himself a twelvemonth. 

In the spring of 1870 young David came to 
Wyandotte, Kan., and spent four years in the la- 
bors of a farm hand, working by the month. He 
was tlien married and rented a farm upon which ho 
made his home for a year, after which he took pos- 
session of eighty acres vvhjeh he then owned ten 
miles from Kansas Citj-. This was timber land on 
the Kansas River, and he cleared it all, put it un- 
der excellent improvements, and so increased its 
value that in the spring of 1887 he sold it for $200 
per acre. He then came to Perry and bought the 
place which he now occupies, since which time 1k- 
he has continued to reside in this county. 

Both the grandparents of Mr. David were own- 
ers of large tracts of land and carried on agricul- 
tural pursuits on an extensive scale. His 
grandfather David, was a large slave-owner and 
planter, and was a soldier during the Revolutionary 
War. Our subject's father, Reese David, was born 
and reared in Delaware, and also engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits there until his death, in 18(17. He 
was a strong Democrat, and engaged to a consider- 
able extent in political s|)oaking. He belonged to 
the Methodist Episcoi)al Church .South. The ma- 
ternal grandfather, Isaac Hazel, was also a politi- 
cian of considerable prominence in Delaware, 
where he lived to the age of four-score years. His 
daughter Susan, became the wife of Reese David, 
b}' whom she had seven children, and she now lives 
in her native State with one of her sons. Margaret. 
John, Mary and Susan, the first four children born 
to Mr. and Mrs. David are now dead; Nemira is 
now living in Delaware; and in that Stale, Reese 
also resides. 

James David, of whom we write, was married on 
Christmas Day, 1874, to Miss Sarah Grinter, the 
ceremony taking place at Kansas City, Mo. The 
bride, who is a ladv of intelligence and estimable 



character, was born in Wyandotte County, and ed- 
ucated in the Wyandotte schools. She is a daughter 
of J. C. Grinter. and her ancestry are noted in 
the sketch of her fatlier who is represented else- 
where. ^h•. an<l Mrs. David are tlie parents of five 
bright children, named respectively: Etta, Clara, 
Maude, Emory and James. 

Mr. David is a sturdy Democrat. His wife be- 
longs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Botli 
are well liked by their neighbors and associates, 
and their independent Bnam'ial circumstances give 
them abundant opportunity to assist in good works, 
and bestow hospitality upon Lheir friends, and to 
give their children every advantage which jwren- 
tal love can desire, or which will aid them in at- 
taining useful and honorable lives. 



^:*^^t^iJ^^^:5<^- 




^^OBERT M. McCLURE. Some fifteen years 
ago this gentleman began the work of 
farming and stock-raising in Jefferson 
'^) County, upon raw land which he had pre- 
viously purchased in Kentucky Township. He owns 
220 acres, all under cultivation, enclosed and di- 
vided into fields by hedge and wire fences, and 
bearing a well-built house, barns and other need- 
ful buildings. Tlie land is watered and fertilized 
by Devil's Branch, and is made uj) of 120 acres on 
section 10, and 100 acres on section 11. Mr. IMc- 
Clure raises wheat and corn, and good grades of 
hogs and cattle, feeding some stock also, and em- 
ploying two teams upon his farm. He is in ex- 
cellent financial circumstances, and since he first 
came to Kansas in the fall of 1865 his path in life 
has been a prosperous one. 

Mr. ;\IcClure is a son of the Hon. Robert Me- 
Clure who was born in Grafton County, N. II., 
Sept. 23, 1799, and a grandson of Samuel McClure, a 
native of Goffstown, Hillsboro Co., N. H., a farmer, 
and one of the first settlers in Groton. The wife 
of Samuel McClure was Annie Kemp, daughter of 
Capt. Kemp, a native of England, who had been 
drafted into the army and sent to America to fight 
the French. After the French and Indian War he 
settled in New Hampshire, and when the Revolu- 
tion began, entered the conflict as a minute man 



UG 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and was Orderly Sergeant at the battle of Bunker 
Hill, subsequentlj- receiving a Captains's commis- 
sion. He was killed at Stillwater, where Gen. 
Burgoyne's army was defeated. 

Hon. Robert McClure after reaching years of 
matiirit}' engaged in farming, and became a promi- 
nent man and a large land owner. He not onlj' 
represented his town in the State Legislature in 
1844-'45, being Chairman of the County Board of 
Selectmen, but was also Justice of the Peace for 
forty 3'ears. and a Captain in the New Hampshire 
State Militia for several years, and was known as 
Squire and Captain. In politics he was a Demo- 
crat and in I'eligious belief a Universalist. He 
married Ruth P. Emerton, who was born in Gro- 
ton, N. H., and was a daughter of Thomas Emer- 
ton, a farmer of that State, who died in Coos 
County. To Hon. Robert MeClure and his wife 
eight children were born. Mary is now living in 
her native State; William T. is deceased ; Racliael 
died at the age of seventeen years; Ruth M. lives 
in Florida; the home of Samuel is in California; 
A. J. resides in Plymouth, N. II.; David lives in 
Massachusetts. Both the parents departed this life 
in their native State some years since. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this notice 
opened his eyes to the light in Groton, Grafton 
Co., N. H., Jan. 3, 1838, and received the usual 
home training of an Xew England farmer boy, 
coupled with the instruction which could be ob- 
tained in the district schools, becoming well versed 
in the ordinar}' English branches. He resided under 
the parental roof until of age, and then began 
working out as a farm hand, continuing so em- 
ploj'ed until after the outbreak of the Civil War. 

To a young man of New England birth and 
training, and with the patriotic blood of Scotch- 
Irish ancestors coursing through his veins, a peace- 
ful home life was almost impossible while his coun- 
try was in danger. Young McClure therefore 
enrolled himself among the defenders of the Union 
in August, 18G2, becoming a member of Compan}- 
B., 15th New Hampshire Infantry. He was mus- 
tered into the service at Concord as a Corporal 
and at once sent South, where his regiment took 
part in Bank's expedition, being engaged in more 
or less severe figliting for six weeks continuously. 



He participated in the charges on and siege of 
Port Hudson, and in the first attack was one of the 
color guard. Of the ten men composing that 
guard twc> onlj- escaped injurj' (or death). When 
the Color-bearer fell, Mr. McClure took the colors 
and carried them out of the fight and for his gal- 
lant care of the flag was promoted to the rank of 
Sergeant. During the siege the men were obliged 
to carry 100 rounds of cartridges each, and spent 
three days and two nights in the rifle pits without 
leaving them. Mr. McClure remained in the army 
until September, 1863, when he was mustered out 
at Concord, N. H., and returning to the paternal 
home, remained there until tlie spring of 1865. 
In April of that year he came West as far as 
Illinois, and worked upon the Chicago and Alton 
Railroad in ^Madison County, for eight months and 
then came b^- team to Lawrence, Kan., reaching 
that city on the 13th da_v of October. During the 
next eleven months he had charge of the stock 
farm of ex-Gov. Robinson, after which he entered 
the employ of the Kansas Pacific Railroad at Perry, 
and worked on the section for seven mouths. At 
tiie expiration of that period he became section 
foreman and was sent to Ft. Riley, thence to Law- 
rence, thence to St. George, and still later to Salina 
where he held his position a year. In May, 1871, 
he was appointed Roadmaster between Chapman 
Creek and Brookville, a position which he held for 
three and a half years. In the meantime he h.id 
purchased the farm upon which he now lives, in 
December, 1869, and in September, 1874, he lo- 
cated upon it and turned his attention to an agricul- 
tural life. 

In Perry on the 19th of July, 1873, Mr. Mc- 
Clure was united in marriage with Miss Nanny 
Douglas, an estimable and intelligent young lady 
who was born in Missouri. Her father, William 
Douglas, was an earl}' settler at Lecompton, where 
his demise took place. Mr. and Mrs. McClure are 
the happy parents of three children, Robert, 
William W., and Ruth A. 

In politics Mr. McClure is a Democrat and lias 
acted as delegate to county conventions. He be- 
longs to the A. F. & A. M. holding membership in 
Lawrence Lodge No. 6. He assisted in putting 
up the first school house in his district and was a 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



647 



member of the School Board six years. He is a 
mail of good character, a reliable citizen, and is 
quite popular wherever lie is known. Mrs. Mc- 
Cliire is a member in good standing of the Presby- 
tei ian Cluirch. 

J^^- ■ 



f^RNEST P. KARR, editor and proprietor of 
^ tlie Herald at Winchester, is one of the 
.i^i^j most vigorous young men in .Teffeison 



County and disphiys an amount of vim and tact 
seldom seen in one of his age. Although but twenty- 
four years old he has had several years of practical 
experience as a printer and in various editorial 
capacities, and is endowed with discriminating judg- 
ment, keen observation and a le.adincss of language, 
which well fits him for journalistic work. The pa- 
lter which he now edits was established in 1877 
under the name of Argus, and ten years later was 
sold 1)3' A. W. Robinson to S. T. Marshall, who 
changed the name to that which it now bears. A 
year later he disposed of it to O. C. Kirkpatrick 
and in FebruaiT, 1889, the plant and good will 
were p^irchased by Mr. Karr. He lias already im- 
proved it to a seven column folio and increased the 
subscription list, whicli his predecessor had al- 
lowed to run down to 200, and coufideiitly ex- 
pects it to reach 800 in a short time. It has a large 
list of foreign subscribers, and its advertising col- 
umns are patronized b}' merchants of Leavenworth, 
Vallc}' Falls and other neigliboring towns, as well 
as by the home dealers. 

Mr. Karr is a native of Knox County, Ohio, 
and a son of J. S. Karr, who now resides in 
Frcdcricktown which was the place of his birth and 
carries on the jewel rj' business there. A portion 
of our subject's early years were passed in Jackson 
and Jones Counties, Iowa. He received a High 
School education and also attended a business 
college, fitting iiimself for usefulness in business 
circles. At the age of eigliteen years he entered 
the printing establishment of Col. D. R. Anthony, 
editor of the Leavenworth Trnps, in order to learn 
the printer's trade and so well did he succeed that 
he was soon promoted to the position of assistant 
foreman. He afterward became city editor and 
after filling the place three years, in 1887 took 



ciiarge of the McLoiith Times, which he conducted 
for a year, then, selling out. went to Topeka and 
took the position of telegraph editor on the old 
Commonwealth. Tliis position be retained until 
the Commoiurea.HJi was merged into the Topeka 
Capitol, when he accepted a position on the State 
Journal and one on the Topeka Democrat, serving 
in a reportorial capacity for both sheets. While 
the Democrat loudly demanded le-submission, the 
Journal aivongXy advocated prohibition. 

Resigning his positions in Topeka. Mr. Karr 
came to Winchester in 1889 and soon began to 
make his mark in the community. It is univer- 
sally admitted among civilized Nations that •• the 
pen is mightier than the sword," and he of whom 
we write fills a responsible position, being able to 
reach a large number of people with his opinions 
and his theories regarding matters of public and 
neighborhood import, and his influence will be a 
prominent factor in the future development of 
Winchester and the adjacent country, should he be 
spared to continue his work here. 

At the home of the bride on Sept. 11, 1888, Mr. 
Karr was united in marriage with Miss Alice 
Gibbs, the youngest daughter of Horace Gibbs, 
who was Sheriff of Jefferson County for eight 
years. A baby girl brightens the home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Karr with her infantile graces .and the young 
journalist and his charming wife find her advent an 
added factor in their happ'ness. Mr. Karr belongs 
to Winchester Lodge No. 172, I. O. O. F., and his 
social spirit and ready intelligence make him very 
popular among his associates. 

-^'j. -o»o. (Q^><^..o*o~ 



^ OHN C. NORTHRUP. In the person of 
the subject of this notice we have one of the 
old landmarks of Jefferson County, who 
established himself on a tract of land com- 
prising the southeast quarter of section 19, Rural 
Township. He was without means when coming 
to Kansas and labored early and late, practicing 
the strictest economy for many years in order to 
obtain a foothold. He is now well-to-do and is 
accounted one of the most valuable men in his 
community. Honest and u|iright. he enjoys the 



648 



PORTRAIT AND^ BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



confidence of liis fellow-citizens and has officiated 
as Justice of the Peace for several years. 

A native of Livingston County, N. Y., our sub- 
ject was born in 1832, and is the son of James and 
Phebe (Cook) Nortlirup, who were likewise natives 
of tlie Empire State. James Northrup was a hatter 
by trade, but later drifted into the lumber business, 
which he carried on quite successfully the greater 
part of his life, lie died in 1873 at the age of 
seventy-three years. The raoUier had preceded her 
husband to the silent land, passing away in 1864, 
when sixt3' years old. Both were consistent mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church and took 
an active part in church work. Mr. Northrup was 
a liberal contributor to all benevolent objects, and 
by his own labor and outlay of money nearly 
erected a church by himself in his town. 

To James and Phebe Northrup there was born a 
family of six children, viz: Ann Amanda, deceased ; 
Eslhel- S., and Eusebia, residents of New York State, 
the former of Rochester; John C, of our sketch; 
James L., of Rochester, N.Y., and Sarah Malvina, the 
wife of Dr. Turner, of Clifton, N. Y. The family 
was well known in the Empire State for two or 
three generations, the paternal grandfather of our 
subject having been born there and there he spent 
his entire life. John C. was reared in his native 
county, attending the schools of Mt. Morris and 
also the High Schools at Nunda and Lima. When 
reaching his majority he left the parental roof, 
emigrating to Rockford, III., where he engaged as 
a teacher in the public schools one year. Then 
pushing on further Westward he also taught school 
one year in Iowa City, Iowa, and from there went 
to Oskaloosa, that State. In the meantime he was 
steadily advancing in experience and knowledge, 
and at the latter place was engaged as Principal of 
the Commercial College, holding the position two 
years. 

We next find Mr. Northrup at Lewis, Cass Co., 
Iowa, established in the real estate business which 
he conducted successfully four j^ears. His next 
move was to Colorailo, where he spent two years in 
the mountains engaged in mining. The Civil War 
now having broken out, he enlisted as a Union 
soldier in the "id Colorado Cavalry and served 
three yeais and one inonlli. participating in twenty- 



eight battles and skirmishes, including the fight at 
Little Blue, Big Blue, Westport, Mine Creek, New- 
tonia, and various others. After receiving his 
honorable discharge, at the end of three years and 
one month, he came to Kansas, locating in Atchi- 
son, and for two 3'ears was engaged as a lumberman 
on the Missouri River bottoms. At the expiration 
of this time he came to Jefferson County and pur- 
chased 160 acres of raw land in Rural Township. 
This he brought to a good state of cultivation, 
erecting thereon the necessary buildings, and added 
to his landed possessions until he has now 240 acres, 
all improved and in a productive condition. 

Mr. Northrup was married in August, 1869, to 
Miss Amoret, daughter of Jonathan Graves, of 
Ottumwa, Iowa. Mrs. Northrup spent her earl3' 
years under the home roof until her marriage. She 
is now the mother of three children: James Edgar, 
a student of the State University ; Austa A., and 
P^-sther Estella. Mrs. Northrup belongs to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Northrup is a 
member in good standing of the G. A. R. 



^^ "* ATTHEW N. BROWN. One of the most 
attractive farms in Jefferson County is that 




owned and operated by the above-named 
gentleman, who occupies a high rank 
among the younger farmers of the county. His 
home is situated on section 8, Kentucky Township, 
and the land comiirises 110 acres, having the fer- 
tile and productive soil of the Delaware and Kan- 
sas bottoms. The place presents an appearance of 
neatness and order which is sufficiently indicative 
of the character of its owner and his excellent wife, 
and marked improvements show that prosperity is 
attending their labors. 

He of whom we write is a son of Valentine 
Brown, whose sketch is found elsewhere in this 
volume and contains an outline of the ancestiy. 
He was born near Venice, Butler Co., Ohio, Sei)t. 
28, 1847. and was reared on a farm, receiving the 
good common school advantages, and later attend- 
ing the High School at Venice. When nineteen 
years old he entered the Miami University at Ox- 
ford, t.'iking the scientific course and being gradu- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



651 



ated in 1868, after which he engaged in teaching 
winters, spending his summers w-itii his parents on 
the farm. 

In tiie spring of 1870 Mr. Brown came to Kan- 
sas, and one winter lime since was spent in the 
profession of teaching; lie tlien farmed on his fath- 
er's land. In 1874 he started a cheese factory on 
Rock Creek, under the firm name of Barnes, Hay- 
nes & Co., and managed it for a year, the gi-ass- 
iioppers seriously affecting its prosperity. In June 
of tliat year lie had bought 100 acres in Fair vie tv 
Township, on Rock Creek, upon which he made 
improvements and which he farmed till 1883, when 
he traded it for the place which he now occupies. 
His present home is supplied with a wind-mill and 
tank, a bank barn 32x44 feet, all other necessary 
farm buildings, aad A commodious and tasty dwel- 
ling, under whose roof comfort and good cheer 
abound. The farm is enclosed and divided 1)3' 
wire fences, and orehai-d and groves furnish luxury 
and refreshment for tlie palate, and cooling and 
restful shade for the body. Two teams are em- 
ployed in the work of the estate, and thirteen head 
of horses are kept. Mr. Brown feeds several head 
of cattle a year, and also raises herds of that stock 
and droves of hogs. His crops are principally corn 
and wheat, and enterprise and good management 
are displayed in the conduct of both branches of 
agricultural work. 

On April 23, 1874, at Thorapsonville, Mr. Brown 
was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kirby, 
an educated and refined lady, who has borne him 
three children. Two of the offspring have been 
removed by the hand of death — Richard W., dy- 
ing when five years old, and Olive B. at the age of 
one year. The surviving child bears the n.ame of 
Elmer. Mrs. Brown is a daughter of Henry and 
Elizabeth Kirby, who are old settlers in this 
county, where the father has a prominent position 
among the agriculturists. She was born in Wyan- 
dot County, Ohio, and came to this State with 
her parents in 1857. A sketch of her ancestry 
will be found in the biography of Henrj' Kirby. 

Mr. Brown is not only taking a high rank among 
the farmers of the county, but is prominent in 
other waj's, displaying his enterprise and ability in 
various lines of work wliich tend to the develoii- I 



ment of the best interests of the section. He has 
been School Director several years, and assisted in 
the construction of the school house. He has also 
been Supervisor of Roads, has served on the jury 
one term, and has been delegate to county coriven- 
tions, being allied to the Prohibition party. He is 
a charter member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church here, and has been a Trustee ever since the 
edifice was erected. He is now also Financial and 
Recording .Steward, and has been Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school. 



LDRIDGE D. FLAGG, M. D., Mayor of 
Perry, Jefferson County, is one of its most 
popular and successful men and has had a 
large experience of life. Naturally persevering 
and energetic, he has worked himself up to a fine 
position, socially and financially, after having been 
engaged as raftsman and in railroading, mining and 
other occupations, making some lieadwa}' in each. 
He is a native of New York State, having been 
born in the town of Afton, Ma^- 18th, 1852, and 
lived there until a lad of thirteen years. He re- 
ceived good school advantages among the Oak 
Openings of the Badger State, where he assisted liis 
father in improving a farm, remaining under the 
parental roof until a youth of seventeen years. 

At this time, starting out for himself, youno- 
Flagg made his way to the Wisconsin pineries and 
engaged in driving a team, hauling supplies, etc., 
until the spring following. He then engaged in 
rafting on the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers to 
Hannibal, Mo., making two trips that year. In the 
spring, while engineering a log drive, he came near 
being drowned, and he decided to leave an occupa- 
tion so dangerous. 

We next find Mr. Flagg in the employ of the 
Wisconsin Central Railroad Company, with whom 
he worked his way upward until becoming a fire- 
man, but in the spring of 1872 lie emigrated to St. 
Louis and entered the employ of the Iron Moun- 
tain Road at Arkansas as ironer and splker. This, 
however, not being congenial to ids t.astes. he soon 
abandoned it and became overseer on a plantation 
at Pocahontas, that State. Next lie went to Jop- 



(Jo2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



lin. Mo., and prospected in tbe lead mines for two 
years, being fairly successful. Later he was em- 
ployed in a smelting furnace, and in due time be- 
came superintendent of the TurnbuU furnace. 
While there lie employed his spare time in the 
study of medicine, buying and reading such medi- 
cal works as he could obtain. He now determined 
to adopt this as a profession, and in the fall of 187C 
he entered the Pulte Medical College at Cincinnati, 
Ohio, and at tlie close of the school year was ad- 
mitted into the dispensary of the college and 
practiced at the hospital connected therewith until 
the fall of 1877. 

La Crosse County, Wis., now became the scene of 
operations for the young physician, who began the 
regular practice of his profession at Mindoro, and 
continued there for three years. In the fall of 
1880 lie entered the Eclectic Medical Institute at 
Cincinnati, which was also farailiarl3' known as 
.Scudder's School, from which he was graduated in 
the spring of 1881. Croing then to Joplin, Mo., 
he practiced there for a time and finally was chosen 
Dean of the Joplin Medical College, holding the 
position two terms and then resigning on account 
of dissatisfaction with tlie management of some of 
the departments. 

Having now accumulated some capital, Dr. 
Flagg became a member of a stock company, build- 
ing a roller process flouring-mill at Joplin. and of 
which he was appointed treasurer and superintend- 
ent. This enterprise not proving what he desired 
or expected, he in 1884 sold his interest therein, 
and coming to Ferry gave his attention entire!}' to 
the duties of his profession, and in time was in the 
enjoj'ment of an extensive and successful practice. 
He is now looked upon ,as the leading physician of 
the place, and personally is a favorite in both social 
and business circles. He owns a snug home in the 
central part of town, and numbers bis friends and 
associates among its best people. 

In Joplin, Mo., Jul}- 13, 1877, Dr. Flagg was 
united in marriage with Miss Helen Sargent. Mrs. 
Fl'igg was born in Grant Count}', Wis., July 13 
1852, and is the daughter of John B. Sargent, for- 
merly an old miner and now a large land owner in 
Missouri. Mr. Sargent is still interested in mining, 
and at one time operated one of the largest smelt- 



ing works in tbe United .States — tbe onl}' establish- 
ment which prepares white lead directly from the 
fumes of the lead. This be sold in 1881. Mrs. 
Flagg completed her education at Carthage, Mo., 
and remained a member of her father's household 
until her marriage. This union resulted in the 
birth of three children — Kathleen, Editb and .lohn 
P. 

Politically, Dr. Flagg is a Republican, "dyed in 
tbe wool." He belongs to tbe Kansas State Eclectic 
Medical Assoei:ition. and is examining physician 
for tbe I. O. O. F., Northwestern Mutual Life and 
other beneficiary orders. He is likewise a member 
in good standing of tbe I. O. O. F. 

A lithographic portrait of Dr. Flagg is presented 
on another page of tiie Album. 

■*^iH^*^**"*** — — — 



^lOHN GINTER. Tbe main points in the 
history of Mr. G inter, now of Delaware 
Townsbip, Jefferson County, and who gave 
' the best part of bis life to the service of bis 
country in the late Civil War, are essentially as 
follows: A native of Hamilton County. Ohio, be 
was born, April 6, 183G, about fourteen miles from 
the city of Cincinnati and near tbe old Gen 
William H. Harrison homestead. Tlie remains of 
bis parents, who died long years ago, were laid to 
rest in the Harrison cemetery. The father, Gar- 
rett Henry Ginter, a native of Germany, was born 
near Minden, and emigrated to the United States in 
1833. His family consisted of six children, tlirec 
of whom were born in tbe Fatherland and tiiree in 
tbe United States. The eldest, Henr}-, is now a 
resident of Platte County, Mo.; Frederick lives in 
Dillsboro, lud.; William died in Ripley County, 
that State, when about forty-eight 3-ears old, leaving 
a widow and two children ; Lewis is a resident of 
Shawnee County, this State; John, tbesubjectof this 
sketch, was tbe next in order of birth; Charles died 
in Ohio when nine years old. 

Mr. Ginter, at the ago of fourteen years, was 
left an orphan b}' tbe death of both parents, and 
the following jear be repaired to Dearborn County, 
Ind., and learned shoemaking in Dillsboro, serving 
an a[)prenticesbip of three years. In 1805. he 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



653 



crossed the Mississippi into Des Moines County, 
Iowa, wliere lie drove a liacli one summer. Tben, 
returning to Dillsboro, Ind., lie worked nt his trade 
until the spring of 1857. His next journey was 
to Ft. Rile}-, this State, where he commenced 
breaking prairie for a farmer, and was thus occu- 
pied one sea.'on. Toward winter, he went to Leav- 
en wortii, where he worked at his trade until the 
spring of 1858. 

Entering now the service of the I'nited Stales 
Government, Mr. Ginter was employed as a team- 
ster, driving mules and hauling provisions for sol- 
diers during the Mormon ^troubles. In December, 
1 858, he returned to Dillsboro. Ind., and commenced 
working for his brother, Frederick, who was run- 
ning a shoe shop. In 1860, they went over into 
Platte Count}', Mo., where they sojourned until 
October, 1861, John, in the meantime, working at 
his trade in winter, and farming in summer. After 
the outbreak of the Civil War, he, in October, 1861, 
enlisted in Company G, 5th Kansas Cavalry, having 
to C(^nduct this movement with great secrecy on 
account of rebels being all around him. The re- 
cruiting officer sought him in the wheat field where 
he was at work, and they agreed to meet at the for- 
mer's house on a certain night. The Lieutenant, 
however, was obliged to leave before the night ap- 
pointed for the meeting. Mr. Ginter's partner 
swam tiie Platte River, then got a skiff, and by the 
aid of this the}' reached the Missouri River, cross- 
ing to Leavenworth, where they joined their regi- 
ment. Mr. Ginter was mustered in by Gen Jim 
Lane, and served three years and two months. He 
fought at the battles of Dry Wood, Morristown, 
Helena, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Ark.. Cowley's 
Ridge, Polk's Plantation, Branchville, and in other 
engagements. He is now suffering from internal 
injury. He was overheated in the battle of Helena 
which left serious effects, and he draws a pension. In 
the service he was promoted to Duty Sergeant, 
having charge of the Pioneers of the regiment for 
some time. 

Returning once more to his old haunts in Indian.n, 
Mr. (iinter spent one winter in Dillsboro, and in 
April. 1865, returned to Platte County, Mo., and 
raised crops with his former employer, John Morris, 
wh'j was a staii -h Union man. His next move was 



to Sullivan County, that StJite, but in 1871 he re- 
turned to Platte County, and from there, in 1873, 
came to Wyandotte County this State. In 1880, 
he moved to Jackson County, and in 1884 he set- 
led on his present farm in Jefferson County, being 
the owner of 1 17 acres of good l.ond. He makes a 
specialty of graded Short-horn and Polled-Angus 
cattle, Poland-China and Berkshire swine, and Nor- 
man horses. Years of frugality and industry have 
conspired to gain him a competency, and the pros- 
pect is that in his declining years he will want for 
nothing. 

The marriage of John Ginter and Miss Martha C. 
Swallow was celebrated at the bride's home in Mis- 
souri, March 29, 18G6. Mrs. Ginter was born in 
Dearborn County, Ind., and is the daughter of Gar- 
rett and Elizabeth Swallow. Mr. and Mrs. Ginter 
were friends from early childhood, and of their con- 
genial union there have been born twelve chifdren, 
viz.: G. Walter, Frederick, Charles M., Arthur B., 
Maurice H., Byron A., William H., Mamie E., 
Claudius D., Pearl M., Rollie and Dollie, twins. 
Walter, Frederick and Charles are students in the 
State Agricultural College at Manhattan. It is 
hardly necessary to stute that Mr. Ginter is a sound 
Republican, politically, and belongs to the G. A. R. 
He is also connected with the A. O. U. W., and the 
Farmers' Alliance, and, with his estimable wife, is 
a member in good standing of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. 



REDERICK HARTWICH is one of the 
most successful farmers and live-stock feed- 
ers of Pottawatomie County, where he has 
lived since the spring of 1857. During his early 
years he witnessed, and as his age would permit, 
participated in, many of the hardships of those days, 
and relates incidents of that time with great inter- 
est. As an example bespeaks of the time when the 
faniilv had to grind corn in f\ coft'ee-mill to make 
bread with which to sustain life; and when after 
the total failure of crops in 1860, it was necessary 
fo obtain aid from the National Government, and 
from sister States, and the following winter being a 
severe one, the jieople had to shovel roads through 




654 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tlie SHOW drifts to Att-liison. where provisions had 
been sent for tliera. The suffering people endured 
a great deal that winter, though other 3-ears gave 
them also mauy weeks of hard times as well as 
pleasures, and developed in the citizens a true hos- 
pitality and good fellowship, which is nowhere else 
so strong, true, and tried, as on the frontier. 

Tiie parents of our subject were Mic-hael F. and 
Anna (Strunske) Ilartwicb, who were born and 
reared in Prussia, about twenty-four German miles 
from Berlin. After the birth of four children, our 
subject. William, Ferdinand F., and Herman F., 
the parents determined to make a home in America, 
and on April 18, 1.S56, took passage on a sailing- 
vessel at Hamburg, and after a voyage of six weeks, 
landed in New York City. They went at once to 
Monroe, Green Co., Wis., where, in the fall their 
oldest child, William, was removed from them by 
death. In the spring of 1857, with two cows, two 
yoke of oxen, and a wagon, they came overland to 
this county, camping by the way, and reaching 
Lone Tree Township, in July. There the father 
filed a pre-emption claim for 160 acres on section 
12. where the parents of our subject have ever since 
resided. The family was very poor, and it was 
some time before the father could save money 
enough to pay for his claim, but he finally suc- 
ceeded in doing so, and in acquriring other prop- 
erty, and is now the owner of several hundred acres. 

The subject of this biography grew to man's es- 
tate in Lone Tree Township, and after becoming 
of age began farming for himself, and he has since 
made quite a fortune. He first purchased 160 acres 
and has increased it to 400, his home farm in Mill 
Creek Township being supplied with a ver^' fine set 
of farm buildings, all well built of stone. Mr. Hait- 
wich endeavors to keep abreast of the best thought 
of the times in every matter connected with the 
mmagement of his land, and so derives a fine in- 
come from his estate. 

The first marriage of our subject took place in 
this township, the bride being Miss Sophia Nicholas 
of German}-, who accompanied her parents to this 
county about two j'ears before her marriage, she 
being then a young lady. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas 
are now living in Center Township, on a farm. 
Mrs. Hartwicli died at iier home in this townshii). 



Feb. 6, 1886, being then past thirty-eight years of 
age. She was the mother of nine children, two of 
whom died in infancj'. The living are all now at 
home. They are named respectively: Anna M. 
M., Lla T.. Lena F., Herman F.. Lizzie M.. Edward 
F., and Robert F. 

Mr. Hartwich contracted a second malrinionial 
alliance, taking as his wife, Mrs. .Sophia Slienke, nee 
Hinsman, who was born in Prussia, in the 3ear 
1856. Her father died in tlie Fatherland in 1864, 
and in 1886 the widowed mother and tlie dangliter 
came to the United States, and to Kansas, where 
not long afterward the marriage of the daughter to 
Mr. Hartwich took place. Mrs. Hartwich had two 
children b}' her first husband, William .Shenke, who 
died in Germany. The two daughters, Mary and 
Emma M., are still living with their mother. 

Mr. Hartwich is a Republican, and has held tiie 
minor offices in this township. He and his wife be- 
long to the Presbj'terian Church, as did also the 
first Mrs. Hartwich. Mr. Hartwich is well esteemed 
by his fellow-citizens for the intelligence and en- 
terprise that he manifests in his piivate affairs, and 
in his duties as a citizen, and for his good char- 
acter and kindl}' nature. 



-i- 







|, NDREW J. McHENRY who was one of 

f@7Llli the early settlers in Jefferson County was 
of prominence therein, as land- 
stock-dealer, and an upright, hon- 
orable and public-spirited citizen. His death took 
place in Kentucky Township, Feb. 3, 1888, and by 
it the county lost a resident who was held in high 
esteem, and whose presence was an honor to the 
communit}'. The bereaved widow is now living 
on that part of the farm which became hers when 
the propertj' was divided, and which consists of 
eighty-two acres bearing excellent improvements, 
including good fences, orchards, and an excellent 
set of farm buildings, and supplied with good 
grades of cattle and hogs. 

^^r. McHenrj- was the eldest of nine children, 
and was born in Tennessee May 9, 1818, going 
thence to Lidiana when a young boy. He was there 
married to Miss Elizal^etli Higgins, and subse- 



I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



655 



quently engaged in fnrniing upon an eighty-acre 
tiact of land wliicli had been given to the bi-ide by 
her father. In 1857 they sold tliis farm and re- 
moved to Missouri, locating ten miles from Car- 
thage, and buying a farm of 700 acres, which thej' 
improved and built upon. It had been placed in 
excellent shape when llie war broke out. and the 
country began to assume a dangerous aspect for all 
who dill not fully s_vin|iat!iize with the cause of the 
South. In 1861, • fter the Rebels toolv I'rcston, 
Mr. McHenr\' and liis family were obliged to leave 
the State, and coming to Kansas b^' team, lost not 
only their Missouri land, but almost everything else 
which tiiey [assessed. The}' decided upon a loca- 
tion in tliis county and bought laud of the Indians, 
being obliged to pay different savages for it time 
and again, and having over twenty-five deeds. 
The home farm 'comprised 167 acres, and Mr. Mc- 
Henry also at one time owned another large tract 
of land, which he was beat out of by land sharks. 
He dealt in cattle extensively, and also owned and 
managed the ferry across the Delaware River for 
two years. Mr. McHenry was a member of the 
State Militia. In politics he was ever a stanch 
Democrat. 

The grandfather of Mr. McIIenry bore the name 
of Robei't, and emigrated from Ireland to America 
prior to the War of 1812, in which he took part 
with the Americans. He was engaged in farming 
in Tennessee for some j'ears, and then removed to 
Boone Count}-, Ind., continuing his agricultural 
labors there, and departing this life in that State. 
His son, Hugh, father of onr subject, accompanied 
him to America, and in Tennessee was united in 
marriage with Miss Polly Razor, a native of that 
State. He became a prominent farmer; was judge 
and held other county offices, being well-known 
,ind highly respected in Indiana, and becoming 
quite wealthy. He came to this State in 1861, and 
here he and his wife passed aw.ay, after some years 
spent in retirement from active duties. He was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and'a 
highly respected citizen. 

Mrs. Elizabeth McHenry, widow of the gentle- 
men whose name initiates this notice, was a Christ- 
mas gift to Elisha and Melinda (Walters) Iliggins 
in the year 1824, and her birth took place on the 



Red River, in Kentucky. Her grandfather, Robert 
Iliggins, was born in Tennessee; was a farmer and 
stock-man, and a soldier during the Revolutionary 
War. He subsequently removed to Virginia, where 
his son Elisha was born, afterward changing his 
residence to Kentucky, where he died. There 
Elisha Iliggins owned and operated a large planta- 
tion and many slaves, and became quite wealtll3^ 
He not only carried on .agricultural work but was 
also a drover. In 18;!.3 he obtained 125 acres of 
iTOVernment land in Boone County, Ind., and im- 
|)roved a couple of farms there. In 1855 he 
changed his place of abode to Missouri, tilling the 
soil there until 1S61, when he came to this county, 
and located on the Kaw River, in Rural Township. 
He purchased an improved farm which he operated 
for a few years, when he went to Davis County, 
Mo., in which county he farmed until his death in 
1884, when he was past the age of eighty- five 
years. He belonged to the Baptist Church and 
held the offlce of Deacon in that Society. The 
maternal grandfather of Mrs. McHenry was Rob- 
ert Walters, a native of Tennessee, and likewise an 
agriculturist. From his native State he removed 
to Kentuck}', and later to Indiana at an early day 
in the history of that Territory. There he became 
a large land owner and a prominent man. His 
daughter. Melinda, widow of Elisha Higgins, has 
now reached the advanced age of eighty-seven 
years, and is residing with her daughter, Mrs. 
Elizabeth jMcHenry. She also belongs to the Bap- 
tist Church. The Iliggins family is of English de- 
scent, and its memliers were prominent in political 
affairs in Kentucky. 

To Elisha and Melinda Iliggins six children were 
born, Mrs. McIIenry being the eldest. Mary, now 
Mrs. Breninger, lives in Missouri; Thomas is a 
physician in the Indian Teiritory; Elisha is de- 
ceased; George lives in Missouri; Robert is a 
Governn)ent physician in tlie Indian Territor}'. 
George was in a Missouri regiment belonging to 
the Confederate army through the late war. Rob- 
ert was in a Kansas regiment in the Union arm}- 
during the same time. 

Mrs. McHenry accompanied her parents to In- 
diana when she was quite young, their journey be- 
ing made by wagon and on horseback. They 



6ofl 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



settled on a open prairie, where deer, ellv .and In- 
dians were jilentiful, and wliere tliey had to go 125 
miles to mill. .She had no school .advantages but 
learned all that was possll)le from her parents, in- 
cluding some arts which are not common at tliis 
I)eriod. Her father was a great hunter, and she 
became an excellent shot, one of her es:ploits being 
the bringing down of a deer. She learned to 
hackle, card, spin and weave. Her marriage to 
Mr. McHenry took place in September, 1841, and 
their happy union resulted in the birtli of thirteen 
children. Martha E., and Jane are deceased; 
Hugh owns two farms near Topeka; Elisha is an 
agriculturist in Elk County; .John S., Daniel, Linda 
and Maggie are deceased ; Sadie married Frank 
Simmons, and has two children — Edith and Claude; 
Mr. Simmons is now operating Mrs. McHeury's 
farm. Lydia is deceased; William is carrying on 
a farm in this township; Harriet is deceased; Car- 
rie is a graduate of the musical department of the 
Lecorapton and Lawrence Universities, and is mar- 
ried to Mr. A. Glenn, a grain-dealer at McLouth, 
this count}'. Mrs. McHenry is an active member 
of the Baptist Church, and her practical Ciiristian 
life is the source of deep regard from all to whom 
lier life and works are known. 




OBERT N. UTZ. Tlie career of this gen- 
tleman affords an example of persevering 
\\\ industry, frugality, good management and 
^0, an lionorable life, and it is pleasant to note 
that success has attended his efforts, and that he is 
now possessed of sufficient means to surround him- 
self and family witli the comforts and even with 
many of the luxuries of life, and to free him from 
anxiety regarding his declining j-ears. His life luas 
been well spent, and he can confidentlj' look for- 
ward to even more extended usefulness in the 
future, as his independent monetary standing will 
give him greater leisure than his earlier labors al- 
lowed. 

In Boone County, Ky., Oct. 19, 1831, the eyes 
of our subject first opened to the light, and re- 
joiced the hearts of Jonathan and Lavina (Yager) 



Utz. Both parents were natives of Virginia, tlie 
father born in Madison County, and they settled 
in the Blue Grass State about the year 1800. The 
mother departed this life in 1833, and the father 
survived until October, 1878. The faniilj- consists 
of the following children: George, Jackson, Rob- 
ert, Emily (Mrs. Berkshire), William H., Calvin 
O., Missouri J. (now Mrs. Weaver). Mary E. (Mrs. 
Kendall), Thomas O., Jonathan J., Mrs. Martha E. 
Aylor and James B. B. 

The gentleman of whom we write was reared 
upon a farm, and pursued his early education in 
the primitive log schoolhouse, which has been so 
frequently described, where the desks were formed 
of a board laid on pins stuck in the wall, the seats 
were of slabs, the floor of puncheon, and a single 
row of lights gave admission to sunshine, while a 
huge fireplace in the end of the room was the 
source of heat during cold and inclement weather. 
The tuition was paid by subscriptions, and the 
teachers preserved order and discipline by means 
of a rod, which was frequently and thoroughly 
wielded. Notwithstanding what we of this gen- 
eration would consider great disadvantages, the 
pupils were generally thoroughly grounded in the 
studies which were on the curriculum, and frc- 
quentlj' obtained a considerable knowledge of 
higher branches. 

Leaving the parental roof at the age of sixteen 
years, young Utz went to Texas, returning to liis 
native place after an absence of three j-ears, farm- 
ing there till the fall of 1855. He then made a 
trip in a wagon to Davis Count}', Mo., but re- 
turned the same fall, married, and took his bride to 
that Western country, where they located upon a 
farm, which they made their home until 1859. At 
that time thej' came to Jefferson County. Kan., lo- 
c.atiug on section 27, Delaware Township, where 
they have since lived, undergoing toil and priva- 
tion in their efforts to secure a competence, and 
earning the hearty respect of their neighbors and 
fellow-citizens. 

The farm of which INIr. Utz took possession was 
a part of the Delaware Trust Lands, and was in 
a nearly primitive condition, its only improve- 
ment being a cabin, a little inferior fencing, and a 
small amotint of broken ground. Indians were all 



PORTRAIT AUD BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



657 



around tlioin, bul the}' never committed any mis- 
(leiiicanors. The estate of Mr. Utz now comprises 
;340 acres, all fenced and well-iinpi'oved. The 
dwelling is of frame, the main building being 
20x14 feet in dimensions and one and one-half 
stories higli. with an addition of an equal height, 
16x20 feet, forming a T.and an L 14x14 feet one 
story high. It was erected at a cost of |l. 000. The 
barn is also of frame, is 24x48 feet, with fourteen- 
foot posts, and was built in June, 1884, at a 
cost of $500. Wr. Utz devotes his attention to 
farming and stock-raising, keeping Poland-China 
iiogs and Short-horn cattle. 

The lady who has so ably assisted Mr. Utz dur- 
ing a married life of over thirty years, and with 
whom lie was united in Switzerland County, Ind., 
Dec. 9, 1855, bore the maiden name of Susan M. 
Coffman. She is a daughter of Elias S. Coffman, 
deceased, who was born in Shenandoah County, 
Va.. in 1797, and .Tenetta (Shaver) Coffman, a 
native of Boone County, Ky. Mrs. Utz was born 
in Covington, Ky., Feb. 22, 1834, and is the third 
of nine children and the oldest of the seven that 
grew to maturity and yet survive. Her brothers 
and sisters are: Lafayette M., Mrs. Eliza J. Keim, 
Henry I., William II., Noah W., and Mrs. Marri- 
etta Hosier. LaFayette lives in Fremont County, 
Colo. ; Noah in Los Angeles County, Cal. ; and the 
others in Mitchell County, Kan. 

Mr. and Mrs. Utz have been blessed b\' the 
birth of eleven children, and have been bereaved 
of four. The deceased are: L. Jenetta, Ira R., 
Katie and Owen; the survivors are: Mary J.. 
Harvey P., Olive A., Edwin C, Carrie M., Arthur 
E. and Irbie Belle. Botli parents are members in 
good standing of the Baptist Church, and Mr. 
Utz belongs to the Farmers' Alliance. 



~^/^--~12J2iy©^- 



©tg^OTB>''«'\/v«« 




AMIEL SIR AWN, an old and highly re- 
L'ted settler of Jefferson (bounty, was 
on the waters of Ten Mile Creek, 
Greene Co, Pa., June 13, 1822. His 
father, Isaiah Strawn, was born in Bucks County. 
Pa., while his raotlier, Susan Rinehart, was a na- 
tive of the county in which her son was borii. The 



occupation of the father was that of a farmer, and 
his death took place many years ago. The pa- 
rental family comprised Jacob, Ruth, Mary, Nancy. 
Levi, John, Louisa. Ellis, Ellen and our subject. 
Of these, only John. Ellis, Ellen and Samuel are 
now living. 

The gentleman whose history we are briefly out- 
lining was reared upon his father's farm and re- 
ceived his schooling under the advantages afforded 
in that early day, when tuition was paid by sub- 
scription, and the temple of learning was a rude 
log cabin with a puncheon tloor, slab seats, desks 
formed of a board laid on pins in the wall, and 
heat supplied by means of a fireplace with a stick 
.and clay chimney. He adopted the occupation to 
which he had been bred, and which he has followed 
from his early years. 

Bureau County, 111., became the home of Jlr. 
Strawn in 1 85 1 , and from it he removed to Jeffer- 
son County, this State, in 1860. At that early day 
he settled in Delaware Township, but six years 
later changed his neighborhood, becoming the oc- 
cupant of 160 acres of land on section 27. Sixty 
acres is limber land, making the estate unusually 
valuable. It is well improved, devoted to farming 
and stock-raising, and is managed in a manner cred- 
itable to its owner, who has ever been a bard- 
working and industrious man. 

Mr. Strawn joined with his fellow-citizens in de- 
fence of their homes during Price's raid. He is a 
member of the Farmers' Alliance, never seeks 
office or notoriety of any kind, being one of the 
most unassuming of men. His sterling qualities 
and his u()right life have, however, given him a 
prominent pl.ace among the citizens of the county, 
throughout which he is held in high esteem. 

In Greene County, Pa., Aug. 22, 1844, an inter- 
esting ceremony took [ilace which transformed 
Miss Hannah M. L. Roberts into Mrs. Samuel 
Strawn. The bride is a native of the countv in 
which her marriage took place and a daughter of 
James Roberts, now deceased. She has borne her 
husband twelve children, of whom two died when 
quite small, James and Clara at the age of nine 
years, and two daughters after having reached ma- 
turity. Of the latter, Caroline was the wife of Will- 
iam H. Posey, and left five children; Ada (Mrs, 



C.J8 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Gregg) left one motherless child. Of the sur- 
viving members of the family, Samuel M., the 
youngest, is still with his parents; John H. married 
Rebecca Tosh, and has five cliildren; Levi K. is 
the husband of Agnes Siiirc and the father of four 
children; Joseph B. married Jane Copas, who has 
borne him seven children; Lenora is the wife of Eu- 
gene Hosier, and the mother of five children; Mary 
married John Henry Tosh and has two children. 
All are living in the same township in which their 
l)arents reside. 



ON. VALOROUS BROWX. There is not 
K a more popular man within the precincts of 
Jefferson County than Mr. Brown, who was 
elected to the State Legislature during the 
second year of his residence within its limits. His 
course has been signalized by liberality and disinter- 
estedness in all public enterprises tending to the gen- 
eral good of the people, sociallj-, morall}' and finan- 
cially. He is a leading member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church at Perry, having been one of 
those most active in organizing the society and 
erecting the church edifice. It is hardly necessary 
to sa3' that he occupies a high position, both in so- 
cial and business circles. He has been for j'ears 
eng.aged in general farming and stock-raising, his 
estate occupying a portion of section 8, Kentucky 
Township. 

A native of Hamilton County, Ohio, Mr. Brown 
was born near the town of Venice, on the Miami 
River, April 11. 1825. He attended the common 
school during his boyhood, the temple of learning 
being a log cabin, with slab seats and desks, and 
the chimney built outside, of earth and slicks. The 
system of instruction was in keeping with the fin- 
ishing and furnishing of the building. When Mr. 
Brown was a lad of fourteen years his father died, 
and he was forced to assume the responsibility of 
carrj'ing en a farm. Not long afterward he was 
doubl}' orphaned by the death of his mother. 
Subsequently' he made his home with bis paternal 
grandmother, and yv'orked out to support himself 
and assist the other children. 

Remaining in the Buckeye State until a man of 



thirty years. Mr. Brown, in 1855, went into Indi- 
ana, and purchasing land, engaged in siiecnlating, 
and in dealing in live stock. He improved a good 
farm of seventy acres, and sojourned there unti' 
after the outbreak of the Civil War. He volun- 
teered his services as a L'niou soldier, but was re- 
jected, although, in 1863 he assisted in driving the 
raider, John Morgan, from the soil of the Free 
States. Morgan and his men passed within four 
miles of Mr. Brown's farm. 

Sojourning in Indiana until 1866, Mr. Brown 
then resolved to seek his fortunes west of the Mis- 
sissippi. Setting out for Kansas, he, after reaching 
Warrensburgh, Mo., was taken ill and forced to 
return. Three years later, however, he made an- 
other attempt, and settled upon a part of the land 
which he now owns and occupies, and which he 
had purchased in the spring of 18G8 from ex-Gov. 
Crawford. He has now 600 acres in the Kaw 
bottoms, occup3'ing a portion of sections 11, 1^ 
and 18. He has effected good improvements, 
having all the conveniences for general agriculture- 
Altogether, Mr. Brown owns 1.000 acres on the 
bottoms, besides eighty acres in Fairview Town- 
ship. The marriage of our subject with Miss 
Olive Willey occurred in Hamilton Count3', Ohio, 
Dec. 15, 1845. This lady was born in that county, 
and was the daughter of Richard Willey. who 
moved from Connecticut in 1802, and taking ujj 
land in Ohio, prosecuted farming until his dece.ise, 
which occurred March 1, 1887. Mr. Willey, hav- 
ing in his younger years obtained a good educa- 
tion, employed himself as a teacher. He was an 
intelligent man, prominent in his community, and 
held the office of Justice of the Peace. 

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown eight 
children, the eldest of whom, a daughter, Aurelia, is 
the wife of W. P. AlcClure, a druggist, of Thomp- 
sonville. M. N. is farming in Kentucky Township; 
Louisa E. is tlie wife of T. W. Tiacj'. a business 
man of Topeka; Marietta is the wife of .John Tracy, 
a farmer near Topeka; R. F. is farming in Ken- 
tucky Townshij), Kan.; V. F. was graduated from 
the Biblical Institute, at Chicago, and is a minister 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Dayton, 
Ohio; I. B., who is represented elsewhere in this 
volume, is in business at Perry; W. R, who is mu- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



659 



sieall y inclined, will grarUiate from the Conservatory 
at Boston, in the class of 1890. After filling other 
positions of trust anrl responsibility, Mr. Brown, in 
1872, W.1S elected by the Republicans of Jefferson 
to represent them in the Kansas Legislature, and 
was re-elected in 1873. He served as a member of 
the Committee of Ways and Means, and upon 
other important committees. He has been a mem- 
ber of the School Board of his district, and assisted 
in building the school-house. He is numbered 
among the charter members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in which he has officiated as 
Class-Leader for many years, and i.s now Superin- 
tendent of tiie Sunday school. He contributed 
llberall}' toward tiie erection of the church edifice, 
and was Recording Secretary and Steward in Ohio 
for a period of seventeen 3-ears. In politics, he is 
a strong Prohibitionist, and is frequent!}' sent as a 
delegate to the county and .State conventions. He 
has been Ciiairman of the County Central Commt- 
tee, and otherwise prominent in the councils of his 
party. Socially, he is identified with the Masonic 
fraternity. 

•^•*<H-;j[f.«i:+^)jf^-K+ Ct- 

/^ HAUNCY .1. COWELL, f:imlliarly known 
[l( as Judge Cowell, has lieen a prominent man 

■^^7 in Jackson County for the last quarter of a 
century. He is hale and hearty, although ajiproach- 
ing the sixty-eighth year of his age. having been 
born June 24. 1822. He is a native of Tompkins 
County, N. Y., the son of a Baptist preacher, but 
was reared on a farm and early in life trained to 
habits of industry, vvhile his natural energy has 
never permitted him to be idle as long as he was 
able to labor either with hands or Ijrain. He has 
held many positions of trust .and responsibility and 
made for himself a career which he should look 
upon with pride and satisf.action. 

Young Cowell, until twenty years of age, re- 
mained a resident of his native count}-. He then 
emigrated first to Ohio and later to Michigan, so- 
journing in the latter State two and one-half years, 
and during the Indian troubles, acting as scout for 
Gen. Cass. Upon leaving Michigan he repaired to 
Milwaukee, Wis., where he was various!}' occupied 
and finally entered theemplo}' of the American Fur 



Company. We next find him in Winnebago County, 
111., as the employe of the lumber firm of Gregory 
& Daniels. Next he tried railroading, and was a 
resident of the city of Kockford about six years. 
From there he emigrated across the iMIsslssippi into 
Iowa, but finally retraced his steps to Wisconsin 
and settled In the vicinity of West ]5end, Wash- 
ington County. At that point he engaged In farm- 
ing and merchandising about six years, then selling 
out, in March. 18.')7, came to Kansas and pre-empted 
land one and one-half miles west of Ilolton, In 
what was then Calhoun but is now Jackson County. 
In June following he was joined by his family. 
They remained there oTie and one-half years, then 
removed to section 10, In Franklin Township, and 
thereafter Mr. Cowell confined his attention to the 
practice of law in Holton for about twelve years. 
Afterward he returned to farming and became 
quite extensively interested in stock-raising. 

In the meantime Mr. Cowell kept himself thor- 
oughly informed upon the social and political Issues 
of the day. and after holding other offices was 
elected Probate Judge of Jackson County, in the 
fall of 186L He w.as the first Free .State County 
Commissioner elected in Jackson County, serving 
three terms and being Chairman of the Board dur- 
ing that time. Later he was elected County Attor- 
ney, being also the first Free State man in this 
position In Jackson County. During those stirring 
times he took an active part in politics, giving his 
unqualified support to the Democratic party. He 
placed himself on record as one of those progress- 
ive and liberal-minded citizens who have elevated 
Kansas to her present proud i)Osltion, as one of the 
most prosperous conm^onw-ealths west of the Mis- 
I sisslppi. 

Nearly thirty-five years ago Judge Cowell was 
married, in Barton, Washington Co., Wis., Jan. 10, 
180,5, to Jliss Eliza Stork. This lady was born in 
Germany. June 10. 18.3.5. and came to America In 
early life. Of her union with Judge Cowell there 
were born seven children, the eldest of whom, 
Libby A., became the wife of Robert Canfield and 
died In Franklin Township, Kan.. .lune 1 2, 188.5; 
Clara L. married Joseph .Seek, and lives In Frank- 
lin Township; Emma, Mrs. J. Purdue, lives in 
Franklin Townsiiip; Flavia C. and Agnes are at 



G60 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



home with their parents; Laura and Elhi died when 
j'ounu-. Judge Cowell is a member in good stand- 
ing of tlie Masonic fraternity, and with liis estima- 
ble wife, belongs to the Presbyterian Church. 
Their valuable homestead embraces 681 acres of 
prime land, embellished with fine modern buildings 
and other extensive improvements. Tiie Judge is 
a favorite both in social and business circles, a 
genial and companionable man with whom an hour 
may alwa^'s be spent in a |)leasant and profitable 
manner. 



.^'REDERICK H. liLLERMAN. The farm 
(q^ in Norton Township, which is owned and 
occupied by this gentleman, is a valuable 
piece of property, bearing first-class improvements 
and conducted in a manner which reflects credit 
\ipon him who has it in charge. The family resi- 
dence is of stone, well-lniilt and convenientl3' de- 
signed, and commodious barns and other outhouses 
furnish adequate housing for grain and stock. 
There is a fine apple orchard and much other fruit 
upon the place, and about six miles of fencing en- 
close and divide it. It is especiall}- adapted for 
stock raising, to which branch of agriculture Mr. 
Ellerman has paid much attention, and running 
water and an abundance of timber add to the value 
of the farm. 

The natal day of our subject was Feb. 7, 1818, 
and the place of his nativity, Hanover, Germany. 
He is a son of John Frederick and Maria (Vend) 
Ellerman. who were the parents of six children, 
one of whom died in childhood, and one, a son. 
Henry, at the .age of fifteen 3ears. The surviving 
members of the familj' are Engery, Elizabeth, our 
subject and Louisa, and all except him of whom we 
write, still live in their native land. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, 
and acquired a good common-school education 
under the excellent system of the land of his birth, 
and remained with his parents until he was in his 
twenty-eighth year. He then bade adieu to the 
Old "World, and t.aking passage at Bremen on the 
shii) "Johannas," after a voyage of eight weeks, 
landed in America. He took up his abode in 
Hanging Rock, where he spent some time in dig- 



ging ore, and for a lime worked in the Union 
Furnace, his entire residence in the town covering 
a period of about three j-ears. While there he be- 
came the husband of Miss Ingomar Vernon, daugh- 
ter of Frank ^'ernon. 

The young couple moveil to Lee County, Iowa, 
where Mr. Ellerman rented a farm, upon whicli they 
lived about five years. In 1854, which was the 
year of the land sale at Leavenworth, the}- fitted 
up an outfit of two j'oke of oxen, and driving their 
stock, which comprised about twenty head, they 
set their faces toward the Territory of Kansas. 
They slept in the wagon and cooked their meals on 
the rojid. the bread having been previously pre- 
pared b}' Mrs. Ellerman. The journey occupied 
about three weeks, and they fortunately had fine 
weather all of the time except the second night out, 
during which it rained. Their family consisted of 
five in all. 

Mr. Ellerman bought out a squatter's right on a 
claim that bore considerable timber, and for which 
he afterward paid the Government ¥50 or ¥1.25 per 
acre. He also bought the quarter section where he 
now makes his home, and took up his residence on 
it the following spring, moving the little logshantj-, 
12 x 14 feet, which was without flooring and had 
one small window. Here their youngest son was 
born, and the family lived for several years, their 
only table being a little hair trunk that Mr. Eller- 
man had brought from Germany, and which also 
answered as a cupboard; around this the family 
would gather on small stools or low benches, all of 
home manufacture. Butter was about the onlj- 
marketable article they had or could get, and this 
they sold in Leavenworth. 

The first year of his residence in Kansas, Jlr. 
Ellerman rented an acre of land, put it into potatoes. 
and raised a good crop. The next year he got ten 
.acres of his own ground broken and planted it to 
corn, potatoes and other garden truck, and e.ach 
year thereafter he added to the amount of culti. 
vated soil. The second year he bought a breaking 
plow and broke land for his neighbors at $2 per 
acre. For three years he was without horses, and 
he then bought a span of colts, which he worked 
two 3'ears later. He had brought a span of horses 
with him. from Iowa, but they were stolen from 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



661 



him the first j'ear by some of the pro-slavery ele- 
ment. Further than the loss of the horses, he suf- 
fered very little during the Kansas troubles, taking 
no part on either side, and being left unmolested 
as he was talcen sick and lay ill for several months. 
In 1868, Mr. Eilerman had reached such a degree 
of prosperity as would warrant him in building the 
house, barns and other structures which he now 
uses, and the labors of himself and wife have been 
crowned with merited success, enabling them to 
spend their declining jears in a well earned rest, 
and in the enjoyment of all the comforts of a 
happy and prosperous home. 

To Mr. and ]Mrs. Eilerman five children have 
been born. The eldest, a son P\-ederick, was born 
in Ohio and died in Iowa; Lena is the wife of Dr. 
Webb, whose sketch occupies another page in this 
volume; Anna is tiie wife of Alex Fergenne, a 
miller in Salem, Neb., and is the mother of three 
children; Samuel is still unmarried and remains 
with his parents, attending to the farm. Mr. Eiler- 
man belongs to the Republican party, and both he 
and his wife are members in good standing of the 
Evangelical Lutlieran Church. Their cheerful en- 
durance of the hardships of pioneer life, the thrift 
and energy which they have] displayed, their 
friendly natures and their upright lives, give them 
a high place in the esteem of_their fellow citizens. 
Mr. Eilerman had the misfortune to lose his right 
eye while he was at Linn, Iowa. On one Fourth 
of July a man fired a gun off -lose to him, and the 
cap flew, and striking the eye, com|)letely destroyed 
it. 

—• ^* •ci^m- "^^^-^ 

AMES R. HEMPHILL. This gentleman is 
one of the progressive farmers of Kentucky 
Township, Jefferson Countj% being now en- 
gaged in operating a farm of 140 acres near 
Medina, which is devoted principally to the rais- 
ing of corn and wheat, though Mr. Hemphill gives 
some attention to stock. He was for several vears 
Station Agent at Medina for the Union Pacific 
Railroad, and his intelligence and affability made 
him popular and won him friends. 

Edward Hemphill the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was born in Pennsylvania, and located in 



Cincinn ati Cquite 'early in life. [There; Thomas 
Hemphill,;^ father of 'onr subject, was born, and his 
life was siient in Butler Count}', where he engaged 
in farming after reaching years of maturity, and 
where he died in 1857. He owned 120 acres of 
land which formed a valuable and attractive home- 
stead. Thomas Hemphill married Roxanna Brown, 
who was born in Butler County, Ohio, and is a di- 
rect descend.ant of John Brown, a native of Penn- 
sylvania and one of the first settlers in Hamilton 
County, Ohio. He was of Scotch-Irish descent and 
was a Revolutionary soldier. His son, Mathew. 
who was ])orn in Pennsylvania, became a promi 
uent and prosperous farmer in Ohio, and was en- 
gaged in buying and driving stock to Cincinnati. 
The family of IMr. and Mrs. Thomas Hemphill com- 
prised four children.onr subject being the first born. 
Mathew E. is now deceased : Orville S. lives on the 
old homestead in Ohio; and Marj- E. resides at 
Sprinfleld, Ind. After the death of our subject's 
father, Mrs. Hemphill married John O. Morgan, who 
was also a native of Ohio. He served in Company 
F., 93rd Ohio Infantry, until discharged for disa- 
bility, and afterward enlisted in the 5th Ohio 
Cavalr}', in which he served until the close of the 
war. He is a physician and a graduate of the 
Miami Medical College at Cincinnati. He and his 
wife are now living at Springfield, Ind. 

The subject of this brief sketch was born near 
Venice. Butler Co., Ohio, Oct. 17, 1848. .and until 
the age of twelve years enjoyed the advantages 
of the common schools from his home upon the 
farm. He then began working out on a farm and 
when twent3--one years old learned the trade of a 
carpenter, four years later engaging in contractino- 
and building, in which he continued two vears. He 
then became clerk in a general store, and followed 
that occupation for three years, doing all the buy- 
ing for the firm before he severed his connection 
with it. 

Abandoning his clerkship, Mr. Hemphill spent a 
season in work at his trade, and then, in 1880. 
started a general store in New London, under the 
firm name of Wade & Hemphill. He was also 
Postmaster under Postmaster-Oeneral Timoth}- 
Howe until October. 1883. when he resigned his 
position, sold out his business and came to Ivausas 



61)2 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



on a prospeeling tour. He retiirnecl to his huine, 
nnrl in Febiuar}-. 1884, accompauied by his wife 
came to Medina and entered the empkn- of tlie 
Union PaciQe Railroad. Just four years after Ije- 
ginninji' his duties as Station Agent, he left the 
office and engaged in farming in this township. 
having purchased fifty-two acres of land on section 
17. The November following lie sold his farm and 
rented the pl.ace which lie now occupies, believing 
it more profitable to rent than to own a small place. 
He is in good circumstances and prospering in his 
present employment, to which he has lirought an 
observing mind, an enterprising spirit, and indus- 
trious habits. He keeps two teams employed on 
tiie place, which he conducts according to tlie most 
approved methods. 

The estimable lady who presides over Mr. Hemp- 
hill's home bore the maiden name of Sarali E. Dick, 
and their marriage was celebrated in Butler County, 
Ohio, Sept. 18, 1878. Mrs. Hemphill was born 
in St. Charles, Mo., and when eight years old ac- 
companied her father, Isaac Dick, to Helena, Mont., 
going to Ft. Benton on the first steamboat that was 
run to that point. She accompanied her sister East, 
and in Ohio, met and married Mr. Hemphill, to 
whom she has borne one daughter — Anne M. Her 
father is now living in Oregon. 

Mr. Hemphill belonged to the I. O. O. F. 
at \'enice, Ohio. He is a strong Republican and 
never fails to cast his vote and influence in that 
which he considers the proper scale. He belongs 
to the Presbyterian Church in Perry, Jefferson 
C()uu.ty, and endeavors in daily life to do honor to 
the faith to which he professes. 

■AMES C. GRINTER. This sturdy veteran 
I who is no<(- retired from active business, liv- 
I ingamid the comforts of a pleasant home in 
Ij^/'' Perry, Jefferson County, bears the distinc- 
tion of being tiie second oldest settler of Kansas 
since 1849. Personally, he is genial and compan- 
ionable and very hospitable, intelligent and well- 
informed — a man with whom an hour may always 
br spent in a pleasant and profitable manner. He 
caiiie to this now prosperous commonwealth during 



ils Territorial days, and maintained his residence 
here during the thrilling times which followed, 
when its now smiling fields were made the battle 
ground lietween freedom and slavery. He has 
ever maintained a warm interc st in the prosperit}' 
of his adopted State, and as far as he was able has 
contributed his quota to the general good. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Logan 
County. Ky.. Jan. 3, 1828, and was reared there on 
a farm, obtaining a limited education in the old 
log school-house, the school being conducted on the 
subscription plan. The temple of learning was 
built in primitive style, and furnished with slab 
benches and other things corresi)onding. Mr. 
Grinter during his boyhood days sustained an 
intimate acquaintance with Henry Clay and other 
characters which later became eminent. He re- 
mained a member of his father's household until a 
youth of seventeen years, then engaged as sales- 
man for a firm of book-dealers, traveling through 
Tennessee, Missouri, and Mississippi until 1849. 
In his journeyings he visited seven different States, 
making his way on horseback, over a rough 
country. 

Finally, young Grinter, not being satisfied with 
his condition or his prospects in the Blue Grass 
regions, decided upon seeking the far ^Vest. He 
started from Kentuckj' on horseback Oct. 8, 1849, 
crossing the Mississippi River at St. Louis and 
the Missouri at Kansas City. After going into 
Wyandotte Count}-, Indian Ter., he located at 
Government Ferry, mid engaged in ferrying for the 
Government for the period of five 3'ears at the old 
crossing on the Kans.as River. In that region he 
nut his fate in the person of Miss Rosanna Jlar- 
shall; to whom he was married in W3'andotte 
County, Feb. 15, 1850. This lad}' was born in 
Springfield. Mo., and was the daughter of William 
Marshall, a prominent and wealth}- trader among 
the Delaware Indians. He was of English descent 
and s|)ent his Last days in Springfield. His wife 
was a Delaware, and a niece of the Avife of Capt. 
Ketchum. She was reared in Kansas, and well- 
educated at the Shawnee Methodist Episcopal 
Alission. 

Afterhis marriage Mr.Grinter engaged in farming 
in Wyandotte County, improving a homestead, and 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



663 



tiiially bucnine the owner of 490 acres of land, nine 
miles from Kansas City. TLis was devoted largely 
to the raising of fancy stock, and Mr. Grinter also 
operated as a buyer and shipper. He likewise 
became interested in sheep-raising. lie sojourned 
in that region until 1880, then coming to Jefferson 
County, engaged in general merchandising at Ferry, 
as a member of the firm of J. C. (jirinter it Co. 

The affidavit of Mr. Grinter at Lyons, in 1858, 
decided the Lccompton constitution. In 18G4, as 
a member of the Kansas Militia, he assisted in 
driving the rebel general, Price, across the border, 
and partici[>ated in the skirmish near Westport on 
the Blue, llis company was then held as a reserve. 
For one mouth they were required on patrol duty 
at night, and upon several occasions the neighbors 
of Mr. Grinter came near killing him on account of 
the decided views he took against outlawr}'.^ It is 
the belief of Mr. Grinter that the only man living 
beside? iiimself who settled in Kansas in 1849, is 
one John G. Pratt, who came as a Baptist missionary 
to Wyandotte County ; and Mrs. Grinter is the old- 
est settler in years in the State. 

Mr. Grinter continued in the mercantile business 
in Perry until June, 1888, then on account of fail- 
ing health he sold out and retired. In November, 
1887, he sold his farm in Wyandotte County', and 
in April, 1888, came to Perry. He has the finest 
residence in town, erected at a cost of about |3, 500, 
under the supervision of Mr. Colby, a Wyandotte 
architect. Besides his city property, Mr. Grinter 
owns 500 acres of farming land in Jefferson 
County. He has given his children a fine start in 
life, deeding to each a valuable piece of land. 
During the season of 1888 his share of the corn 
raised on his land aggregated 9,000 bushels. 

Mr. Grinter is the fatiier of eleven children liv- 
ing: Julia A., Mrs. Conly, is a resident of Kansas 
City, Mo.; Harriet F. remains at home with her 
parents; Maria J., INIrs. Timmons, is a resident of 
Wyandotte County, this State; Elizabeth S., Mrs. 
Betts, lives on a farm in Rural Township; Sarah 
F. is the wife of James David, a farmer of Ken- 
tucky Townsiiip; Flora, Mrs. Martin, lives in 
Kansas City; Susan is attending school at Lexing- 
ton, Mo.; Mary B.. Mrs. Colley, is a resident of 
Perry; Rose remains at home; James M. is a 



prominent farmer of Kentucky Township: Lor- 
enzo D. is farming in Rural Township. 

Jlr. Grinter, politically, supi>orts the princi|)les 
of the Democratic part}-, and is quite prominent in 
local affairs, officiating as a delegate to the count}- 
conventions, and serving on the School Board for 
the last twenty years. In his religious views he is 
a Methodist, and assisted in the erection of the 
church building at Perry. For the past ten years 
he has been prominent in church circles, officiating 
as Class-Leader, Steward, Trustee and Sunday- 
school Superintendent. 

The father of our subject nas Francis Grinter, a 
native of Virginia. The paternal grandfather was 
a Revolutionarj' soldiei'and of Scotch-Irish descent. 
After the war he carried on farming, and spent his 
last years in Kentucky. Francis Grinter, also a 
farmer by occupation, emigrated to Logan County, 
Ky., at an early day, and with the aid of slaves 
prosecuted farming extensively and became well- 
to-do. In 1854 he removed to Kansas, and was a 
resident of Wyandotte County until 1848. He 
then returned to Kentucky, where he spent his last 
days, dj'ing in 1864. He was a Whig in the early 
daj-s, and during the war a stanch fTnion man. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Susan Reed. She was born in Virginia, and 
was the daughter of an old Revolutionary soldier 
of Scotch-Irish descent. She died in Kentucky, in 
the faith of the Presbj'terian Church. The par- 
ental liousehold consisted of eleven children, nine 
of whom lived to mature years. But four aic now- 
living. 




IIOMAS WOODSON GARDINER.' The 
Valley Falls Register, under the able man- 
agement of Mr. Gardiner as editor and 
proprietor, has become an institution that is indis- 
pensable to the people of Jefferson County, to 
whose interests it is thoroughly devoted, and .as an 
exponent of the Democratic part}-, enjoj's a liberal 
support. Mr. Gardiner has been prominent in local 
affairs in this county, serving at one time as Justice 
of the Peace, and in 1878 was the nominee of his 
l)arty for Probate Judge, running over 400 votts 
ahead of his ticket, and being beaten by only sixteen 



664 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



voli.'S. This simple fact serves to indicate iiis 
popularity among the people of this section. He 
is a clear and forcible writer, a good business man. 
and a valued member of the community. 

Tlie subject of this notice was born in Platte 
County, Mo., Sept. 22, 1847. and Is the son of 
William M. Gardiner, a native of Kentucky, who 
went to Pike County, Mo., with his parents when 
a lad of Ave years. In 1838 the family located on 
the Platte Purchase, and in 1854-55 settled in Jef- 
ferson County, Kan., where grandfather James 
Gardiner spent his last days. The mother of 
Thomas W. bore the name of Susan M. Tipton. 
She was a daughter of Jonathan Tipton, who spent 
his last years in Colorado. 

To William M. and Susan Gardiner there was born 
a family of ten children, eight of whom are living, 
viz.: Thomas W., James J., John W., Barbara J., 
Mary M. (Mrs. J. A. Rea), Frank T., Susan E., and 
Hattie A. W. M. Gardiner located on ground 
near Winchester, driving the flrst stake upon the 
present site of the town. Ho carried on farming, 
and was a hard worker, battling with all the diffi- 
culties of life on the frontier. For several years 
he was obliged to travel to Platte City, thirty 
miles awaj', for his flour. The Delaware Indians 
at that time occupied the southern part of the 
county, and wild animals — antelopes, deer, wolves, 
and coyotes, besides turkeys and other small game, 
were abundant, and wild horses were numer- 
ous. Thomas, like his brothers and sisters, ac- 
quired his education mostly by the home fireside, 
the children being required to make themselves 
useful around tlie homestead as soon as thry 
were large enough to be of service It was some 
time fiefore the establishment of schools, and these 
were at a considerable distance, and conducted un- 
der great difficulties. Thomas remained under the 
home roof until a young man of twenty-two years, 
and in 1869 occupied himself in other pursuits at 
Trenton, Mo. Suosequently he taught school in 
Jefferson County for a period of ten j-ears, all in 
five districts. 

In the meantime, during the Presidential cam- 
paign of 1868. Mr. Gardiner wrote his flrst news- 
paper article as a correspondent of the Leavenworth 
Commercial. In 1872 he became interested in the 



Grasshopper, a paper published at what was 
then Grasshopper Falls, but is now Valley Falls. 
On this he edited the page devoted to the interests 
of Winchester and entitled the Winchester News, 
conducting this department until June, 1876. 

Branching out now upon his own hook in the 
newspaper world, Mr. Gardiner established the 
Winchester An/iis, having it printed at Oskaloosa. 
In March, 1879, he purchased an outfit for the Ar- 
ijus and conducted the paper until 1880, when he 
sold out and in July, that year, came to Valley Falls, 
establishing the Register which he has engineered 
successfully until the present time. It was first a 
four-column quarto, but has been enlarged to a six- 
column quarto and is a spicy paper, full of local 
news and in politics devoted to the interests of the 
Democratic party. It has a circulation of about 
1,000 and being the only Democratic paper in the 
county has the inside track of its competitors. 

AVhile a resident of Winchester, Mr. (iardiner 
was married Nov. 28. "1874, to Mi.ss Mattie E., 
daughter of William Kirpatrick, of Butler County, 
this State. Two daughters have been l>orn of this 
union — Grace E., March 18. 1876, and Alice B., 
July 29, 1878. Mr. Gardiner keeps abreast of the 
times sociall}', belonging to the A. O. C W. and K. 
of P., and politically is well informed upon the 
leading issues of the day. 



-wv'ijifia/©-^^! 



; »©^2)/flfl«»v--v^/^ 



fu-^ OWARD K. ROBERTS. Although the es- 
||f )l) tate of this gentleman is not so large as 
!^^ many in Jefferson County, it is one of the 
(,^1 most attractive, as ever\'thing about it is in 
first-class order and good style. The farm com- 
prises eighty acres on section 11, Kentucky Town- 
ship, and is well watered by Wild Horse Creek. 
It is thoroughly cultivated and intelligentlj' con- 
ducted, and bears all modern conveniences for the 
carrying on of the home economy and the work of 
fruit growing and grain and stock raising, in which 
Mr. Roberts is engaged. Twenty-seven acres of 
the estate are covered with bearing fruit trees, and 
a high grade of stock is raised, while the grain 
crops rank with the best in quantity and quality. 
The grandfather of our subject was Jacob Rob- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



665 



erts, a native of Xorth Caroliiva aiul a planter there. 
From lliat .State he removed to Virginia where he 
spent tlie remainder of his life. His son .Tohn, 
father of our subject, was also born in North 
Carolina, and aecomp.inied his father to Virginia, 
whence in early youth lie wont to P'rankfort. Ky. 
where he began to acquire the trade of a printer, 
and thence to Springfield, 111. He worked at the 
trade there until 1848, when he went to ICddy- 
ville, Iowa, and after continuing the same em- 
ployment there for a couple of years, engaged 
in farming in that neighborhood. In 1859 he 
came to Kansas and located on a claim in Butler 
County, near Eldorado, where he remained until 
18G2, when he took up his al)ode in Dougl.as 
County, near Lawrence, and continued his agricul- 
tural pursuits there until the following year when 
he was gathered to his fathers. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject was 
Jacob Pierce, a native of Tennessee, a soldier in 
the War of 1812, and one of tiie pioneer farmers 
of .Sangamon County, 111. His daughter. Salina, 
was born in the same State as himself, and having 
accompanied him to Illinois, was there united in 
marriage to John Roberts and became the mother 
of nine children. She now resides vvitli her son, 
Howard R.. who is the fifth in order of birth in the 
family. Tiie first born, Cordelia, now Mrs. Mer- 
cer, lives in Lawrence; Margaret, Mrs. Jones, 
resides in Fninklin County; Louisa, Mrs. Mishey, 
lives in this county; John, who enlisted in 1863 
in Company M, lltli Kansas Infantry, and served 
until the close of the war, is a railroad engineer 
and lives in Ottawa; Emily. Luella. Melissa and 
William are deceased. 

Howard Roberts was born in Springfield. 111., 
March •22, 184L and w.as four years old when his 
parents removed to Iowa, and still in his teens 
when they came to this State. He well remembers 
their journey, which was made with ox-team and 
wagon. His school advantages were limited, but 
having a desire for knowledge he has improved 
every opportunity for self instruction and is well 
read and well informed. When only seventeen or 
eighteen years old, and while the family was liv- 
ing in Douglas County, he was out on the plains in 
several buffalo hunts, and has killed as many as 



twenty-five of those denizens of the Western 
prairies. He has also hunted deer and wolves. 

Mr. Roberts was in Lawrence when that city was 
raided and burned, and shortly afterward joined 
'•Jim" Lane's company and followed t^uantreirs 
gang out of the State. He took part in the skir- 
mish in Brookville and also in oiie near Ottawa. 
After the death of his father in 1863, he took 
charge of the farm and conducted it successfully, 
continuing his residence in Douglas County until 
the spring of 1868, when he bought the estate 
which he now occupies, which was then bare of im- 
provements. Removing to it he began its cultiva- 
tion, and has been eminently successful in bringino- 
it to a high standard of excellence. 

The marriage of Mr. Roberts took place in 
Douglas County, Feb. 13, 1868, his chosen com- 
panion being Miss Mary Adams, a young lady 
whose fine character, intelligence and domestic ac- 
complishments well fitted her for the position 
which she was called upon to fill. She was born in 
Johnson County. Mo., and is a daughter of Calvin 
and Catherine (Grainger) Adams, who are now- 
living on a valuable qu,arter-section in this 
township. Calvin Adams was born in \\'ilkes 
County, Tenn., and was a son of Abraham Adams, 
who removed from that State to Johnson County, 
Mo., spending the remainder of his life there. 
Calvin Adams foUoweil in his father's footsteps 
and engaged in farming in Johnson County, later 
moving to Jackson County, and in 1854 locating 
on a claim near Lawrence, where he was one of the 
first settlers. He improved and operated a farm 
there until 1868. when he sold and located at his 
present pLace of abode. He took part in the Mor- 
mon War at Far West, Mo. His wife was born in 
Tennessee, and was the daughter of Benjamin 
Grainger, an early settler in Missouri. The happy 
union of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts has been blessed 
by the birth of five children, Alice M., Victor, 
Eugene, John and Emma K. deceased. All are 
at home except Alice, who is married to Albert 
Hebbe, a farmer of this township. 

Mr. Roberts has been School Director for several 
years, and is also Supervisor of Roads. In pcJitics 
he is a strong Prohibitionist, and has been delegate 
to both county and Stale conventions. Formerly 



66G 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he was an ardent Democrat. His- fellow citizens 
liolil him in high esteem for his courteous man- 
ners, intelligence, ability and upright character, and 
his wife also has many friends in the community. 
She is a member in* good standing of thii Presby- 
terian Church. 



OHN F. MENDEXHALL. one of the Trus- 
tees of Kaw Township, Jefferson County, is 
serving his second term in this capacity aud 
^^' otherwise operates as a successful contractor 
and builder. He is one of the most enterprising 
citizens of Grantville and owns a snug homestead 
embracing thirty-two acres of land on Survey 9, 
besides his residence and lots in Grantville. His 
career has been marked b^y more than ordinarj' in- 
dustry, the fruits of which are apparent in his sur- 
roundings and the fact that he is comfortably lixed 
financially, with something laid by for a rainy day. 
He is still a young man, having been born Jan. 17, 
1856, and he spent the first twelve years of his life 
at his birthplace in Miami County, Ohio. 

In 1868 Mr. Mendenhall accompanied his parents 
to Missouri and two years later the;)- came to 
Kansas, settling in Topeka. John had attended a 
select school in Missouri and completed his studies 
in Kaw Township, to which the family removed in 
1872. He assisted his father on the farm in 1876, 
then, a young man of twenty years, started out on 
Ins own account and associating himself with a 
partner, established a grocery store at Grantville, 
which tiiey operated until 1877, under the firm 
name of Colvin & Mendenhall. The latter then 
disposed of his interest in the business and took 
charge of liis father's farm, also renting land ad- 
joining, and prosecuted agriculture quite exten- 
sively until -1880. 

In tlie above mentioned year Mr. Mendenhall 
returned to Topeka, where he operated as a carpen- 
ter one year. We next find Lim in Kansas City, 
tliis State, where he worked as a carpenter until 
1872. Then returning to Kaw Township he took 
up his abode in Grantville, where he began opera- 
ting as a contractor and liuilder, and has thus oc- 
cupied himself successfully since that time. He 



erected a neat residence for himself and has also 
been employed in the construction of a number of 
buildings at Lawrence and some in Cowley County. 
Although meddling very little in political affairs, 
he keeps himself posted upon the leading events of 
the day, and gives his support to the Democratic 
part\^ He takes a warm interest in agricultural 
matters, and is identified with the Farmers' Alli- 
ance. He was mai-ried in Kaw Township May 15, 
1887, to Miss Cassie Fanning who came to Jeffer- 
son County when a young lady with her father, 
John Planning, who is a farmer of Kaw Township. 
Mrs. Mendenhall was born ]March 13, 1867 in Pike 
County, III. Her mother bore the maiden name of 
Underwood; she is now living two miles north of 
Grantville. There has been born of this union 
one child, a daughter, Nannie May, l)orn Feb. 5, 
1889. 

The father of our subject was Levi Mendenhall, 
a native of Miami County, Ohio, and the son of 
Joseph Mendenhall, who was born in England. The 
latter emigrated to the United States at an early 
day, and taking up a tract of land in Miami 
County, Ohio, constructed from it a good farm, 
became well-to-do and there spent his last days. 
He was a highly respected citizen and in religion a 
Quaker. Levi Mendenhall when a young man 
likewise improved a farm of eighty acres in Miami 
County. Ohio, upon which he lived until 1868. 
Then desirous of a change of scene he sold out 
and removed to Missouri, locating in Fra-iklin 
County, but only sojourned there eighteen months. 
Ill 1870 he came to this State and purchased forty- 
two acres of land adjoining the young city of 
Topeka. Upon tins he farmed in a modest manner 
until 1872. Then coming to Kaw Township, Jeffer- 
son County, he purchased thirty-two acres on lot 2, 
survey 9. where he made his home the remainder 
of his life. Ho departed hence Dec. 5, 1879, at 
the age of sixty-eight years. Like his honored 
father, he also was a Quaker in religious belief. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name 
of Nancy Miller. She w,as born in Maryland Aug. 
17, 1824, and was the daughter of John Miller, 
likewise a native of Maryland, wlio was a lifelong 
farmer and spent his entire life in his native State. 
He likewise w.as a Quaker in religious belief and 






I 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



669 



stood high among his people. John Miller, Si'., the 
great-" ranrU'atlier of our subject, was a native of 
German}-, whence he emigrated to America when a 
j'oung man and in time to liave a hand in the 
Revoiulionar}' War. He fought on the side of tlie 
Colonists and after the struggle was ended, settled 
down on a farm in Mar^-land, where he spent his 
last days. Miss Nancy Miller was first married in 
Maryland to G. B. Golden, with whom she removed 
to Miami County. Ohio, where Mr. Golden died, 
and where slie met her second husband. She is 
still living and makes her home with her son, our 
subject. In religious belief, she is a Methodist, 
beh>nging to the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
South. Of lier marriage with Mr. Golden there 
were born t«o children — Mary L., now Mrs. Mann 
of Macoupin County, 111., and Georgia A., who is 
deceased. Levi Mendenhall was also twice married, 
becoming b}' his first union llie father of two chil- 
dren — James who is deceased, and Joseph, a resi- 
dent of New|)ort, Ark. 



A-==^ir^~-\ 



-^ 



il-^ ENRY W. SPANGLER, Justice of the 
\lj)f] Peace and Notary Public, of Perry, is local 
~^^' editor of the Perry News, and also carries 
(^) on a thriving trade in drugs and stationery. 
He is one of the most active members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and otherwise closely 
identified with the various interests of this pro- 
gressive little citj-. 

The offspring of an excellent old family, he of 
whom we write first opened his eyes to the light 
near Colunibia City, Whitle}' Co., Ind., Sept. 7, 
1846, and is the son of Samuel R. Spangler, a na- 
tive of Muskingum County, Ohio. The paternal 
grandfather was Henry Spangler, who was born in 
Frederick County, Md., and lived a number of 
years near Hagerstown. After his removal to 
Ohio he engaged in farming, and died near Etna, 
Licking County. He was a member of the militia, 
and concerned in the siege of Ft. Miegs. The 
gieat-grand father, Mathias Spangler, was a hatter 
in Hagerstown, and of (ierman descent. 

Samuel R. Spangler. the father of our subject, 
engaged in farming in his native State until 1842. 



That 3'ear he emigrated to Whitley County, Ind., 
settling among the pioneers of Columbia City. He 
was a carpenter by trade, and assisted in erecting 
some of the first buildings in the town. He in- 
vested a portion of his capital in 120 acres of Gov- 
ernment land, from which he improved a good 
farm, operating upon it until the fall of 1870. 
Then selling out, he came to Douglas County, Kan., 
and lived there a few 3'ears, finally taking up his 
abode with his son, Henry W., with whom he spent 
his 1.1st d.ays in Perr^'. 

The mother of Mr. Spangler bore the name of 
Elizabeth Snyder. She was born in Lancaster, 
Ohio, and was the daughter of Jacoli Snyder. She 
was reared in the family of Judge W. H. Hunter 
from the age of twelve until her marriage. She is 
still living, making her home with her daughter, 
Mrs. Fullertori, in Baldwin City, this State. She 
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church man}- 
years ago. There was born to her and her husband 
a family of seven children, viz.: Matha, Mrs. 
Plummer, of Chanute, this State; Jacob F., of 
Baldwin City; Joseph W., of Franklin County; 
Phebe J., Mrs. Fullerton, of Baldwin City; Benja- 
min M., of Franklin County; Mary E., Mrs. Lari- 
mer, of Perry; and Henry W., our subject. 

Having limited school advantages, the early 
education of young Spangler was conducted largely 
by the evening fire at home, under the instruction 
of his father, who was well-educated and had fol- 
lowed the profession of a teacher. Upon the out- 
break of the Civil War, although only seventeen 
years old, he attempted to enter the Union arm}', 
but was debarred on account of his age. When 
twenty years old he began teaching in the school 
district where he was born, and followed this while 
remaining in Indiana. He spent one summer in a 
select school in Columbia Cit}', and vvas given a 
first grade certificate at the regular examination. 

Finally, in the spring of 1869. he deteimined 
upon seeking his fortunes in the West, and believ- 
ing that Kansas afforded a large field for his ambi- 
tion, he made his way hither, arriving in Topeka 
on tlie 1st of April. Later he repaired to Law- 
rence, where he was first engaged as clerk in an 
hotel. For two months thereafter he devoted his 
spare time to the study of chemistry, and subse- 



670 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



quently lesumeri teaching, wliich he followed until 
1877. In the meantime, during the winter of 
1 874-75, he held the position of Principal of the 
5lh Ward school in Lawrence. He took a promi- 
nent part in the institute and teacher's associations 
in Douglas County, otticiating as President and 
teacher combined. 

In November, 1875, Mr. Spangler accepted the 
Priucipalship of the Perry schools, which position 
he held until 1877. He had prior to this been 
given a five-3'ear State certifleate. During the 
year last mentioned he associated himself in i)art- 
nership with Dr. Surbor, and they purchased the 
drug stock of Mr. A. F. Graligny. They operated 
together, however, only one year, and then Mr. 
Spangler became sole proprietor, and with I he ex- 
ception of eighteen months, has conducted the 
business singly and alone. He keeps a well- 
selected stock of drugs and chemicals, also school 
books and stationery. His success is due to his 
energy and strict attention to business. He began 
with a capital of $100, and now operates with a stock 
of $4,500, utilizing two store buildings. He is the 
oldest continuous druggist in the town. 

Mr. Spangler was married in Douglas County, 
Kan., in 1872, to Miss Nancy A. Messenhimcr. 
This lady was born in Pennsylvania, and came to 
Kansas with her parents about 1860. Her father, 
Henry Messenhimer, was a prominent farmer of 
Dougl.as County. Five children have been born 
of this union, viz. : Charles W., Orville E., Mabel, 
Manford and Myra. Mr. Spangler was a member 
of the School Board one term, and is serving his 
third term as Justice of the Peace. He was Mayor 
of the city one year. He is an active member of 
the I. O. O. F., at Perr^-, being the permanent 
Secretary and Past Noble Grand. He is the Acting 
Scribe of the Encampment at Lawrence, and C^rand 
Marshal of the Grand Encampment. He belongs 
to the State Pharmacutical Association, and has 
presided at three of their meetings. In his church 
he officiates as Class-Leader and Trustee, and is 
Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He possesses 
good literary abilities, and is contributor to a 
number of Pharmacutical journals. He became 
associated with the Perry Netvs, a weekly paper 
published in Topeka. in 1888, prior to which time 



he had done much journalistic work and h.id 
jjecome ver^' jjopular. Politically, he is a sound 
Republican, prominent in his party, officiating as a 
delegate to the county. State and congressional 
conventions, and being Chairman of the R;pub - 
lican Central Committee for several years. 

A lithographic portrait of Mr. Spangler appears 
on another page of this volume. 



-^3- 



e^- 




iV^UFl'S STANTON TURNER. This hon- 
ored pioneer of Jackson County came to 
this State in 1879, and for many years was 
15^ a resident of Jefferson Township, occupy- 
ing the farm which he had built up from a vvild 
tract of land, loc^ated on section 14. After a series 
of years spen.t in arduous labor he has wisely- de- 
cided to retire, and maj- be found amid the com- 
forts of A pleasant home in the cit)' of Ilolton. 

A native of Middlebury Township, Schoharie 
County. N. Y., the subject of this sketch was born 
in the year 1822, and is the son of James and Linda 
(Lloyd) Turner, the former a native of Schoharie 
County-, N. Y. and the latter in Albany County, 
th,at State. The paternal grandfather, Joseph 
Turner, was born in Connecticut and served as a 
soldier in the Revolutionary ^Var. By occupation 
he was a farmer and shoemaker combined. On 
the mother's side Grandfather Benjamin Llo3d, 
was born in the Stale of New York, and for many 
years operated as a stage-driver before the days of 
railroads. 

James Turner was reared to agricultural pur- 
suits, which he followed all his life. He died .lau. 
7, 1863, at the age of sixty-eight years. The mother 
survived her husband many years, passing away 
Jan. 7, 1879. She was a lady of many estimalile 
qualities and a consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. The elder Turner took an ac- 
tive part in politics. Liberal and public-spirited, 
he was a friend of education and enconrager of the 
enterprises calculated to elevate the people. 

To the parents of our subject there was born a 
family of thirteen children, of whom, Rufus Stan- 
ton was the eldest; Benjamin F. is a retired farmer 
in New York Stale; Joseph has also retired from 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



671 



active labor and makes liis home in Livings- 
ton, N. Y. ; Catlierine E. became the wife of Di'. 
Buck, of Schoharie County, N. Y., and is now de- 
ceased; Young died in 1865; Harriet A. manied* 
Sanford Row, of Scholiarie County, and is now 
deceased ; Loren and Amos are farming in .Scho- 
liarie County; Almira is'tlie wife of Wetsel Roe of 
that County; Ezra is farming there; Sarali A. i^ the 
wife of Grin Mack}^ of Ulster County, N. Y.; 
George died in early childhood; Mar}' (Mrs. 
Thorn,) lives in Schoharie County. Rufus, our 
subject, remained at tiie homestead assisting in the 
labors of the farm and attending the common 
school, principal!}' in the winter season. At the 
age of nineteen years he left home and making his 
way to Caliioun County, IMieii., engaged as a farm 
laborer, remaining tliei'c one year. Tliere also he 
was married, Sept. 12. 18-41, to Miss Adeline Lay. 

Mrs. Turner was born iuNiiigara County, N. Y., 
and is the daughter of Daniel and Anna (Brown) 
La}'. After his marriage Mr. Turner purcliascd a 
farm and continued a resident of Michigan until 
1844. Tlien, selling out, lie returned to liis native 
county, whcie lie rented a farm one year, then 
purchased a farm, wliich lie 0C(ni[)ied until tiie 
spring of 184'.». 

Next IMr. Turner took charge of a tannery, which 
lie conducted until 18r)2. That year he removed 
back to IMicliigan and purchased another farm, re- 
maining theie until 185.5. We next find him in 
Noble County, Ind., where he purchased land 
wiiich he improved and upon whiih he lived until 
IST'.l. Tiiat year he camt to Kansas and secured a 
farm of I GO acres, u|>on which he operated success- 
full}' until his retirement. During the Civil War, 
Mr. Turner enlisted iii an Indiana regiment and 
served five months. He is a member in good 
standing of the Christian Church, as is also his 
estimable wife. Mr. Turner is a Republican, politi- 
cally, and takes a warm interest in the success of 
his party. He has contributed liberally to its 
support and is numbered among its chief pillars. 

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs.Turnersix 
children,tlieeldest of whom, Marcus B., served in the 
Union army ; Julia A. and Cynthia J. aredeceasid; 
Orlenais the wife of William Heffner, of Jefferson 
Townslii|); Adella G. married Alonzo Friend of 



this township; James W. is also farming there. 
Besides their own children, Mr. and Mrs. Turner 
have reared two grandchildren — William T. Green 
and Evan A. Turner, of Jefferson Township. Mr. 
Turner commenced in life at the foot of tiie Ladder, 
dependent upon his own resources, and has attained 
to liis present position, socially and financially, 
unaided. His career has been one eminently cred- 
itable to his energy and industry and he occupies 
no secondary position among the leading men of 
his township. 



-^ 



W ORENZA D. GRINTER is a native of Kansas 
I (^3) and a prosperous fanner in Jefferson County^ 
il*— ^\\ bidding fair to become one of its lea<ling 
citizens, when a few more years shall have added 
their experience to the fund of knowledge which 
he already possesses. He is a son of J. C. Grinter, 
wiiose sketch occu|)ies another page, and was born 
near Edwardsville, Kan., Dec. 12, 1868. His boy- 
hood and youth were passed on his father's farm, 
and in the enjoyment of excellent educational ad- 
vantages, and in the fall of 1887 he came to this 
county with his father, beginning work for himself 
the following year as an agriculturist, on some of 
his fatlier's land adjoining Perry, and also in part- 
nership with his brc.ther, J. !\L (irinter, engaging in 
grain and potato raising. In the fall of 1889 he 
took possession of his own farm, which comprises 
eighty acres of tillable and fertile bottom land in 
Rural Township, wlieie he is now engaged in gen- 
eral husbandry. Good buildings have been 
erected and other improvements made upon the 
place, which is well-fenced, and conducted in a 
manner extremely creditable to the good judgment 
and industry of its young owner. 

In Kansas City, Kan.. Aug, 17, 188!). the rites of 
wedlock were celebrated between our subject and 
Miss Kate Davis. She was born in Kentucky 
Township, this county, March 27, 1873, and was 
educated in the public schools of Perry, where her 
agreeable manneis and active mind were recog- 
ui'zed and appreciated. Her father, George Davis, 
was born in Shelby, N. Y., and was a farmer in his 
native State, whence he removed to Michigan, con- 



672 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALfiUM. 



tinning bis agricultural pursuits for some time. In 
the early rlays of life west of the Mississippi he 
came out on the plains and began freighting, finally 
locating at Winc-hcster, Kan., and subsequent!}' 
coming to this county. He served in a Kansas 
i-egiment tor three months during the Civil AVar. 
He imi)roved a farm of 160 acres in Kentucky' 
Township and resided upon it until 1884, when he 
rented it and moved to Perry. He is a sound Re- 
publican in politics. The mother of Mrs. (Irinter 
was, in her maidenhood, Miss Lucy Van Guilder, 
and her birth took place in Tompkins Center, 
Mich. She belongs to the Presbyterian Church, 
and carefully instilled into the minds of her chil- 
dren the principles of morality and right living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of five chil- 
dren. Mrs. Cora Durbin and Mrs. Stella Leach 
are living in Perr}-. Mrs..Hattie Saylor lives in 
Fairview Township. Mortimer is still at home. 

Mr. firinter is a Democrat, having a firm belief 
that the principles Of that party will best advance 
the interests of the Nation. His wife is a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and no young 
people in the county are more popular or give 
promise of greater usefulness in life than do this 
young couple. 



^^ NDREW M. RUSSELL. The subject of 
i. ©7JI ! this sketch is one of those busy gentlemen 
who find time for many business and social 
duties, illustrating the principle that the 
busiest man is the one who has the most leisure. 
Not only so but he is a man with a history, a highly 
educated and useful member of society, and one 
who has accomplished much good in the cause of 
education and the service of the Union. He is now 
engaged in the jewelry business in Valley Falls, 
where he has also been a teacher in the city schools 
for eight years. 

Prof. Russell is one of two children born to 
Warren and Polly Ann (Evans) Russell, and is the 
only surviving member of the family, his brother 
having died in infancj' and his parents some years 
since. His father was a native of Cattaraugus 
County, N. Y., was a farmer, and died in the Union 



army after three months' service during the Rebell- 
ion. Mrs. Warren Russell was born in Ohio, and 
was a daughter of Andrew Evans, formerly a noted 
dairyman of the Western Reserve, and living in 
Geauga County, Ohio. Near the town of Huntsburg 
in that county, April 7, 1847, our subject first 
opened his ej'es to the light. In 1852 his parents 
removed to Cedar County, Iowa, settling on wild 
land, where for a short time they lived in a small 
log cabin. Lumber to build an addition to the 
house was hauled from Muscatine, thirty-two miles 
distant, and there they also did their trading, haul- 
ing hogs and farm products to that point, the only 
means of transport'ilion in all that section being by 
wagons or water. 

Young Russell enlisted in Company I. 3.5th Iowa 
Infantry, and served three years and one day dur- 
ing the Civil War. Among the battles in which 
he participated were those of Raymond, Miss , the 
first and second battles at Jackson, the charge on 
Vicksburg made May 18, 1802; the second charge 
upon and siege of the same place some time later; 
Ft. DeRussey, Marksville, Henderson Hill ; Cample ; 
Pleasant Hill. La.; the seventeen days' fighting on 
the retreat from that place to Alexandria; the five 
days' engagement ending at Bayou DeGlaize, Tu- 
pelo, Little Hatchie; Oxford, Miss.; Little Blue, 
Mo.; Nashville, Spanish Fort, etc. 

At Henderson Hill the brigade to which Mr. Rus- 
sell belonged, during the night surprised and capt- 
ured every rebel except Col. Mooi'e, of the 2d 
Louisiana Cavalry, who crawled out of the window, 
slid down a back |3orch. and esca|)ed through the 
guards, clothed in his night sliirt. This capture 
was due to a strategy of Mr. Russell, who with 
two companions went ahead of the brigade, and 
meeting a rebel courier halted him and called for 
the countersign. The reljel demanded to know who 
w,as hailing him and was answered "The advance 
guard of Gen. Warren," (a rebel general from 
whom they expected re-inforcements) and the 
countersign was readily given. The courier was 
then escorted as a prisoner to the Union com- 
mander Gen. Joe Mower, who pi oceeded to capture 
all the rebel picket posts between them and the fort 
by pretending to be Gen. Warren's advance gnard, 
giving the countersign and capturing one after an- 



J 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



673 



ullier without a shot beina; fired. In taking the 
fort the rebul color bearer assaulted tlie Union 
eulor bearer, who in self-defense ran his antagonist 
through with tite spear of his staff, killing him. 

Mr. Russell devoted much of his time to scouting 
and on one occasion was two days and two nights 
in the Confederate lines, during much of that time 
joking with them, inquiring for "Massa Jeff's army 
and passing himself off for a ratliei silly boy be- | 
longing to the "jjoor while trash." Me had been 
detailed to find the hiding place of the guerrillas, 
who were catching and hanging Union scouts, and 
had cliauged clotlies with a negro cook, who had 
escaped from his master, and from whom he ob- 
tained all the information possible. He rowed 
across the Black River, hid his boat in a clump of 
willows and took the Jackson road, inquiring at 
every house for Massa Jeff's army. About 3, P. M., 
he was ap|)roached by some of the guerrillas, who 
asked him where he w.as going, and being told for 
what he was hunting took him to their camjj in a 
cane-brake, where they had much fun, as they sup- 
posed at his expense. They thought him one of 
the poor whites who lived near Thompson's plan- 
tation, as he had learned from the negro all about 
the neighbors there. During the night he left the 
camp, taking the Captain's horse, which stood sad- 
dled and tied near, and covering the picket with a 
revolver which he found in the holster on the sad- 
dle, took him a mile away and tied him with a sus- 
pender to a tree. While making his way back to 
the river, the horse fell in descending a hill and 
broke it^ neck, the rider fortunately escaping ser- 
ious injury. After possessing himself of the two 
revolvers which were in the holsters, he rowed 
across the river and walked to the Union cam|), 
two and a half-miles distant, where he reported his 
discovery and was at once sent back with a regi- 
ment of cavalry only to find that the guerriJIas had 
evacuated their camp. 

Mr. Russell and Mr. C. S. Bell gave valuable as- 
sistance to Gen. Grant in planning the second bat- 
tle of Jackson, Miss. Bell was a Lieutenant on Gen. 
Joseph E. Johnston's staff, and at the same time 
a scout for Gen. Grant. He would often carry 
Johnston's orders to the Union lines where Mr. 
Russell would meet him, copy the orders and 



carry them to Gen. Grant, who would thus be en- 
enabled to read them before they were received by 
Johnston's men, and in this way the Union General 
was enabled to checkmate the movements of the 
Confederacy. 

After the war was over and Mr. Russell mustered 
out of the service, he returned to his home and at- 
tended the State Universit3' at Iowa City, Iowa, 
and the Iowa State Agricultural College at Ames. 
He then taught five months, and in 18()7 crossed 
the plains to Omaha and Cheyenne City, where he 
worked on the grading of the Union Pacific Rail- 
railroad. While there he discovered a thief in a 
crovvd, and pretending to be a similar character, 
the man, who was stealing money, revolvers, etc., 
gave Mr. Russell such information regarding his 
own movements and plans as enabled the losers to 
recover their proi)erty and capture the thief, who in 
trying to escape was lynched. 

In the fall our subject returned to Omaha with 
600 California ponies, and broke and sold them, 
disposing of some of them in Omaha and others at 
the Wabaunsee Agency. He then spent a short 
time in car building in Omaha, following which he 
worked for the Kansas City, St. Joseph &. Council 
Bluffs Railroad, in East Leavenworth, for a few 
months. Thence he went to Brookfield, Mo., and 
from March until September was fireman on the 
Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, aftervvard running 
an engine a mouth. 

Returning to Iowa Mr. Russell taught school in 
his home district during the winter of 1868-69, 
and in the spring entered the Iowa Agricultural 
College, attending until fall, when he returned to 
his home and again taught school. In the mean- 
time he learned the jewelry trade and made his 
college expenses by doing work for the students. 
In 1870 he tried farming, planting and tending a 
crop, but sold out and went to West Branch, 
Iowa, where he established the West Branch JVews, 
a sheet which he carried on for nearly two 3'ears. 
In 1872 he removed to Muscatine County, and re- 
suming his pedagogical labors in September, taught 
a six-months' school. He came to Jefferson County, 
' Kan.. March 24, 1873, stopping at Perry where he 
taught school until 1878, carrying on his jewelry 
business nights, mornings and Saturdays. Durin;^ 



671 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



the last 3'ear of bis residence in Perry he was prin- 
cipal of the city schools. From that place be re- 
moved to Boyle Station, where he taught two3'ears, 
and whence he came to Valley Falls in 1880. He 
taught one term at Nichols Station, and entering 
the Valley Falls schools in the fall of 1881, con- 
tinued his connection with them until the spring of 
1889, adding to his reputation as a thorough in- 
structor. During his residence in Valley Falls be 
has also been carrying on a jewelry shop, and has 
been more or less connected with the newspapers. 
Prof. Russell has been Notary Public for the last 
fourteen years, and while a citizen of Perry was 
Clerk of Kentucky Township. He is a member of 
the G. A. R.. the A. O. U. W.. the I. O. O. F., the 
S. of v., the I. O. G. T., the L. of G. A. R.,and the 
Select Knights. He was Chancellor Commander of 
the K. of P. when it surrendered its charter and 
now carries a card from the Grand Lodge of that 
socif.ty. His wife, his two eldest daughters and 
himself are members of the Congregational Church. 
On the 19th of February, 1870, the rites of wedlock 
were celebrated between Prof. Russell and Miss 
Martha M., daughter of Morgan Counts, deceased. 
Mrs. Russell is a worthy companion for a gentle- 
man of her husband's intellect and energy, and is 
highly esteemed in the communit}- for her many 
graces of mind and heart. She has borne six chil- 
dren, named respectivelj' : Rosetta A., Clara E. J.. 
Marj' A., Nellie M., Dick C. M., and Grace: the 
last named has been removed by the hand of death. 

ijp^ AMUEL H. CURRY, who was born in 
^^^ Bloomington, Monroe Co., Ind., Jan. 19^ 
1|j\/\uj 18.5G, has a high standing among the young 
farmers of Jefferson County, and is ac- 
quiring an excellent foothold in the world, his jM-es- 
ent landed estate being 134 acres in Norton 
Township. His early boyhood passed in a cit}' of 
excellent educational institutions and among stu- 
dents, he would have been dull indeed had he not 
in those years become observing and intelligent, 
and with a removal to Kansas and the passing of 
his youthful years where he had so good an oppor- 
tunity to learn that it is push and enterprise which 



makes its mark in the Western country, it is not to 
be wondered at that Mr. Curry should prove ener- 
getic, progressive and intelligent in the manage- 
ment of his business, and should make many 
friends in the surrounding country. 

The gentleman of whom we write is the son of 
D. S. and Margaret (Fullerton) Curry, and both 
ancestral lines were from South Carolina. The 
Curry family are of Scotch-Irish stock, and the 
progenitor of the line in America came from the 
North of Ireland several generations ago. They 
were of the Covenanter faith. The paternal 
grandparents of our subject were Samuel and Sarah 
(Smith) Curry, and his maternal grandparents, An- 
drew and Sarah (Servis) Fullerton. The father of 
our subject was a blacksmith in Indiana, whence 
he removed to Winchester, Jefferson Co., Kan.i 
when his son S. H. was a lad of twelve years. He 
undertook work at his trade there, and also bought 
a farm, which he subsequently sold, purchasing 
within a half mile of Nortonville, and removing 
his familv to this locality. 

On that farm our subject lived until his marriage 
in 1877, when he bought eighty acres adjoining 
his present home, upon which he put man)' im- 
provements and where he lived two years. He then 
purchased his present farm and has brought it to a 
high state of cultivation, and has good improve- 
ments upon it. On Maj- 11, 1886, a storm arose 
which theatened their safety, and they all took to 
the cave; the wind entirely destroyed the house 
and barn, necessitating their rebuilding from the 
foundation, and Mr. and 3Irs. Curry had to buy 
everything and begin housekeeping anew, as all their 
household stores and furniture were destroyed. 
They escaped personal injury*, however, and they 
have now a very comfortable house' and are pleas- 
antly located. They keep eight cows, furnishing 
milk to the cheese factorv in the town a mile dis- 
tant. 

t)n Christmas Day, 1877, Miss Manda Oiler, a 
native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of An- 
drew Oiler of that State, became the wife of our 
subject, to whom she has borne seven children: 
Addie Belle, Frank A., Maggie J., Ella M.. and 
Charles Clayton, and a pair of twin boys unnamed. 
The "rowing intelligence of the children is being 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



675 



dircclcd into worthy lines of tliouglit and aspira- 
tion, anil tlieir estimable mother is instilling into 
tlicir minds liigii principles of morality and right 
living. Jlr. C'lirr^' is a Repnblican and was nomi- 
nated on that ticket for Trustee. He and his wife 
are members of the I'nited Presbyterian Cluireh. 



(^^HOMAS W. MARSHAL!.. This gentleman 
iW^^ is one of the old settlers of Jefferson County, 
*5^^ to which he came in the year 1858, settling 
on a quarter section of land in Norton Township, 
which is still his home. He has endured many of 
the toils and privations which are attendant on life 
in a new countr}', but has been more fortunate than 
man)' pioneers in being able to keep his family 
from the extreme want which was in some cases 
endured j'ear after year. He has notonh' displayed 
excellent ability in the management of his agricul- 
tural interests, but has ever shown himself a thor- 
oughly reliable citizen and an individual of honor 
and uprightness, and as such he is regarded with 
high esteem by his fellow-citizens. 

The natal day of our subject was Nov. 27. 1823, 
and he is a son of Elias and Frances (West) Mar- 
shall, and in both lines descended from old Vir- 
ginian families. His mother was a daughter of 
Nicholas and Elizabeth (Kinslej-) West, and his 
father was a son of Martin Marshall, all of the Old 
Dominion. Until the age of seventeen years his 
life was passed in Surrey Count)'. N. C, which 
was the place of his birth, and he was reared on a 
farm, receiving such sciiool privileges as the county 
afforded. He then accompanied his parents to 
I'latte County, Mo., their first settlement being 
made near Weston, and a removal afterward being 
made to the vicinity of St. Joseph. They became 
citizens of Missouri in 1840, and in June of that 
j-ear young Marshall saw " Old Joe Rubadoux " 
digging a water way for a mill race from the creek 
to the river, there being no houses there at that 
time. 

At the home of the bride's father, AVillir.m Mc- 
A'eigh, in 184G, Mr. Marshall was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary Ann Mc\'eigh, a native of 
the lloosier State, whence she had gone to Missouri 



with her parents. In 1858 Mr. Marshall removed 
with his family to Kansas, having traded his Mis- 
souri land wiiich was valued at ii 1,800, for the 
quarter section on which he settled, and which he 
began to improve. The family lived in a log cabin 
which was heated from a little fireplace, where the 
cooking was also done, until a more comfortable 
and commodious dwelling could be obtained. In 
1860 a frame dwelling was erected, and in 1882 a 
still better and more modern one, in which Mr. 
Marshall now lives. In 1860 Mr. Marshall failed 
to raise a crop, and, like his neighbors, found it 
hard to get along the next season, but he succeeded 
well from that time until 1874, when there came 
another total failure caused by droughts and grass- 
hoppers. Mr. Marshall thinks there was very little 
of the corn for the grasshoppers when they arrived. 
The next spring the rapacious insects took 125 
acres of grain off his hands, but he managed to 
raise about a third of a crop of corn, after plant- 
ing three or four times. Notwithstanding these 
discouragements, his life on the whole has been 
prosperous, and his estate has generally yielded 
him a comfortable income. He has added 120 acres 
to his original purchase, has put out about three 
miles of hedge, and has about four miles of wire 
fence; he built a nice barn in 1881, and has all other 
necessary buildings. 

The lady who had stood b)- Mr. Marshall's side 
during his days of trial, and to whom he owed the 
comforts of home, was removed from him by death 
in 1879, and her remains now repose in the Wise 
Cemetery at Winchester. .She was a member of the 
Missionary Baptist Church, a devoted wife and 
mother, and is lovingly remembered by her family 
and many friends. Slie bore eleven children, eight 
of whom now survive, one of the others having 
lived to be eight years of age. Sarah E. is the 
wife of William Adams, a farmer of Jackson 
County, and the mother of five children; Lucv 
Jane married Ta)'lor Stallions, a Jefferson Count)- 
farmer, and tbey have six children; Mary Ellen 
is the widow of Joseph Adams, by whom she had 
four children, and her home is on the old home- 
stead; Celia West is the wife of Austin Harvey, a 
farmer of Jefferson County ; Ida S. married Ulys- 
ses S. Orant Robinson ; Melvina married W, I,, 



676 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Foster, who works in the bridge works at Leaven- 
worth; Frank, with his wife and child, lives on a 
fine farm in Jackson County; AVashington, the 
second child and oldest son, owns and operates a 
fine farm in Norton Townsliip, and has a familj- of 
five children. 

After the death of the mother of his children 
and the companion of his early years, Mr. Marshall 
married Mrs. Orrilla Lillie, who had been his neigh- 
bor for years, and who had lived here since 1857. 
Mr. Lillie died in 1872, leaving four living chil- 
dren: David W., Harr}' and Charley (twins), and 
Freddy. David is located on a farm near his old 
honie, is married and has two children; Harry is 
doing business in Winchester; Charley and his 
wife live on a farm in Iowa, and Fred remains with 
his mother. 

Mr. Marshall is a believer in and a supporter of 
the principles of the Democratic party. His wife 
is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. 
He was a Baptist for forty-three years, but at 
the present writing is not connected with any con- 
gregation. 

^I^OHN ANDRKW MARTIN. The results of 
industry and perseverance have been finely 
illustrated in the career of Mr. Martin, who 
(^// from a tract of wild land — eight}- acres in 
extent — hos constructed one of the neatest farms 
within the limits of Rock Creek Township, Jef- 
ferson County. It is finely located on seclioif 10, 
enclosed with substantial fencing and embellished 
with suitable buildings, including a comfortable 
dwelling, with stable, corn-cribs, and the other 
structures required for the shelter of stock and the 
storage of grain. Mr. Martin raises cattle, horses 
and swine in goodly- numbers, choosing the best 
breeds, his horses being blooded Normans, his 
cattle Short-horn, and his swine the Poland-China. 
He came to Kansas without money or other worldly 
possessions excepting a very cheap suit of clotiies, 
and from this small beginning has made for him- 
self a home and a competence. As a citizen and 
neighbor, his career has been such as to gain him 
the unqualified respect of all who know him. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Mon- 



roe County, Ky., on the 5th of October, 1840, o;i 
a farm owned by the master of his parents, Nicho- 
las and Phebe (Funsy-er) Martin. In the fall of 
that year John P. Martin removed to Morgan 
County, Mo., taking with him all his slaves, and 
soon afterward died, leaving two daughters. The 
parents of John A. were left as slaves to the 
daughter, Gabriella, who was subsequently mar- 
ried, and with her John A. lived until the fall of 
of 1861. He then ran away, coming to Kansas in 
the spring of 1862, and sojourned in Delaware 
Township until 1865. Then, the war having closed, 
he returned a free man to Missouri, and remained 
there until the spring of 1871. His parents in the 
meantime came to Kans.as, in 1862, and are now 
living in Fairview Township. 

Mr. Martin was married, in Jefferson County, 
this .State, Nov. 1, 1877, to Miss Missouri A., 
daughter of Alexander and Jane (Georgie) Laff- 
erty. Mrs. Martin was born in Clinton County, 
Mo., Feb. 1, 1850, and came to Kansas with her 
mother in 1863. The latter is still living, in Jef- 
ferson County. Her father was taken to California 
by his master, and never returned. 

To Mr. and ]\Irs. Martin there have been born 
five children, viz: Azalia, Gertrude, Alpha JM., 
John E. and Benjamin L. Our subject and iiis 
wife are members of the African Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Mr. Martin, in 1864, although not 
an enlisted soldier, assisted in driving the rebel 
general. Price, from the soil of K.insas. He is a 
man of more than ordinar_v intelfigence, and has 
served as a Director in his school district. In poli- 
tics he is a sound Republican. 



e'~~ IIARLE.S DAATS. There are few men coni- 
^ mencing at the foot of the ladder in life 
dependent upon their own resources who 

have made a more admirable record than Mv. 
Davis, whose industiy and perseverance have 
placed him upon a solid footing, socially and 
financially. He has for seventeen years been a resi- 
dent of Rock Creek Township, and has reason to 
be proud of the result of his labors as a tiller of 
the soil. His earlv education was extrenielv lim- 




-<^^^: 2iJ,/u^>-ai^ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



679 



iteil, l)iit his naluial shrewdness and good sense 
have enabled him to transact business successfully'. 
In addition to general agriculture, he is largely 
interested in live stock. His farm |)ro|)erty is finely 
located on section 10. 

Mr. Davis was born on the line between IJoiir- 
bon and Scott Counties, Ky., Feb. IG, 1836, and 
was reared there on a farm. His father, James 
Davis, was born in Maysville, Ky., and spent his 
last days in llourbon County, passing aw.ay when 
a comparatively young man. and when his son, 
Charles, was a mere babe. The mother, Hosanna 
Maekenters, was also a native of Kentuck}-, and 
died when her son Charles was three years old. 
The latter was reared by his maternal grand- 
mother. Mrs. Xancy Maekenters, and spent his 
boyhood days on a farm and riding race horses 
for his uncles until 185G. For about two years 
thereafter he worked on a farm continuously. In 
1858 he removed to Erie County. Ohio, where he 
continued as a fai'm laborer until the winter of 
18(50. His next removal was to Cooper County, 
Mo. 

We next find Mr. Davis in Shelby Count\'. 111., 
and on the 12th of August, 18(51, the Civil War 
l)eing in progress, he enlisted as a Union soldier in 
Compan}- M. 3d Illinois Cavalry. He served until 
the close of the war, receiving his honorable dis- 
charge at Springfield. Sept. .5, 1864. He had en- 
dured all the hardships and privations of a soldier's 
life, and participated in some of the most import- 
ant battles of the war. He was with the troops of 
Gen. Sherman at the siege of Vicksburg, and was 
also in the b.attles at Arkansas Post, Arkalana and 
Guntowns. He was at Memphis, fighting Gen. 
Forrest, but notwithstanding the active engage- 
ments at that point escaped without a wound. 

In September. 1864, Mr. Davis came to .Jeffer- 
son County, Kan., and for six years thereafter 
farmed on rented land at a time when his neigh- 
bors were few and far between. In the winter of 
1871 he purchased forty acres of prairie land, 
upon which be built a cabin, and occupied it, with 
his little family.severaljears. He was prospered in his 
labors as a tiller of the soil, and added by degrees 
to his landed possessions until he had 116 acres in 
the home farm,besides 276 acres in one body and 160 



acres in another in Ozawkie Township. He came to 
Kansas with a capital of *500, and like the wise 
man of Scripture has been enabled to increase his 
talent tenfold. His homestead is embellished with 
substantial buildings and an orchard of about 200 
trees. He feeds to his cattle a large proportion of 
the grain raised upon the farm. 

Mr. Davis was married in Shelby County, HI., 
Aug. 6, 1863, to iVliss Sarah M., daughter of 
Thomas and Elizabeth (Miller) Cooper. Mrs. 
Davis was born in Illinois, and by her union with 
our subject has become the mother of eleven chil- 
dren, viz: James H., Jane. Thomas H., Charles 
W., Rosanna, Emma L., Sarah S., John F., George 
E., Louis R. and Nettie M., all of whom are liv- 
ing, making the most interesting and intelligent 
family group. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members 
in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, attending services at Blue Mound. Mr. 
Davis, politically, is a Rei)ublican, and belongs to 
the A. 0. U. W. and the. Farmers' Alliance. 



^^5)EORGE W. GRAY, one of the old citizens 
If (==7 of Jefferson County, owns and occupies a 
^^4 good homestead on section 7, Rural Town- 
ship. He came to Kansas in April, 1865, settling 
first on 1(50 acres of wild land near Lecompton. 
This he improved and lived upon twelve years, 
and then selling out, purchased that which he now 
occupies. This comprises 117 acres, which he has 
improved from its primitive state, so that it has 
become one of the most desirable farms in the 
county. 

A native of Fleming County, Ky., Mr. Gray was 
born Feb. 16, 1831, and is the son of .John and 
Elizabeth (Seamonds) Gray, who were natives of 
Greenbrier County. Ya. The father made a com- 
fortable living as a farmer in the State of Ken- 
tucky, of which he was a pioneer settler, removing 
thither as earlj^ as 1814, after having served in the 
War of 1812. He attained to the advanced age 
of eighty-six years, dying in Kentucky in 1882. 
The mother died Feb. 28, 1868, aged seventy-one 
years. Both parents were members in good stand- 
ing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, aud the 



680 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



father was i)articiilni-ly zealous in the eaus^:' of ri^- 
ligion, and hiter became a member of the Jletho- 
dist Episcopal Cliui'cli Soiitli. Politicall}', he was 
during his earlier years an old-line AVhiij, and 
after the abandonment of this party lie identified 
himself with the Repnblicans. He was somewhat 
prominent in local affairs, holding- the minor offices. 

The parental family was completed by the birtii 
of nine children, seven of whom are living: 
David S., in 185!), was munlered along the Kansas 
Bottoms, in .lefferson County; Olivia E. became 
the wife of William E. Christ}', and is now de- 
ceased ; Frances is the wife of George W. Seever, of 
Montgomery County, this Stale; .lohn M. is a resi- 
dent of Kentucky; America is the wife of Richard 
Hockins, of the same State; George W., of this 
sketch, was the next in order of birth; Fielden W. 
lives in Kentucky; Harrison Madison is a resident 
of Labette County, this State; and Elizabeth M. 
lives in Jefferson County. 

Mr. Gray spent the first twenty-one years of his 
life under the parental roof, receiving excellent 
school advantages. Upon reaching his majority, he 
started out for himself.and engaged as a farm laborer 
in his native county. Prior to this he had been en- 
gaged in teaching school. In 1852 he was joined 
in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth A. Markwell, a na- 
tive of Kentucky and the daughter of Lewis and 
Elizabeth (Davis) Markwell. Two years later Mr. 
and Mrs. Gray left the Blue Grass regions, seeking 
the country west of the Mississippi, and locating 
in Platte Count}', Mo. Mr. Gray farmed there 
one year, then came to Kansas, and before settling 
down to business joined the State Militia and par- 
ticipated in the battle of Byron's Ford, near Inde- 
pendence. He was also in the fight at Westport. 
In the meantime he was promoted to be Quarter- 
master Sergeant. After Ijeing mustered out he 
returned to his family in Jefferson County, and in 
1807 settled upon his [irosent farm. 

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gray are re- 
corded as follows: Llewellyn J. died at the age of 
twnity-seven years; Elias M. is farming in Rural 
'I'ownship, Jefferson County ; Frank, who possessed 
r:iie musical tastes and was engaged as a music 
tia( her. died at the age of twenty-three years; 
Molly K. is a teacher in the gradeil schools of Os- 



kaloosa, this State; Kate is attending the Nati(M)al 
Commercial College, at Kansas City. Kan. Mr. 
and Mrs. (hay are active members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Ciiurch, in wliicli Mr. (iray officiates as 
Steward. He keeps himself well pcisled upon politi- 
cal affairs, voting the straight Democratic ticket, 
and is quite prominent with his party in this sec- 
tion, having olHciated as Chairman of the Demo- 
cratic Central Committee. He has twice received 
the nomination of his i)arty for the State Legisla- 
ture. He was for one year the Trustee of his na- 
tive township in Kentucky. He gives much at- 
tention to the education of his cliildron. taking 
pride in their acquirements and encouraging their 
progress. He is looked upon as a liberal and pub- 
lic-spirited citizen and a self-made man — one who 
has worked his own w.ay up to a good position, so- 
cially and financially. 

The [jaternal grandfather of our suliject was 
David (iray, a n.ative of \'irginin. and the son of 
John Gray, wlo was born in Scotland. The latter 
emigrated to America in time to have a hand in 
the Revolutionaiy War^ in which his son, David, 
also served .as a soldier. The mother of Mr. (iray 
was of French and German descent. 

The parents of Mrs. Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Mark- 
well, were natives of Fleming County. Ky., and he 
followed farming during his entire life. He was 
Justice of the Peace for a long term of 3'ears, and, 
•according to the then existing laws, became Sheriff, 
being the oldest Justice of the Peace in the county. 
He was an ardent Democrat, and had two sons in 
the Confederate Arm}'. 

Elsewhere in this volume may be found a litho- 
graphic portrait of ]\Ir. Gray. 

4 -^!^-^^^MS=«S?.. A. 



i*t-.,^ON. R(JBERT R. CHRISMAX is a prorai- 
Wjw iient capitalist and financier of Holton. 
^^ where he is extensively engaged in dealing 
(l^j in real estate, and is influential in promoting 
the development of the city. He was born near 
St. Mary's Church, Chester Co., Pa., April :!. 
18'20, a son of Jacob Chrisman, a native of the 
same county, and of German antecedents. He was 
tliere reared to the life of a farmer, and died on 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



681 



liis farm in tliat section (if tlit- coiintiT in 1825. 
The iiiai<Ien n.ame of the mother of our siiliject was 
Mary Meyer. Slie was also a native of Chester 
County, of German lineage. By the untimely 
death of her husband she was left a widow with 
three sons and five daughters. She was a smart, 
capable woman, and managed her affairs prudently, 
and reared her children to useful lives. She con- 
tinued to reside on the home farm a few years 
after her husband's death, but her last years were 
spent with her oldest son in the same count}', her 
death occurring in 1862. 

The subject of our sketch was about five years 
old when he was depriveil of a father's care. At 
the age of twelve years the sturdy, wide-awake, 
self-heli)ful little lad left his mother's home to earn 
his own living, going to a neighboring farmer's and 
assisting in the farm work for his board and 
clothes and the privilege of attending school three 
months each year. He lived with that man four 
3'ears, and then boarded with his mother for a time 
and pursued his education, attending school and 
working about until he was nineteen years old, 
when, well equipped for the profession of a teacher, 
he commenced teaching in Berks County, and after 
that taught a part of each year in Chester County, 
and he also engaged as a clerk, for nearly a year, 
in a general store. In 1845 he went to Pottsville 
and obtained a position as shippiTig clerk for Hay- 
ward it Snyder, iron and coal dealers. Nine months 
later he left their establishment there and went to 
Danville. Columbia County, in their interest, and 
was there some fifteen months. At the end of that 
time he proceeded to Philadelphia, and the ensuing 
five years he was employed in shipping coal from 
that and neighlioring ports, and later he became a 
clerk in the iron works at Jersey City. In 18;J6 
he engaged in the iron business on his own at - 
ceunt. leasing a Ijoiler factory in .Jersey City, and 
one year later he formed a partnership with Alex- 
ander C. Durbin, continuing in .lersey City till 
1863. when he sold his interest in the liusiness, and 
took up his residence in Philadelphia. In 1865 he 
removed to Ilarrisburg, where he bought an inter- 
est in the Central Iron \Vofks, and was engaged in 
business in that cily till 1878. In that year he 
sold his pro|)erty and share of the business an<l 



went to McKeesport, where he was engaged as mana- 
ger of the mills of tiie National Tube Company, 
retaining that position till 1«S7. In the spring he 
came to Holtou. and has resided here since, and by 
his judicious investment of his capital and dealings 
in real estate actively aiding the development of 
the cit}' and fostering all schemes for its advance- 
ment. Besides other valuable propert.\' he has 
shares in the State Bank, and is accounted one of 
the most substantial moneyed men of the county. 
Mr. Chrisman has established a ver}' pleasant 
home here, and to the wife who presides over 
it so graciously and seconds his boundless hospi- 
tality he was united in marriage in 1850. She is 
a native of the city of Cork, Ireland, her maiden 
name w.as Martha H.(Jarde,and she came of French- 
Huguenot ancestry. Her pleasant wedded life, 
with our subject, has been blessed to them by the 
birth of the following children, of whom five are 
living: Mary C. the wife of II. M. Stewart of Hol- 
ton; Carrie H. the wife of .Joseph II. Stone of Mc- 
Keesport, Pa.; Jessie C, wife of William H. Laff- 
erty of East Pittsburg, Pa.; Mattic G. and liob- 
ert R. 

IMr. Chrisman is a fine example of a self-made 
man, as he owes his present high social and busi- 
ness standing solely to his own unaided efforts, as. 
endowed with an indomitable will, executive t.-d- 
ent of a high order, combined with method and 

; shrewdness, he has made his wiiy from poverty to 
affluence. In all these busy years devoted to 

' money making he has kept his life free fi'om blame 
and his reputation unsullied both in public and 
private life, his strength .-uid nobility of characlei- 
withstanding all temptations to depart from the 
[lath of rectitude that he had marked out. He 
ever champions all righteous causes, and is an 
especially earnest advocate of tem[)erance, and 
showed his true colors when, as a member of the 
Pennsylvania State Legislature he voted in favor 
of the local option law in opposition to free whis- 
key. He is a sound IJeiinblican. and in his Tiative 
State was active in [lolitical and [lulilic life. He 
served .-is a meml)er()f the School Board in the ci1\' 
of Harrisliurg, and w.as President of the Board 
one year, entering heartily into all plans for im- 
proving the educational facilities of lliat city. In 



682 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tlie fall of 1874 he was elected to the Pennsylvania 
State Legislature, and was a member of that honor- 
able bodj- two years, his whole course throughout 
his term of service showing him to be actuated by 
a loftj' public spirit that sought only the good of 
the people and State, regardless of personal or 
part^' issues. He and his family are among tiie 
most valued members of the Metiiodist Episcopal 
Church of Holton, and by word and act are known 
to be sincere Christians. 

—> • ^ ■' '=|» '■^ 



a^^ AMUEL S. WILSON. The farming eom- 
'^^ nuuiitj- of Kaw Township, in Jefferson 
li\^l| County, numbers among its most highly 
respected residents the subject of this bio- 
graphical outline, who came within its borders 
during the pioneer days. He owns and operates a 
well-developed farm of 130 acres, occupying a part 
of section 17. and while prosecuting agriculture 
successfully, has proved a useful factor in the com- 
munity. As a member of the School Board for 
many years, be has been instrumental in furthering 
the cause of education, and is an active member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church South, officiating 
as Steward, Class Leader and Trustee. He is a man 
of independent views, politically ; usually however, 
giving his support to the Democratic part}'. Soci- 
ally, he is connected with the I. O. G. T. and the 
Sons of Temperance. He is also Chaplain of tiie 
Farmers' Alliance at Grantville. The first twenty 
years of his life were spent on a farm in the 
vicinity of Lebanon, Marion Co., Ky.. where his 
birth took place May 24, 1835. 

Until at the age above mentioned. 3-ouug Wilson 
assisted his father on the farm and in a sawmill. 
His education had been only such as was to be ob- 
tained in the primitive schools of his native town- 
ship. His mind, however, was inclined to seek for 
something better than lie had hitherto known, and 
he resolved to try his fortunes in another section of 
country than the Blue Grass State. Accordingly, 
in the fall of 185o. although Kansas was only a 
Territory, he determined to emigrate hither, and 
aci^ordingl}', accompanied by his father, he set out 
overland with a team, cros.sing the Ohio River at 



Louisville, the Mississippi at Hannibal, and the 
Missouri at Kansas City, Mo., on a tlatboat. Thence 
he came to the Kaw Valley, after being about live 
weeks on the road, landing in Kaw Township ou 
the 28th of October. He made his home for a time 
with his father, then took up a claim upon which 
he effected some improvements, but sold later. 
Afterward he dealt considerably in lancl. his specu- 
lations proving quite profitable. Indians still 
roamed over the country, and wild animals were 
plentiful. His was the first plow which disturbed 
the soil between the two muddy creeks, forty 
acres of which he broke, in 1856. This he planted 
to sod corn, and harvested tiiirty-three bushels to 
the acre — the liiggest crop of corn raised in this 
manner which he ever produced. For some time 
he had a hand in the building of most of the log 
houces in the township. He was a member of the 
State militia during the border troubles, and 
assisted in driving the rebel. General Price, from 
the Territoiy. 

Ill 1861 Mr. Wilson purchased the land which 
constitutes his present homestead. It then em- 
braced the present site of Kaw City, the business 
part of which gradually removed to other points. 
Mr. Wilson began at fust principles in the con- 
struction of a homestead, breaking prairie, making 
fenccSj and putting up buildings. lie lias met 
withffiany reverses, but by great industry and the 
practice of a close economy, has his property free 
from incumbrance. He has found stock-raising 
l)rofitable, and has fed a number of cattle each year. 
He lias been fond of good horses. He is at the 
present' time farming on only n moderate scale. 

After settling in this .State. Mi-. Wilson was Srst 
married May 15. 1861. to Miss Nannie E. Latimer. 
This lady was born in Perryvillc, Boyle Co., Ky., 
and died at her home in Kaw Township in 1870, 
leaving two children, George P. and Anthony S. 
The elder son owns and operates a farm in the 
vicinity of (ireat liend. Anthony S. is a civil 
engineer by profession, but is now engaged in the 
grocery business at Sea Home, Wasli. Mr. Wilson 
on the 4th of April. 1872, contracted a second 
marriage with Miss Carrie Rice. This lad}- was 
born in Carter Count}-, Ky.. and died at the home- 
stead in Kaw Township, .luiie Ith, 1882. The four 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



683 



i-hildren born of this union wore named respectively 
Ada, who died in 1888; Charles F... Oilby K , and 
Samuel E.. wlio are at home with tlieir father. 

Tlie sul)ject of this sketch is the son of Rev. 
Anthony S. Wilson, wlio was born in Washinoton 
County. K}'., in 1797. The paternal grandfather. 
Josiah Wilson, was Ijorn near Georgetown, Md., 
and early in life learned the art of surveying. He 
emigrated to Kentucky in the earl}' days, when peo- 
ple were living ir. forts or stations, on account of 
the Indians. He first located at Ileroil's Station, and 
afterward on Pleasant Run, where he surveyed his 
own farm of IGOO acres and there spent the re- 
mainder of his life. He followed his profession in 
connection with agriculture until his decease; he 
traced his ancestry to Ireland. 

Anthonj' Wilson was reared in his native State, 
and served as a private in the war of 1812, partici- 
pating in 181.5. when a youth of eighteen vears. in 
the battle of New Orleans. Later he prosecuted 
farming in Kentucky until the Spring of 1855. 
That year he set out for the West, coming to Kansas 
and prospecting for a location. The outlook in the 
Kaw Valley seemed more desirable than anything 
he had yet discovered, and he accordingly took up 
a claim, to which he brought his famil}' in the fall 
of that 3'ear, and was one of the first men to settle 
in Kaw Township. His land lay near Calhoun 
Bluff, and he succeeded in transforming it into a 
good farm. Later, his attention was directed to 
religious matters, and he joined the Southern 
I\letho<list Episcopal Conference., lieing ordained 
as a minister. He organized the JMethodist Epis- 
copal congregation here and preached the first ser- 
mon which was delivered in the township, the 
meeting being held in his own house, which was 
also open for church work and religious meetings. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church. South, still 
exists in Kaw Township as a denomination, al- 
though, of course, the most of its early members 
have passed awa}-. Mr. Wilson was appointed to 
preach at different places, but on account of his 
age, the}' were as near his home as possible. In 
1862, having changed his views somewhat, he united 
with the Methodist Episcopal Church in which his 
ministerial labors continued until his death, in 
1864. He was a man of sterling worth, and w.as 



greatly respected by the people of his community. 

Mrs. Sarah A. (Burks) Wilson was born in 
Marion County. Ky.. and was the daughter of 
William Burks, also a native of that State. The 
latter was a farmer by occupation, and died in the 
prime of life. Sarah A. was the only child of her 
parents and was reared b_v her mother and step- 
father, the latter liy name, ,lohn Smock. She was 
first married to James Beam of Kentucky, by wliom 
she became the mother of tw(.i children; Celia A.) 
now Mrs. Jordan of Topeka. and William, who 
died in infancy. Her union with Mr. AVilson re- 
sulted in the birth of eight children, the eldest of 
whom was Samuel S., the subject of this sketch. 
Martha II. became the wife of a Mr. Jones, who at 
one time officiated as the surveyor of Jefferson 
County; she is now living in Wabaunsee County, 
as is also her sister, Emily T., (Mrs. Wilson). 
Molly, (Mrs. Townsend) is a resident of Topeka; 
Eliza D.. (Mrs. McEwen) and Josiah are deceased; 
the latter served in the 8th Kansas Infantry three 
3ears during the late war, and died at Grantville. 
John remains on the old homestead in Kaw Town- 
ship; Jenny was killed by lightning when about 
four years old. 

Gur subject was twice chosen Assessor of Kaw 
Township about the years of 1859 and 1862. 



-1^-^ 



9 <! • >o> 



y^ILLIAM J. INGRAM. A personal and par- 
ental history of more than ordinary in- 
W^ terest attaches itself to Mr. Ingram, who is 
one of the leading citizens of Grantville, Jefferson 
County, engaged as a dealer in groceries and gen- 
eral merchandise. He was born near the city of 
Pittsburg, Pa , Oct. 24, 1854, and is the' son of 
Arthur Ingr.am, likewise a native of Allegheny 
County, and who was born in 1823. Arthur Ingram. 
8r., the paternal grandfather, was a native of Ire- 
land and a Protestant in religion. He was a sea- 
faring man and emigrated to America early in life, 
making his home in New York Citj', and occupied 
himself in cruising along the coast. Durino- the 
Revolutionary War he was capturetl by a British 
manof-war off the coast of New York, pressed in- 
to the service and held eleven years before bein"- 



684 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



able to make his escape. He had a most remark- 
able experience, flUert with thrilling scenes and 
hairbreadth escapes from danger and death, and 
was the hero of many an adventure which he de- 
tailed during his later years, frequently to a crowd 
of interested listeners. Wlien somewhat advanced 
in life he left the sea and located on a farm in Al- 
legheny County, Pa., where he became well-to-do 
and spent his last days. 

On the above-mentioned farm Arthur Ingram, 
Jr., the father of our subject, was reared from his 
boyhood days and chose .agriculture for his voca- 
tion. When reaching man's estate he inherited a 
farm eight miles from the city of Pittsburg, but 
in 1849, at the age (>f twenty-six, he was seized 
with the California gold fever, and joined tiie car- 
avan, emigrating to the Pacific coast. After 
reaching St. Josepii, Mo., he started across tiie 
plains with a mule team. It proved a perilous 
journey, during which he nearl}' perished from 
heat, thirst and other calamities, but he finally ar- 
rived at his destination and engaged in mining. 
This occupation was enlivened by occasional hunt- 
ing expeditions in whicli Mr. Ingram met with 
nianj' thrilling adventures, among them upon one 
occasion a fight willi a grizzl}' bear. 

L'pon this expedition Mr. Ingram went with a few 
others up the Sacramento Kiver some sixty miJes, 
where they eneam[)ed. Mr. Ingram one day started 
out alone, and wlien encountering the animal men- 
tioned, lowered his gun for defense before attempt- 
ing to shoot. The bear caught tiie gun and Mr. 
Ingram's wrist in one mouthful, crushing the bones 
of the latter and would have severed the arm en- 
tirely had it not been for the gun. A small dog 
had followed him, and the intelligent creature be- 
gan biting at bruin's posterior, and tlien the bear 
turned his attention to the attaclc in the rear. This 
gave Mr. Ingram a ctiance to escai)e. The dog 
was saved. 

The little animal liad been ill-treated by its owner, 
who frequently te.ased it liy throwing it in the 
water and inflicting upon it other indignities. Mr. 
Ingram had befriended the creature, feeding it and 
showing it kindness whenever it came in his vmy. 
and ever afterward it followed him. He, final- 
ly', sougiit llie hauiils of civilization, and return- 



ing to Pennsylvania settled on a farm where he 
lived until 1857. Then longing for a partial renewal, 
of the old scenes and adventures, he set out once 
more for the Golden State, this time accompanied 
by his family and making the trip via Panama. He 
engaged in farming for a short time on the Sacra- 
mento River, but in 1859 returned to the Kej'stone 
State, settling once more on the farm of 145 acres 
near Pittsburg, Allegheny County, which property 
is still in the possession of the family. 

The elder Ingram i-ented the above-mentioned 
farm until 1867, and in the fall of that }-ear set out 
once more for the West, coming to Leavenworth, 
this State, where he lived until the following 
spring. He then took up 170 acres of land adjoin- 
ing the present town of Grantville, which he 
improved and operated upon until 1873. Then 
returning to the Keystone State he sojourned there 
two years, making in the meantime two trips a 3ear 
to Kans.as to look after his property here. In 1877 
he moved back to liis farm in Kaw Townsliip. In 
1884 he made anotlier trip to California, traveling 
nearly the length of the Pacific Coast. Notwith- 
standing the fact that usually "a rolling stone 
gathers no moss," the case of Mr. Ingram was an 
exceptional one, lie becoming independent, finan- 
cially. In March, 1889, he started for Seattle, 
Wash., with a car lo.ad of horses, leaving his 
stock with one of his sous who resides tliere. 
Having a desire to go to Alaska, he in the monlli 
of May, started up the coast on the steamer 
'•Elder." One pvening the party, feeling uncom- 
monly liilarious, voted that each one should tell a 
story, sing a song or treat the balance. They, no- 
ticing the condition of Mr. Ingram's hand, it being 
all out of sliape, called upon him for the stor}', and 
it was subsequently written up by one of tlie party 
for a coast paper. Subsequently it was copied in 
a Leaven wortli, (Kan.) daily paper. This by no 
means comprised the extent of the thrilling adven- 
tures with which the elder Ingram met in those times, 
as he iiad many another narrow escape from deatli. 
lie landed at Juno, where he obtained a smaller 
craft and with a party of men journeyed ninety 
miles u[) the river. Thence they proceeded on 
foot for the mines, arriving at the Forty-Mile 
Creek mine, wliere they sojourned some vveeks. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



685 



Then ]Mr. Ingram joined a party of exploiers, pur- 
posing to go up the Ucon and thence return to the 
post. He was then sixty-six 3'ears old, the eldest 
of the party. The next was a man of fifty-six 
years and the other two were corai)aratively joung 
men. 

Proceeding up the river for about two hundred 
miles, the adventurers ran out of provisions and 
made their way to a river, supposing it be the 
Ucon, when it was really only a tributary. They 
lost their wa^- and wandered about aimlessly, liv- 
ing on a few berries and willovv-leaf tea. Mr. 
Ingram succumbed to starvation, suffering the 
agonies of a slow death and expiring Aug. 11, 
1889. It was a most pitiful circumstance, he be- 
ing a man worth his thousands which he could 
not reacii. The day following the death of Mr. 
Ingram one of the younger men in the party 
also died. The other two, by superhuman efforts, 
held out until being discovered by a tribe of In- 
dians who, although robbing them of everything 
of value they possessed, gave them food and di- 
rected them to the coast. They reached their des- 
tination in ninety-three days, and there told the 
melancholy story. The subject of this sketch met 
one of them not long afterward, and thus learned 
the story of his father's pitiable death. The sons 
of Mr. Ingram intend in the near future send- 
ing out an exijedition to tearcli for the fath- 
er's remains and give them a proi)er burial. He 
was a liberal and public-spirited citizen, a man of 
promise and influence and a believer in the doc- 
trines of the Presbyterian Church. 

Mrs. Mary(\Vible) Ingram, the mother of our 
subject, was born in Allegheny County. Pa., and 
was the daughter of Adam Wible, a well-to-do 
farmer who died there. Mrs. Ingram passed away 
in her native State two weeks after her return 
from California. The second of the six children com- 
prising the parental family- is a son, Henry C, now a 
resident of Seattle. Wash.; Anna M. (Mrs. Horning) 
is a resident of Topeka, this State;. Nathaniel and 
his younger brother, James A., are also located at 
Seattle; P^mma J. is the wife of Selwj-n P'risby, of 
Grantville, Kan.; William . I. w.as the lirst child iu 
order of birth. 

Mr. Ingram accompanied his parents to Califor- 



nia when onlj- a child, and thus has only a slight 
recollection of the trip. Subsequently he lived on 
the farm in Pennsylvania until thirteen years old, 
then came to Kansas with the family, and com- 
pleted bis education in the common schools. Re- 
turning to Pennsylvania in 1873, he resumed charge 
of his father's farm upon which he remained until 
the fall of 1877. Then coming back to Kansas he. 
in the absence of his father, attended to the farming 
interests of the latter here until 1883. Taking up 
then his abode in Grantville, he operated a billiard 
hall until the spring of 1887. Going then into 
Barton Count}', he located in Hoisington and oper- 
ated a billiard hall for three or four months, then 
traded it off for real estate, of which he h.as now a 
building and several lots. We next find him back 
in Grantville, establishing himself in the grocery 
business, in which he has since been engaged very 
successfully, and in fact, is the leading merchant of 
the town. He occupies a store •20x.54 feet, which is 
well stocked with groceries and general merchan- 
dise, and he also has a neat residence and two lots 
in the town. He is the administr.ator of his fath- 
er's estate of 170 acres in Jefferson County, and 14.5 
acres in Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Ingram contracted matrimonial ties Nov. 
18, 188.5, in Meiiden, Kan., with Miss Grace Wil- 
liams. This lady is the daughter of Jules Wil- 
liams, a native of Wales, who emigrated with his 
parents to Canada when a lad of eight years. His 
father died soon afterward, and upon leaving Can- 
ada, in his youth, Mr. Williams went to Michigan 
and completed his education in Hillsdale College. 
Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in 
the Union Army, but his mother being greatly op- 
|)osed to his entering tlie service succeeded by the 
aid of the English Governn^ent, in securing his re- 
lease. He, however, being very desirous of ''sol- 
diering," re-enlisted, and served at two different 
periods until the close of the war. I'pon leaving 
the army he studied law and entered upon its pr.ac- 
tice. In 186G he came to Kansas, and for a time 
engaged in farming in Jefferson County. Finally he 
removed to Oskaloosa, where ho resumed his jjrofes- 
sion, and died in 1878. He was for two terms Probate 
Judge of Jefferson County. 

Mrs. Lavina A. (Bates) Williams, the mother 



686 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Mrs. Ingram, "as born in Chautaaqna County, 
the Stale of New York, and was the daughter 
of Daniel Bates, likewise a n.ative of the Empire 
State, and who farmed there daring his younger 
years. Later he removed to Pennsylvania and 
from there to Kansas. He gave to his daughter 
Lavina A., a good education, she completing her 
studies in Hillsdale College. Mich. After the death 
of lier husband she engaged in teaching, which oc- 
cupation she is now following in Cloud County, this 
State. She is a lady greatly respected, and a mem- 
ber in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Of her children, five in number, Grace, Mrs. Ing- 
ram is the eldest; Vesta, is teaching near Valley 
Falls, Kau.; Ivan W., is attending school in Del- 
phos; Alice is also attending school at Delphos; Nel- 
lie died at the age of five years. 

Mrs. Ingram was born in Jefferson County, 
this State, and prosecuted her studies at the schools 
of Oskaloosa and in the State Normal school at 
Emporia, being in the latter institution nearly two 
years. She began teaching at the age of seventeen, 
and was thus occupied two years. Of her union 
with our subject there is one child, a son, Charles 
A. Mr. Ingram is a Democrat, politically, and has 
been Township Clerk three terms. Mrs. Ingram is 
prominently connected with the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. 

Tiie father of Mr. Ingram contracted a second 
marriage in 1861; the second wife died Sept. 2i, 
1869. Her name was Nancy B. Morton; the last 
four children named above were of this latter mar- 
riage. 



— -5;a^-K» 



PRANK LAFONTAIN. Jefferson County 
contains few, if any. citizens who with no 
capital on which to begin in business have 
been more prosperous than the gentleman above- 
named, who is now living in ease and comfort in 
Valley Falls, retired from active pursuits, and en- 
joying a merited repose after many years of busy 
and toilsome life. 



The birth of our subject took place in Lorraine, 
France, April 15, 1838, and he is a son of Albert 
Lafontain. now deceased, who was a native of the 
same department. He attended the college in 
Treves, in Rhenish Prussia, and when a young 
man joined the engineer corps of the Frencii army, 
which he accompanied to Africa, remaining there 
two years, and during that period fighting against 
the Arabs. He then joined the Prussian army, in 
which he served a year, following his arm}- exper- 
ience by traveling throughout Germany, Russia, 
France and other European countries. For two 
years he resided in Brussels, Belgium, whence, in 
1861. he came to the United States. 

Mr. Lafontain lived in New York City a few 
years, and thence went to Ohio, deciding upon 
Pickaway County as his place of settlement. After 
a sojourn 'of eighteen months, he took iiis departure 
to the Wabash Valley, Ind., and thence to Illinois, 
and later ran flatboats on the Mississippi to New 
Orleans, and was also on a steamboat for a time. 
He returned again to Indiana, and in 1876 came to 
Valley Falls, where he has since lived. He owns 
two business houses and two residences beside tiiat 
which he occupies, the latter being an especially 
fine place, one of its notable features being a well- 
kept grape arbor. 

Mr. Lafontain is a charter member of the Turner 
Society of Valley P\alls, and its Treasurer; for 
four terms he held the position of Speaker. The 
organization is a social and benevolent one, allow- 
ing no dissipation or drunkeness among its members, 
although they drink stimulants in moderation. 
The society in Valley Falls was founded Nov. 20, 
1880, the first meeting being held in the blacksmith 
shop of Jacob Shoem.aker. They now have an 
opera house and grounds, the latter beautified with 
various kinds of trees, and the former as fine a 
building of the kind and size as there is in the 
State. Mr. Lafontain was a K. of P. until the so- 
ciety in Valley Falls disbanded. In ])olitics, he is 
a Democrat. In 1877 he made an excursion to 
California, returning the same year quite satisfied 
to retain his residence in Kansas. A joll^-, whole- 
souled gentleman, whose travels have given him a 
large fund of observation from vvhich to draw 
entertainment, he has many friends. The lady who 



#:: 



"^^^ 




%. 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



689 



presides over his beautiful home bore the maiden 
name of Victoria Seiter, and their wedding cere- 
mony tooic place in June, 1874. They have never 
iiail any children. 

^^^EORGE KARNS. One of the most ueauti- 
III <^w} ^"' farms in Jefferson Township, Jaclcson 
^^S) County, is owned and operated by the sub- 
ject of this notice, who is considered, individually, 
one of its finest men. Tlierc are few who are so 
universally popular, and few who possess those 
generous trails of character which enable tliem to 
meet all in that courteous and .agreeable manner 
which at once establishes them in the esteem and 
confidence of their fellow-men. Tiie farm prop- 
erty of ]Mr. K.arns comprises 882 acres, and is pleas- 
antly located on section 5, Jefferson Townshili, of 
which he has been a resident since 186(j. 

Morrow County. Ohio, was the earlj' tramping 
ground of our subject, and there liis birth took 
place, in 1843. He was reared by his paternal 
grandfatiier, James Karns, with whom he lived 
until the outbreak of the Civil War. He then en- 
listed as a Union soldier in the 3d (jliio Infantry, 
June l.T, 1861, and participated in tlie battles of 
Rich Mountain. Va., Perryville, Ky., Murfrees- 
boro, Tenn., Middle Fork, Bowling Green, Ky.,and 
Iluntsville, Ala. AVliile under command of Col. 
Straigiit, he was captured, with the entire com- 
mand of 1.352 men at Rome, Ga., and held a pris- 
oner until the following June. Then, being paroled, 
he returned home, but subsequently went back 
to his regiment, serving until receiving his hon- 
orable discharge. Later, he was in the IMerrello 
Horse Brigade, which pursued the raider. Price. 

After leaving the arm}', INIr. Karns went to In- 
diana, and the following year came to Kansas, 
locating in Jackson County, and occupying him- 
self as a carpenter two years. He then purchased 
180 acres of land, from which he improved his 
present faim. whereon he has erected modern 
buildings, constructing one of the most desirable 
homes in the county. He w.as married after com- 
ing to KansKs, Jan. 23, 1808, at the bride's home, 



in Westfield Township, to Miss Caroline Kehr- 
wecker, a native of Cardington, Ohio, and there 
have been born to them ten children, two of whom 
are deceased. The eldest, Blary Frances, is the 
wife of Charles Hubbard, of Nemaha County, this 
State; the others are: John W., Anna Belle, Al- 
bert Clay, Maude M., Sarah C, William Iv, Lizzie 
Ella (deceased), Carrie, and an infant liov un- 
named, deceased. Mr. Karns takes an active in- 
terest in tiie success of Republican principles, and 
has served as Justice of the Peace. He has been 
identified with the Masonic fraternity for a period 
of twenty-four years. He is also a member in 
good standing of Graham Post, No. 167, G. A. R., 
at Whitmore. He has been more than ordinarily 
successful as a tiller of the soil, and possesses a 
genuine affection for his adopted State. He Is a 
self-made man iu the broadest sense of the word, 
having commenced the liattle of life for himself 
when a lad of thirteen years without the advantage 
of education, and without aid from any source. 
He is now numljered among the leading citizens in 
his community. 

Among the portraits of representative citizens 
of Jackson County, we are pleased to present those 
of Mr. Karns and his excellent wife. 



^l ARSHALL RECKARDS. No more pleas- 
f \\\ ant and hospitable home can be found In 
jj lA' the State of Kansas than that occupied by 
* the above-named gentleman, who is one of 

the largest land owners in Jefferson County as well 
as one of its most prominent citizens. His landed 
estate comprises 96.5 acres and Is one of the best 
improved tracts of land in this section of country. 
Mr. Reckards is extensively engagecl in cattle rais- 
ing, and he also carries on general farmin"-. 

Our subject was born in Turner, Me., Oct. 24, 
1829, and until he was eighteen years of age was 
reared on a farm, receiving good advantages first 
in the common schools and then in the High School 
at Turner. Upon leaving the farm and the paternal 
roof he engaged as section foreman on the Grand 
Trunk Railroad, and after woiklng for that line 



690 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



for several joars, cliifted into contracting and 
building railroads, and in 1852 went to Kentucky' 
and prosecuted tbe worlv in that Slate until 1857. 
The following five years were spent by him en- 
gaged on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, and 
lie then spent a few years in Illinois in railrcad 
contractinji;. 

In tlie fall of 18C5 Mr. Reckards ctfme to Kansas 
City, and became Roadniaster of the Kansas Pacific 
Railroad, which position he held for seven years, 
during which time he superintended the track-la^-- 
ing from Lawrence to Junction City, a distance of 
100 miles. In the meantime he had purchased 
about 200 acres of land in this county from the 
Union Pacific, and locating on it in 1872, he oper- 
ated the farm for about two years. He then, in 
March, 1874, went to the Pacific Coast, and for 
about five years acted as Roadmaster for the Cen- 
tral Pacific and superintended the change of grade, 
being located at San Francisco, Sacramento, Wheat- 
land, and Truckee at various periods during those 
years. 

Some financial matters connected with his prop- 
erty here brought Mr. Reckards back to this Stale 
in 1878, and lie located upon his farm, where he 
has since made valuable improvements. He has 
erected a commodious and tasty dwelling, and 
windmill, adequate barns, sheds and other outbuild- 
ings, uses a geared hay-fork, and other labor-saving 
niachin ry, and keeps thoroughly abreast of the 
times in everytliing pertaining to the management 
of his estate. In one of his fields he has a lake 
twelve feet deep and the water is led by a pipe 
into a tank whicli is kept full by means of a float- 
valve. The farm is abundantl3' supplied with run- 
ning water from Rock Creek, and 200 acres are of 
the bottom land with its fertile and inexhaustible 
soil; 160 acres are devoted to lame pasture, there 
are two different feed lots, and a large number of 
acres are devoted to orchards and groves. The 
maple trees are especially fine and were raised liy 
Mr. Reckards from seed. Of the land which forms 
the estate, 160 acres are situated on section 24, 200 
on section 36, and the balance is comprised in 
section 35. Mr. Reckards raises cattle and hogs, 
shipping his own stock to four States, sending out 
four car-loads of hogs and 225 head of cattle per 



year; and also feeds extensively, shipping six or 
eight car-loads of fed stock per year. He likewise 
deals somewhat in horses and keeps four teams 
constantly emploj'ed in operating the farm. 

The marriage of Mr.Reckards took place at Apple- 
ton,Wis., Oct. 26, 1863, the bride l3eing Miss Martha 
S., daughter of Milner and Jane (Rork) Murphy. 
Mrs. Reckards was born in Clinlonville, N. Y., Oct. 
14, 1844, and went to Wisconsin. There she was 
reared and educated and began teaching at the age 
of fourteen years. She attended Lawrence Uni- 
versity at Appleton for two years. 

She began teaching at the age of fourteen \'ears 
and followed that profession until 1861, when she 
went to Girard County, Pa., and spent two years 
at the home of an aunt there. She then returned 
to Wisconsin, and not long after became the wife 
of our suljject. She has borne her husband tliree 
children: Robert P., who was graduated from 
Washburn College, Topeka, after having completed 
both the business and English course, is now em- 
ployed in the Bank of Topeka, at Topeka, Kan. 
Edwin N. has attended both Baldwin University 
and Washburn College and at this writing is with 
his parents. Virgil is still an inmate of the paternal 
home. 

Milner Murphy, the father of Mrs. Reckards, was 
born in Ireland, and was a son of Edwin Mur- 
phy- ; he was well educated and sailed around 
the world in a merchant vessel, finall3' landing in 
New York, and locating in Clintonvilie as Super- 
intendent of the Iron Mills. There he died in 
1852, after a prosperous life of fifty years. He 
belonged to the Episcopal Church. His widow 
moved to Outagamie County, Wis., in 1854, and 
located on a farm which she improved and man- 
aged for a numljer of j'ears, rearing her family to 
useful and cultured manhood and womanhood. 
Her death occurred at the residence of oui' subject 
in February 1889, when she had reached the age of 
seventy-six j-ears. She was an honored member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. She was liorn in 
New York Stale and was a daughter of Edwin Rork, 
a native of the Emerald Isle, and Superintendent 
of a woolen factory at Keysville, N.Y., where he 
died. Mrs. Edwin Rork bore the maiden name of 
Isalielle Gibson, and was also a native of the Land 



PORTRAIT A^D BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



691 



of the Shamrock. She died at the home of her 
son, in Pecstonica, III. 

Mr.'i. Reckards is the fiftli in a family' of seven 
cliildren: Mary, who is now dead, w.as the wife of 
Kev. William Wiilards; Mrs. Emma Watson lives 
in Portland, Ore.; Samuel, whose death took place 
in this count}', became a member of a Wisconsin 
Regiment in 1863 and served until the close of the 
war under the command of Gen. Thomas. Robert 
enlisted in 18G2 in the 3d Wisconsin Infantry and 
was one of Blunt's body guard; while going from 
Ft. Scott to Ft. Smith they were surrounded by 
Qiiantrell's gang and he was shot dead. Isabell 
is the wife of W. H. Johnson, and lives in Topeka. 
Milner died in this county. 

The gentleman of wiioni we write is a grandson 
of Salmon Reckards, who was born in Massachu- 
setts, and wlio wlien sixteen years of age attempted 
to join the Hei'olutiouary army but was refused on 
account of his youth. He removed to Maine where 
he engaged in farming, and where he died at the 
advanced age of ninety-six years. When seventy- 
five years old he was still able to do a man's work 
in the field. He belonged to the Baptist Church 
for many years. His son, Salmon, father of our 
subji^^ct, was born in Bridgevvater, Mass., and was 
twelve years old when his father moved to Maine, 
where he prosecuted a similar employment, carrj'- 
ing on his farm labors on quite an extensive scale 
at the old liomestoad. In the year 1866, when 
sixty-five years old, he met his death from injuries 
received by a fall from a scaffold in a bain. He 
was a wortliy member of the Universalist Church. 
He had married Jliss Janet Jones, who was l)orn in 
Turner, Oxford Co., Me., and whose father was 
a fanner who died of olil age. Mrs. Janet Reck- 
ards died in Aul)urn, ^le., at the .age of seventy- 
seven years. To herself and husband eleven 
children had been born, all of whom grew up but 
two. Salmon, the third born, and Stella, the sev- 
enth, died iu infancy; Tiiomas is now deceased; 
Morris is living in Turner, Mo.; our subject is tlie 
fourth on the family roll; Leonard was killed in 
California on a snow train; Philo gave his life for 
his country, d3-ing during the Civil War; Julia, 
now Mrs. Lowring, lives in Turner, Me.; Edson 
served three months in a Maine regiment durinsr 



the Civil War, and is now living in South Birming- 
ham, Mass.; James died at the age of sixteen years; 
George, his twin brother, was engineer on a railroad 
in California and has been lost trace of. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Reckards are more than or- 
dinaril}Mntelligent and well read, and possess a high 
degree of culture combined with the refined and 
pleasing manners of the truly courteous. They are 
so fortunately situated as to be able to indulge 
their hospitality and benevolence, and to take a 
part in such movements as tfend to the uplifting 
and progression of society. Mr. Reckards is a 
thorough Republican and year after year is sent as 
a delegate to the county convention. He has 
served as School Director with the same good judg- 
ment which has characterized his management of 
his private business interests. He is a member of 
the A. F. & A. M. Lodge, No. 6, at Lawrence, and 
is President of the Farmers' Alliance at Olive 
Branch. Mrs. Reckards belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 




T. BROWN, M. D. Among the educated 
citizens of Jefferson County this gentleman 
deserves mention as one thoroughly in- 
formed in academical studies and in the 
learned profession which he chose as his field of la- 
bor in life. His fine mental qualities were combined 
with a considerable degree of physical force and he 
was thus enabled to uniergo the arduous duties 
which his skill brought to him, without losing his 
own health or energy. He is one of the leading 
citizens of Nortonville and occupies a position of 
prominence, nol onl}' because of his cultured mind 
and fine professional skill but on account of his 
moral and Christian cliaracter as well. 

Dr. Brown was born in Sparta, Randolph Co., 
111., ^larch 2, 1838. and after obtaining a common- 
school education, took a more advanced course at 
the I'nion Academy, at Sparta, an institution which 
is under the auspices of the United Presbyterian 
Church. He was fitted for a teacher and began 
pedagogical labors at the age of seventeen years. 
In 1856 ho went to LaCrosse County, Wis., wliere 



692 



t»ORTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



he eontiiuietl his former profession until 1860. 
when he entered tiie Michigan State University at 
Ann Arbor, and took up the studies in the medi- 
cal department. 

The war breaking out while he was on a visit to 
Sparta, 111., the young student enlisted in Com- 
pan}- I, 22nd Illinois Infantry, abandoning his 
studies to serve his country. The first fight in 
which he participated was a night raid oa Charles- 
town. Mo., where a few hundred prisoners were 
capiured,'that being'considered a "big thing" at that 
time. Following this he was present at Belmont, on 
the Mississippi River, under the command of Gen. 
Grant, and at New Madrid, Island No. 10, Farm- 
ington, the Siege of Corinth, luka; again at Corinth 
on the 3d and -Ith days of October, 1862; Stone 
River. Murfreesboro, the Tullahoma campaign, 
Chickamauga and Resaca. At the last named 
battle Mr. Brown lay under heavy artillery during 
the firing, receiving injuries which impaired his 
hearing and he is now almost entirely deaf in his 
right ear. He was present at the battle of Buzzard's 
Roost, but not as a participant, his regiment hav- 
ing been detailed at division headquarters, and 
standing with Gen. Newton on a high point of land 
from which they could see both lines spread out 
like a panorama. This was the finest view of a bat- 
tle which Mr. Brown had during the war, and gave 
him a better idea of the plan of a contest than could 
be gained while taking part in the thick of the 
fight. During the last year of his service he was 
detailed as Hospital Steward of his regiment, and 
a part of the time was at brigade headquarters. 
The regimental term of service having expired they 
were sent to Camp Butler, Springfield, III., and 
there mustered out of the service July 7, 1864. 

In the fall of that year Mr. Brown returned to 
Ann Arbor, and resumed the studies which had 
been interrupted bj' the call to arms, and the fol- 
lowing spring was graduated from the medical de- 
partment and began practice in his native place. 
On the 1st of October, 1864, he had been united 
in marriage with Miss Rebecca J., daughter of 
Jacob R. and Nancy (McKinley) Rogers, of Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. Rogers died in the Keystone State, 
and his widow removed to Wisconsin, when her 
daughter, Rebecca, was small, rearing and educat- 



ing her there. On account of the health of his wife 
Dr. Brown removed from Sparta, 111., in 1866, and 
opened an office at AVest Salem, I^aCrosse Co.. 
Wis. 

There he practiced until 1869. when he moved 
to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, but the health of the wife 
failing still more, thej- went to the mountains hop- 
ing for her improvement there, and on returning 
to the States they settled in Olena, Henderson Co., 
111. The love and the skill of Dr. Brown couhl 
not save the life of his companion, and she breathed 
her last in Olena in .January, 1872. 

In Ainil, 1873, Dr. Brown contracted a second 
matrimonial alliance, being on that occasion united 
with Miss Amanda J. Lorimer. She is the daugh- 
ter of the Rev. William Lorimer, a minister of the 
United Presbyterian Church, and is the sister of 
the Rev. S. W. Lorimer, of Gladstone. Her father 
was a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, and her 
mother, whose maiden name was Emily Mitchell, 
was born in Jefferson County, of the same State. 
Dr. Brown remained in Olena until the fall of 
1874, then with his wife and one child removed to 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he practiced his pro- 
fession until 1880. While there three children 
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown and they were 
bereaved of their second born. 

The next removal of Dr. Brown w.is to Norton- 
ville. Kan., where he sojoarned but a short time 
and then located at Garnet, Anderson County, 
where he practiced his profession several years. He 
then moved to Emporia and after practicing there 
for a time came again to Nortonville, opening an 
office here in 1887 and establised a fine practice in 
partnership with Dr. Webb. The connection con- 
tinued until the fall of 1889, when our subject 
withdrew from active practice and entered the clrj*- 
goods business in connection with his drug store. 
The previous spring he had been ejected in a most 
brutal manner from a railroad train while on his 
way home from Atchison. He had bought a ticket, 
but through the mistake of the agent was given 
one on a different road from that whose train he 
boarded, and without noticing the error he had 
handed it to the conductor. Without passing half 
a dozen words about the matter, the official pidled 
Dr. Brown from his seat and with the help of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



693 



liiaktMuan llirew him from the train. One of tiie 
lunkemen got off the ear. and kicked and pulled 
him to make him get up, which he was unable to 
(\{>. The train went on, leaving tlie Doctor l^ing 
on the ground, and he was afterward picked up by 
[)assers-by and taken to his hotel. He has sued 
the company for 820,000, witii a good prospect of 
getting it, although the money will be but poor 
compensation for his injury, as he will probably be 
crippled for life. 

Dr. and Mrs. Brown now have four children 
living, one having been born in Nortonville. The 
eldest is William M., a lad of sixteen, and follow, 
iiig him are Morrow D., Emilia Lori, and Gretta, 
the babj-. Dr. Brown belongs to Monitor Post, 
No. 278, G. A. R., at Nortonville. In politics he 
is a straight Republican. He is a total alistainer 
from the use of liquor and tobacco, and is a mem- 
ber of the I'nited Presbyterian Church. His pa- 
rents belonged to that denomination, as did his 
ancestry in Scotland, even back to the martyr, John 
Brown, of Haddington. Mrs. Brown is also a 
United Presbjterian liy education. 

The gentleman, of whom we write, is a son of 
David Brown, a native of South Carolina, who 
went to Kentuokj- in 1809, when a lad of nine 
years. He received a collegiate education and en- 
gaged in teaching, subsequently removing to Ran- 
dolph County, HI. Just before starting for the 
Prairie State he was united in marriage with Mar- 
garet, daughter of James and Elizabeth Morrow, of 
South Carolina. The INIorrow stock came from 
County Down. Ireland, and were of Scotch de- 
scent. The father of our sul>ject was the son of 
Isaac and Nancy (Means) Brown, and the grand- 
son of a Revolutionary soldier who lost a leg in 
the service of the Colonies. 



tHOMPSON GAY is one of the live young 
farmers of Kentucky Township, Jefferson 
County, who possesses a large fund of 
energ}' and ambition, and will no doubt soon rank 
as one of the leading .igriculturists of this section. 
His father, William Gay, is now living near Oska- 
loosa. and is a prosperous landowner and agricul- 



turist, and is well-known as one of the pioneers of 
the county. William G.ay was born in the Buckeye 
St."te. and there operated a farm, which he left to 
take up his abode near Fairfield, Jefferson Co., 
Iowa, where he rented and workejl a farm until 
1866, when he came to this State. Here he opened 
up a rural estate, and now has 170 acres of well- 
improved land, forming a very pleasant home. 
His wife, whose maiden name was Mar3- Jourden, 
was born in Ohio, and departed this life at the 
family residence in this county, after having borne 
her husband six children, our subject being the 
second born. Emma, now Mrs. Hippoman, lives 
near Oskaloosa; J. M. and Mary B. (Mrs. Hackett) 
are living in this township; Ellen is married and 
lives in Oskaloosa; Pauline Y. remains with her 
father. 

The subject of this biograph}- was born in Ohio 
in February, 1852, and was a child of four years 
when his parents removed to Iowa, where he 
attended school and received the training of a 
farmer's son until thej' became residents of this 
State. Young Gay remained an inmate of the par- 
ental household until he had attained to nineteen 
years, and then began life for himself by working 
by the month at farm labor. In Februarj-, 1870, 
he went to Girard, Neosho Countj', and secured 
similar work there for a few months, and then re- 
turning to this county, was united in marriage on 
the 28th of August, 1870, with Miss Mary, daugh- 
ter of John Sample, a pioneer of Kentucky Town- 
ship, where Mrs. Gay first opened her eyes to the 
light. 

In the spring of 1873. Mr. Gay took up a claim 
in Cowley County, on which he lived until the 
following 3'ear, at which time he removed to Cher- 
okee County, and renting land there, operated it 
during the next four years. The spring of 1878 
found him again a resident of this county, and the 
occupant of rented land, upon which he pursued 
his agricultural labors for three j'ears, after which 
he purchased sixty-one acres of excellent land on 
the Delaware River. This estate is now his home, 
and is thoroughly imjiroved and furnished with 
the modern conveniences for the carrying on of 
the work conducted thereon and for the household 
economy. 



694 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mr. Gay rents some adjoining acres, and culti- 
vates fort\--five acres of corn land, raises large 
droves of hogs, and successfully manages the lands 
under his care. lie keeps two teams constantly 
employed in his farm work. Mr. and Mrs. Gay 
have no children of their own, but have adopted 
two, who f.re being given all the advantnges that 
would have been bestowed upon their own off- 
spring had Providence sent them. Tlie children 
are named Frank and Allie I. 

Mr. Gay served as Supervisor of Roads three 
years, and performed his duties in an acceptable 
manner. He is a Republican. Tlie Farmers' 
Alliance claims his allegiance. He belongs to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a general 
favorite in the neighborhood, where his ability and 
uprightness are well known. 




AVID L. DAVIS was born in Platte 
County, Mo., Sept. 28, 1842, and w.as 
reared on a farm, receiving such advan- 
tages as the section afforded in acquiring 
an education. While visiting his brother William, 
in Jefferson County, Kan., lie made the acquaint- 
tance of Miss Margaret Coppinger, whose tine 
qualities of mind and heart and domestic virtues, 
won his regard and led him lo desire her as a com- 
panion in life. His wooing having proved success- 
ful, on Feb. 14, 1867, he received a valentine in 
the shape of a bride, and with her returned to his 
native State. Mrs. Davis is a daughter of W. H. 
Coppinger, one of the oldest settlers in Jefferson 
County. 

Mr. Davis remained but a short time in Missouri 
ere returning to Kansas and identifj'iug himself 
with the agriculturists in the county in which he 
had found his bride. They settled in Jefferson 
Township on a tract of land, which he has brought 
to a fine state of cultivation, and furnished with 
excellent improvements, and where he is carrying 
on the occui)ations of farming and stock-raising. 
He has added fortj' acres to his original purchase, 
has the entire estate fenced with hedge, has set out 
an orchard of 250 trees, which are all in fine con- 
dition, and a variety of smaller fruits. He h.as a 



good barn, outbuildings of various kinds and a fine 
residence, which was erected in 1883. 

Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the happy parents of 
six children, and mourn the loss of one. The eld- 
est living of these is now a bright 30ung man of 
twenty 3'ears, and still makes his home under the 
parental roof; he has a good common-school edu- 
cation, as have the younger members of the family, 
in accordance with their years. Following John 
on the family roll is Walter IL, who is also a young 
man, the list being completed by Enuna, Shelton 
J., Freddie Lee and Rebecca Fay. 

In his political views, Mr. Davis agrees with the 
Democrac}', and exercises the elective franchise in 
behalf of the ticket of the Democratic partj\ He 
has been elected Constable, and has served a num- 
ber of years. He belongs to the Farmers' Alliance 
and the A. F. & A. F., his membership in the latter 
fraternit3' being in the Blue Lodge at Winchester. 
For fifteen years he has been a member of the 
Christian Church, and his wife also holds member- 
ship in the congregation at Winchester. A practi- 
cal and thrifty farmer, an intelligent and reliable 
citizen, and a Christian gentleman, JNIr. I^avis 
stands well in the regard of his fellow-men, and his 
w-ifc also has manj' friends. 

■^ "^-^ ^ 




APT. CHARLES McCOY. Too much honor 
cannot be given to the men who sprang 
forth at their country's cry of need, and 
who during many weary months, were engaged in 
arduous and dangerous duties in her behalf, and 
who cheerfully sacrificed the comforts of home to 
brave suffering and death for principle's sake. It 
is .1 special pleasure to record the successes of such 
a man in his business affairs, and to note the esteem 
in which he is held, and the influence for good 
which he possesses. Capt. McCoy is one of those 
patriotic and reliable citizens, and Jefferson County 
is fortunate in numbering him among her residents. 
He now owns 326 acres of land in Kentuck3' and 
Fairview Townships, which bear marked improve- 
ments, and where he is conducting the stock and 
dairy business very successfully. 

Before entering upon the life of our subject, we 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



695 



will devote a brief space to tlie family history. 
The McCoys are of Scotch-Irish descent, and the 
grandfather, John McCoy, coming from Ireland, his 
native land to the United States, located in Penn- 
sylvania. His son, Hugh Edward, was born in Cam- 
bria, in that State, and adopted the business of a 
fuller. He ran a fulling-mill for some years, 
and then engaged in school teaching, prose- 
cuting that profession duiing the remainder 
of his active life. He removed to Lycoming 
County, Pa., and remained there until his death 
when about seventy-six years of age. His widow 
is now living in that county with her son Andrew, 
and has reached the ripe age of seventy-eight j-ears. 
Her maiden name was Margaret Reeder, and she 
was born in the county wiiere she now resides, be- 
ing the daughter of Andrew J. Reeder, an early 
settler there, a native of Bucks County and of Ger- 
man descent. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McCoy were the parents of 
eleven children. John enlisted in 1862 in the 11th 
Kansas Infantry, and served until mustered out on 
account of ph\-sical disabilitj' ; he now resides in Col- 
orado. Andrew, a twin of John, lives in Lycoming 
County. Pa. Robert, who now lives in Tyron, Pa., 
has a gallant war record, having enlisted on April, 
•23, 1861. in the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves for a 
three months service, and re-enlisted for three 
years; he was wounded at Gaines Mills, and taken 
a prisoner, but exclianged soon after. On the 1st 
of November, 1861, he was commissioned First 
Lieutenant, and on the 21st of the following 
April was promoted to tlie rank of Adjutant, and 
on Oct. 2.5, 1863, became Major, rising to the 
rank of Lieutenant Colonel, March 8, 1864. He 
was mustered out «ith his regiment June 14th, of 
that year, and retired as Brevet Colonel and Bre- 
vet-Brigadier General. He has since filled man}' 
prominent State offices in Pennsylvania. Anna, 
now Mrs. Kunkel, lives in Kentucky Township. 
Peter, whose home is in Saunders, Neb., entered 
the Union Army in 1862 as a member of Com- 
pany L 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served 
until liie close of the war. Henry belonged to the 
same company and regiment as our subject, iiaving 
enlisted Aug. 12, 1861. They were taken prison- 
ers at Petersburg, June 22, 1864, and while being 



taken from Richmond to Andersonville, they es- 
caped from their captors, but in crossing the James 
River on a plank, Henrj- McCoy was drowned, go- 
ing down before the eyes of his brother, who was 
powerless to save him. Silas is engaged in business 
in Kansas City, Mo.. Allen, who is now living in 
Texas, enlisted in Company I, 61st Pennsylvania In- 
fantry, in 1862, when he was a mere boy; after 
serving three years he was mustered out at Wash- 
ington, D. C, and being robbed of all his money, 
re-enlisted in Hancock's Veteran Corps for a year. 
Hiram is now living in Fairview Township, this 
county, and Milton in Kansas City, Mo. 

Capt. Charles McCoy was born near Loretta, 
Cambria Co., Pa., May 6, 1840, and was a l.ad 
seven years of age when his parents removed to 
Lycoming County. He enjoj'ed the facilities of 
excellent common schools, and when ten years old 
began spending his summers in farm work. When 
eighteen years of age he was apprenticed at the car- 
penter's trade in the home count}-, and after follow- 
ing that employment two years, entered a sash 
door & blind factory at Picture Rock, Pa. Hence 
he returned home and with three brothers bought 
170 acres of laud and engaged in farming. At the 
breaking out of the Civil War all entered the Union 
service except Andrew, who having a cripjiled arm 
was unfitted for a soldier's life and attended to the 
farm while the others were absent. 

The enlistment of Capt. McCoy took |)lace Aug., 
12, 1861, and he became a member of Company F, 
1 06th Pennsylvania Infantry, and was mustered in 
at Philadelphia. The regiment was sent to the front 
and their first serious work as soldiers was during the 
siege of Yorktown. Following this came a long list of 
heavy engagements in whicii Capt. McCoy did gal- 
lant service, the list comprising Williamsburg, Fair 
Oaks, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, Glen<lale, 
Malvern Hill, the second Bull Run, Chantilly, 
Antetiam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettys- 
burg, Mine Run, Spottsylvania, Talapotomy, Cold 
Harbor, North Anna, and Petersliurg. Having 
entered the ranks as a private our subject w.as first 
promoted to the rank of Corpor.al, and then to that of 
1st Sergeant, after the battle of Fredericksburg. He 
was commissioned First Lieutenant April 23, 1865. 

On June 8, 1865, he was promoted to I he rank 



C96 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of Captain, taking comraand of the company in 
which lie liad enlisted. He was never off dut}^ un- 
until he was taken prisoner, except when on a ve- 
teran furlough thirty days. 

AVhen taken prisoner at the battle of Petersburg, 
Capt. McCoy was sent to Richmond and then to- 
ward Andersonville, the captives going by train to 
Lynchburg and then on foot to Danville, sixt}'- 
miles distant. On tlie way, he, with his brother and 
one other prisoner, managed to escape, and at the 
suggestion of the Captain they hid under the wil- 
lows in the water until the soldiers broke camp in 
the morning, when they started tow'ard the James 
River. They attempted to cross the stream, and 
as the brother of the Captain was unable to swim, 
he tried to cross by the aid of a plank, but lost his 
balance and was drowned as before mentioned. The 
others then hunted around till they found a skiff 
in which they crossed, and they then made their 
way to the South Fork of the Potomac. A week 
after their escape the}' were retaken by guerrillas, 
and were sent to Harrisonburg and turned over to 
the Rebel array proper, and the Captain was then 
sent to Andersonville. He was confined in the pri- 
son pen there until October and was then sent to 
Millen and thence to Savannah. At that time 
there was a special parole granted for 10,000 sick 
prisoners, and Capt. McCoy was so successful in 
feigning illness that he secured a parole and was 
one of those who were sent North on transports to 
Annapolis. A month later they were exchanged, 
and the Captain as rapidly as possil)le made his way 
to the front, rejoining his regiment at Appomattox 
Court House on the 1 1th of April and taking com- 
mand of the Compan}'. He was mustered out at 
Washington after the Grand Review on Munson's 
Hill, June 30, 18G5, and returned to his native 
State. 

Capt. McCoy again took up the business of farm- 
ing in partnership with his brothers, and in the 
spring of 1866 began boating, being Captain of a 
canal boat on the Pennsylvania Canal during the 
next two seasons. In the spring of 1868 he came 
to this county by rail, and buying eighty acres of 
raw land at $13 per acre, began at the liottom of 
the agricultural ladder in Kansas. The fine estate 
which he now owns is supplied with excellent and 



adequate buildings, there being two residences on 
it, and large siieds, cribs, etc., a windmill and tank 
supplying water for all farm and household pur- 
poses, and groves and orchards furnishing refresh- 
ing shade and appetizing fruits, and also adding 
beauty to the homestead. Considerable gr.ain is 
raised on the place, of which 1 60 acres are in bot- 
tom land, and Capt. McCoy also feeds cattle and 
Poland-China hogs, and has use for three teams of 
excellent draft horses in carrj-ing on his business. 

The marriage of Capt. McCoy took place in To- 
peka, Kan., May 17, 1870, his bride being Mrs. 
Mary K. Banning. She was born in Chariton 
County, Mo., and is a daughter of Colby Lane, a 
Missouri farmer. She has two children by her 
first marriage: William H., is married and lives 
near Lawrence; Mollie, now Mrs. Ross, lives in 
Douglas County. Her happj- union with Capt. Mc- 
Coy has been blessed bj' the birth of four chil- 
dren, all yet at home, and bearing the names 
respectively of Arthur, Harry, M.aggie and Nellie. 
In politics Capt. McCoy is a Prohibitionist and 
onewho never scratches his ticket. He has been a 
member of the School Board for 3'ears, and being 
well posted, as well as deeply interested in tlie cause 
of education, he is .nn efficient school officer. His gal- 
lant service in behalf of the Union insures him the 
respect of all who love their country, and his ex- 
cellent principles, energetic and industrious life, 
and interest in everything which vvill advance the 
best interests of his fellow citizens, add to the es- 
teem in which he is held. 



MORELLI, whose rural 



^REDERICKO 

\ home in Jefferson Count}-, is a well-de- 
veloped tract of land, bearing marked im- 
provements and occupied by a family of more 
than ordinary ability and talent, is a descendant 
of an ancient Italian line. In remote times a noble 
Count of the land of blue skies and balmy air, be- 
came the founder of a family which, more than 
500 years ago, made their abode in Canton, 
Ticino, Switzerland. In the same Canton the Cri- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



697 



nioni family lias also lived for liiindreds of j'ears 
and thus tli<i maternal ancestrj' of our subject is an 
equally ancient one with that from which he takes 
his name. 

Going back two generations in the paternal ge- 
nealogy we find Josephe Morelli, a stonemason 
and the owner and operator of a farm. He pos- 
sessed high musical talents and traveled through- 
out Italy pla\ ing the violin in concerts, until he 
was fifty or sixty 3'ears old. He died at the age of 
eighty years. His son, Chiprianna, acquired his 
father's trade and became a contractor and builder. 
After the French took Algeria, he went to Africa 
in 1833, and there engaged in contracting for the 
French Government. His family remained at the 
ancestral home in Switzerland and he made trips 
back and forth. His death occurred in Algeria in 
1855, when he was fifty years of age. He was at- 
tended at his death-bed by his son Fredericko, and 
died cheered bj' the consoling rights of the Catho- 
lic Church, of which he was a devout member. 

The maternal grandfather of our subject was 
Dominico Crimoni, a large and wealthy landowner. 
Mayor of the city in which he lived, and the in- 
cumbent of other positions of responsibility and 
prominence. His daughter Rcgina became the wife 
of Chiprianna Morelli and the mother of eight 
children. She has now reached the advanced age 
of about ninety years and still occupies the home 
farm in Switzerland. Her sons and daughters are 
widely scattered: Joseph is living in Wisconsin; 
Fredericko, in Kansas; Alander in Monte Video, 
South America; Mrs. Mary Criminoni and Marie 
remain in Switzerland; Peter and John are carrying 
on the stonemason's trade in Monte A^ideo. South 
America; and Lewis remains among the Swiss hills. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch 
was born in the city of Gravesano. Canton Ticino, 
Switzerland, Nov. 1, 1832, and was reared in the 
village until tiiiiteen years of age. He had no 
schooling and in his mental acquirements is literally 
a self-made man. He left his native place to cross 
the Mediterranean with his father and learned the 
mason's trade under his oversight in Algeria. lie 
spent some four years on the southern shares of the 
great sea, and while there acquired a knowledge of 
the French, Arabian, and Spanish tongues, which en- 



abled him to conduct business and enjoy the enter- 
tainments afforded b}- the various residents of that 
clime. 

In 1849 j'oung Morelli returned to his native 
land and engaged at journey-work, traveling over 
the different Cantons of Switzerland while so em- 
ployed. In 1854 he again went to Africa and with 
his father entered the emiiloy of the French Gov- 
ernment, making money and enjoying uninter- 
rupted prosperity until the death of his father 
bereaved him of his counselor and chief friend. 
Remaining in Algeria for a few months after the 
death of his parent, he in the spring of 1856, went 
to Marsei*les, France, and there took passage for 
the United States. Leaving the French port in 
March, in the sailing vessel "Album," he arrived 
in New York after a voyage of fifty-two days, well 
supplied with money but a stranger in a strange 
land. He went to Galen.i, 111., and spent three 
years in working at his trade when the seasons 
would permit, and in prospecting and mining lead 
ore during the winters. In the spring of 1859 he 
joined an expedition for Pike's Peak, traveling by 
boat to Hannibal, Mo., thence by rail to St. Joseph, 
but on reaching Leavenworth he gave up the con- 
templated expedition and remained there working 
at his trade and paving the levee. 

During the next year Mr.' Morelli bought thirty- 
four acres of land in Leavenworth County, upon 
which he began farming, although he still con- 
tinued his stonemason's work in the city. He be- 
longed to the Kansas State Militia during the war, 
and was on duty in Price's raid, taking part in the 
battles of the Big Blue, the Little Blue, Westport, 
and Mound City. On the 1st of JMarch, 1865, he 
sold his property in Leavenworth County and lo- 
cated on his present farm, which was then in the 
unbroken condition in which it was left by the In- 
dians. The amount of his first possession in Jef- 
ferson County, was eighty acres, which he at once 
proceeded to improve and to which he soon added 
100 acres adjoining. It is located in Kaw Town- 
ship, is fertilized by Prairie Creek, which runs 
through the farm, and is now supplied with good 
fences, a tasteful house, barns and other outbuild- 
ings, and a windmill which furnishes the power by 
which water is carried to different points. A fine 



698 



POETRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



orchard and shady groves adorn and beautify the 
estate. Mr. Morelli raises grain, cattle, hogs, from 
twelve to fifteen horses, and also feeds cattle. He 
did not abandon work at his trade until a twelve- 
montii ago, and a great many houses in the vicinity 
were constructed by him. 

Tiie lady who presides over Mr. Morelli's house- 
hold and with whom he was united in marriage 
Oct. 15, 1868, bore the maiden name of Rhoda 
Conner. She was born in Miller County. Mo., 
April 2, 1841, reared -there and educated in the 
subscription schools, which during her childhood 
were the only ones near her home. Amid the i)rim- 
itive surroundings of the frontier school-house with 
its slab benches, its puncheon floors, and its writing 
desks supported by pins in the wall, she acquired a 
good knowledge of the common-school branches, 
which became a foundation upon which to build a 
wider store of knowledge during her maturer 3-ears. 

The parents of Mrs. Morelli, Pleasant and Eliza- 
beth (Cooper) Conner, were born in Georgia and 
Tennessee, respectively. Her grandfather, Martin 
Conner, was a farmer in Georgia, whence he re- 
moved to Nortli Carolina, and during the early 
settlement of Miller County, Mo., became a resi- 
dent there, continuing such until his death. Pleas- 
ant Conner was a young man when tlie removal to 
JNIissouri took place, and in that State spent the re- 
mainder of his life, acquiring a good farm and 
rearing a large family. He was a member of tlie 
Baptist Church. His widow still resides in that 
State on the farm and is now eight\'-tive years old. 
She is a daugliter of George Cooper, a Revolution- 
ary soldier and a North Carolina farmer, wlio, in 
liis later years, removed to Missouri, and had ac- 
quired a comfortable estate prior to his death. 

Mrs. Morelli is the eleventh child in a group of 
sixteen, who grew to maturity and of wliom ten are 
still living. Of this number Martin is now living in 
Callaway County, Mo. ; Mrs. Mary M. Mainus, in 
Bourbon County, Kan.; Mrs. Rebecca Bliss, in Mil- 
ler County, Mo.; William, in Missouri; Thomas, in 
Bourbon County, Kan.; Mrs. Sarah .1. Macomb, in 
Kingsniiin, Kan.; Dennis, Wilson and Lewis, in 
Bourbon County, Kan. All the l)rothers server! 
in ihe Federal Arm3' during the Civil War, witli t'le 
exce[)tion of Wilson, wlio is a cripple, 



The charming group of whom Mr. and Mrs. 
Morelli are the parents, comprises| nine sons and 
ilaughters, named respectivelj- : Maggie, Fred- 
ericko, Jr., Mary, Regina, Angeline, Joseph, Peter, 
Katie and Frank. Fredericko is attending St. 
Mary's College. The family iiave inherited pro- 
nounced musical taste and talent, while Mr. 
Morelli himself handles the bow like a second Pa- 
ganini, and their home is the scene of many an 
evening's entertainment during which the walls re- 
sound to '"a concord of sweet sounds." Mr. Mor- 
elli has been Superintendent of Roads a year, 
assisted in building the school-house in his district, 
and resigned his position as Treasurer of the School 
Board after having served in that capacity nineteen 
years. He supports the principles and policy of 
the Democratic party and belongs to the Catholic 
Church at Newman. He has served upon the jury. 
Prosperous iu bis worldly circumstances, possess- 
ing a cliaracter and disposition which render him 
popular among his fellow-men, and with his natural 
abilities improved by his travels and experiences in 
various parts of the world, it is natural that he 
should have a prominent position in the community 
where his acquirements are well-known and highly 
appreciated. 

-S^^- 

I ILLY B. COPPINGER. Again and again 
is a traveler through the West impressed 
with a great numher of young men who 
are filling responsible positions in pub- 
lic affairs, are conducting tiiriving mercantile es- 
tablishments, or are managing large and product- 
ive estates. The subject of this sketch is one who, 
at a very early period of his manhood, began to 
take a prominent place among his fellowmen, and 
whose energy and ability are clearly demonstrated 
by his prosperity in life. 

The natal day of 'Mv. Coppinger was Jan. 21, 
I 855, and he w.as born in tlie State of Missouri, 
about four miles from the city of St. Joseph. Ho 
was a child of two years when his parents came to 
Jefferson County, Kan., settling on a quarter sec- 
tion of land in Jefferson Township, which is now 
his own home. He has been foreman of the farm 
since he was eleven years of age. His education 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



699 



was received in the district schools and at the Win- 
chester Academy, where he finished his studies at 
tlie age of twenty-two. after attending that insti- 
tution two years. At the age of nineteen his 
father gave him his time and IGO acres of l;md, 
and some montlis after Qnisliing his schooling he 
was married and set up a home of his own. 

In 1882 our subject went to Colorado and 
bought a ranch, which he operated for a time, and 
then traded with a brother for the farm where he 
is now living, returning to the State after an ab- 
sence of less than a year. He has made many im- 
provements on his place, has brought the land to 
a high degree of cultivation, and adorned it with 
many trees. He makes a business of raising mules, 
and for the past eighteen months has been an ex- 
tensive shipper of that stock, and also of cattle and 
hogs. He keeps a goodly number on hand, and at 
this writing has 120 head of hogs. 

The marriage of Mr. Coppinger took place in 
1878, his bride being Miss Mar^-, daugliter of 
Nicholas and Catherine (Hemphill) Sloop. Mrs. 
Sloop belonged to a Pennsylvania family, and 
Jacol) Sloop, grandfather of Mrs. Coppinger, was 
also of Pennsylvania, and of German parentage. 
■When the great-grandparents of JMrs. Coppinger 
landed in New York on their arrival from Ger- 
many, two of their children, who were between five 
and eight years old, were taken away from them, 
and they never saw them again. Six children have 
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Coppinger. Anna died 
at the age of two years and two months. Jimmie. 
who is now a boy of nine years, has in his short 
life experienced some serious disasters. When 
about eighteen months old his mother accidentally 
spilled a tub of hot water, scalding his right side, 
so that for ten weeks he lay wrapped up in cloths. 
He also liad the misfortune to lose part of his hand 
in a corn-sheller. Hulsie died at the age of two 
years. The other survivors are: Cora, Claude and 
G rover Jacob. 

Mr. Coppinger is a member in good standing of 
Jefferson Lodge, No. 84, A. F. and A. M., and has 
passed through the chairs of the lodge, which he 
joined when twenty-one years old. He also be- 
longs to the Knights of Pythias of Winchester. 
The reputation which he has among his fellowmen 



may be judged from the fact that in a Republican 
township he w.as elected to the office of Trustee as 
a candidate of the Democratic part}', receiving a 
majority of sixty-one votes. He and his wife are 
members in good standing of the Christian Church. 

The father of our subject is now living, at the 
age of cight3'-two years, having been born in 1808, 
and a native of Washington and Sylvan Counties, 
Tenn., the county line passing through the dwell- 
ing of his parents. The parents subsequently 
moved to Sullivan County, near Jonesboro, and 
W. H. Coppinger lived there until he was twentj- 
years old. He then entered the 1st United States 
Dragoons to fight Indians, and i-emained in the 
army three j'ears, being present at the treaties with 
the savages. Upon leaving the army he went to 
Kentucky, where he met Miss Rebecca, daughter of 
James and Harriet ( Howard)Dickenson. with whom 
he was united in marriage in 1838. His bride was 
ten years younger than himself, having been born 
in 1818, and is now seventy-two j'ears old. After 
remaining some j'ears in Kentucky Mr. and Mrs. 
Coppinger. in 1847, moved to Buchanan County. 
Mo., and settled east of where St. Joseph now stands. 
After remaining there ten years the family removed 
to Jefferson County, Kan., and Mr. and Mrs. Cop- 
pinger are yet living on the home place. W. H. 
Coppinger was at one time the owner of 1400 acres 
of land, fully 1,000 acres having been improved 
by himself and his sons. He was a corporal in the 
army, was wounded in the eyes and was cupped 
and left in such a condition that at times he is blind. 

Mr. and Mrs. W. II. Coppinger are the parents of 
eight children, of whom four now survive. J. D. 
lives on a fine farm, his parent having given him 160 
acres and sold him an equal amount. He is mar- 
ried and has six children. Claude died, leaving a 
wife and two children, who still occupy his farm of 
160 acres; Rufus lives in Colorado with his wife 
and six children; Sally died at the age of twenty- 
seven, unmarried; Margaret is the wife of D. L. 
Davis, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this 
work; Mary died in childhood; W. B. is the sub- 
ject of this sketch; Rebecca died at the age of six- 
teen years. 

The great-grandfather of our subject was Hig- 
gins Coppinger, Sr,, who married Annie Smith, a, 



700 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



native of England, and who was in tlie Revolution- 
ary Army three years and eleven montlis. Hig- 
gins Coppinger, Jr., the next in direct line of 
descent, married Marjie, daughter of (ieorge and 
Annie (Skelton) Conldin. The Coppingers are of 
Irish ancestry. 

When our subject was thirteen years old he was 
herding cattle on a large roan mare where three 
men were digging a well on the prairie. The mare 
got her foot in the bridle-rein and backed into the 
well. There were two men down in the well. It 
was forty-two feet deep, and the mare went to the 
bottom onto the two men. One of the men had a 
broken leg when taken out, which was the only in- 
jury llie men received, but it ruined the horse. 



%ris ^^^^^ ^i^^ 



WILLIAM D. GOODMAN. The results of 
energy and perseverance are nowhere bet- 
ter illustrated than in the career of Mr. 
(ioodman, who began life without means or other 
resources than those with which nature had en- 
endowed liim. He is now numbered among the 
leading farmers of Rural Township, having 150 
acres of well cultivated land on section 20, and 
good liuildings. He is a native of Kentucky, and 
born in Morgan County, Dec. 25, 1841. His pa- 
rents were Calvin and Sarah (Moore) Goodman, the 
father a native of Tennessee, and the mother of 
Floyd County, Ky. 

Calvin Goodman left his native State probably 
when quite young, and after settling in Kentucky 
liecame quite prominent in local affairs, officiating 
as Deputy Sheuiff in Morgan Count}' and occupy- 
ing the minor offices. Both he and his excellent 
wife were memliers in good standing of the Union 
Baptist Church, contributing to it a liberal support, 
and being among the chief pillars. The mother 
died in 1874, at the age of fifty-two years, leaving 
quite a large famil}' of children. The father is still 
living at the old homestead in Kentuckj'. The 
ohiest son, James, is farming in Elliott County, 
that Stale; the next was William D., our subject; 
Louisa became the wife of James McClurg, and 
diid in Kentucky; Mary is the wife of William 
Johnson, of that State; Louis and Santa Fe remain 



at home with their father: Elizabeth is single and 
with her father; Ellen is the wife of James M. 
Conn, and both live in Kentucky'; Harvey came to 
Kansas and died at the house of his brother Wil- 
liam D. 

Young Goodman attended the subscrii)tiou 
.schools in his boyhood days in Kentucky, and at 
an early age began to form his plans for the future, 
being married in 1864, when twenty-two years old, 
to Miss Amanda McClurg. This lady was also a 
native of Kentucky, and the daughter of .John Mc- 
Clurg, likewise born in that State. A year after 
his marriage Mr. Goodman rented a farm in Mor- 
gan County, upon which he lived two j'ears. He 
then emigrated to Indiana and was a resident of 
Fountain County three years. Then, in 1869, he 
came to Kansas, settling in Sarcoxie Township, 
where he farmed on rented land ihree years. His 
next removal was to Rural Township, of which he 
has since been a resident. Here also lie operated 
upon rented land two years, then purchased eighty 
acres, which are included in his present farm. 
Later he added seventy acres to his possessions. 
This land lay mostly in its primitive condition, re- 
quiring a great amount of labor to bring it to its 
prcsemt state. 

Five children have been born to Mv. and Mrs. 
Goodman, the oldest of whom, a daughter, Fran- 
ces, is the wife of Albert Brown, of Lawrence; 
Menifee Is farming in partnership with his fatjer; 
Margaret, Frank and AUie are at home with their 
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman are prominently 
connected with the Christian Church. Mr. Good- 
man takes an active part in politics, giving his un- 
qualified support to the Rei)nblican party. He has 
held the various township offices, and stands well 
in his community as a man deserving of confidence 
and respect. 

ATHER B. F. HUDSON, having charge 
of the Catholic Church at Perry, assumed 
his present duties in August, 1888, and also 
officiates at Newman and Meriden. He is a man 
of fine classical education, and has a su)>erior class 
of people to deal with. United to much natural 
shrev'dness and wit tliere is that conscientious re- 




PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



701 



gard to the duties of his calling which lias resulted 
in his being- able to wield much influence for good. 
He makes his headquarters at Perry, where he has 
a comfortable residence, pleasantly situated, and 
where he enjoys the resi)ect of the entire commu- 
nity. 

The subject of this notice was born in the town 
of C'orvina, County Longford, Diocese of Arda, 
Irel.and. Dec. 10, 1846, and was brought up 
on a farm, receiving private instruction under ex- 
cellent tutors. He was well advanced in his class- 
ical education before entering college at tlie age of 
seventeen years. In 1 863 he became a student at All 
Hallows College, where he studied five 3'ears, and 
was graduated in 1868. He then resolved upon com- 
ing to America and engaging in missionary work. 
He sailed from Dublin to Liverpool on the steamer 
''City of Limerick" and after lauding in New 
York began his jourueyings, visiting different cities 
and parts of this country, and in fact nearly all the 
States of tiie Union. He was thus occupied between 
eight and ten 3'ears. 

On the 26th of October, 1880, Father Hudson 
made application to Bishop S. M. Fink, of Leaven- 
worth, for priestly orders, and being accepted was 
ordained, and sent on his first mission to Blaine, to 
take care of a colony sent out from St. Louis. There 
was then only one house to mark the present site of 
the town. Father Hudson labored long and ear- 
nestly to organize a congregation, and finall3', in 
1881, lip.d the satisfaction of being able to erect a 
fine church building. He also organized the con- 
gregation at Onaga, and built two churches there. 
At the same time he preiched for tlie parish at Cold 
Creek, Nemaha County. 

The work at Blaine was exceedingly arduous, 
being among a rough class of people, requiring 
much patience and tact to interest them in the im- 
portant matters in hand. A few years of perse- 
verance and energy, however, brought about a won- 
derful change both in the minds, manners and 
morals of the people. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of Mathew 
Hudson, likewise a native of County Longford, 
Ireland, and the grandson of John Hudson, an ex- 
tensive farmer and land-owner. The great-grand- 
father was born and reared in England under prot- 



estant influences, but later removing to the North 
of Ireland, was there converted to the Catholic 
faith. He was a highly respected farmer and be- 
came wealth}'. 

Mathew lludsoi.. at his father's death, became 
owner of the old homestead, to which he has 
added, so that it now comprises a large tract of 
land which is the source of a handsome income. 
He is a prominent man in his community, and is 
now about eighty years old. The maiden name of 
the mother was Bridget Ferrj'. She was born in 
Drumlish, Ireland, and was the daughter of John 
Ferry, a well-to-do farmer. Both she and her hus- 
band are faithful adherents of the Catholic Church. 
The household circle consists of five children, the 
oldest of whom, a son, John, came to America and 
is farming in Blaine Township, Kan. James, the 
second son, and Michael, the fourth, remain resi- 
dents of their native Ireland. B. F. was the third 
hild in the family. 




USSELL R. BUMAM owns and occupies a 
a very pleasantly located and well-improved 
farm in the southeastern part of Oskaloosa 
^) Township. Jefferson County, and compris- 
ing eighty acres on section 22. He has been a 
resident of this tovvnship for nearly a quarter of a 
century, and is thoroughly identified with the 
farming interests of the community. He is a na- 
tive of Missouri, having been boi'u at Fayette, 
Howard County, Aug. 15, 1836. His father, Elijah 
Bumam, is of English descent, and ajiative of Ken- 
tuck}-, in which State also his wife, Sarah Reynolds, 
was born. Elijah Bumam is a farmer and cooper 
and followed the latter occupation for a number 
of years in Howard County. In 1838 he moved 
with his family to Andrew County, where he so- 
journed until 1819, when he changed his residence 
to Holt County, and there remained until 1868. 
His vvife. Sarah, died in Andrew County when our 
subject was about seven years of age, and the 
father subsequently married a Miss Molin, who 
lived but a short time after her marriage. 

Our subject is the eighth of the eleven children 
born to his parents. Elizabeth married .Fohn Cun. 



702 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ninoliain in Holt Coimly, and died about twelve 
years ago, leaviupr several children, who have since 
died. Joseph went to California iu 1850, and 
when last heard of, seven years since, was living 
in Placer County, and unmarried, Martha married 
William Kenny, and died in Andrew County, Mo., 
soon after her marriage. Marnissa is the widow of 
Samuel Still, a farmer, who died, leaving six chil- 
dren; the widow is living in Atchison Count}'. 
Marj' has been married three times. Her third 
husband, Jesse Noland, died aliout sixteen years 
since, leaving five children. William went to 
California in 1850, and died iu the spring of 1857, 
unmarried. Henry was a farmer, and his death 
occurred in July, 1887, in Bird City, Che^'enne 
County; he left a widow, formerly Miss Kate Hen- 
derson, and two children. John died on the plains 
in 18G4; he was immarried. James was a dealer 
in musical instruments in Falls Cit^N Neb., where 
his death took place in 1878; he left a widow, 
whose maiden name was Miss Laura Paxton, and 
five children. Hamilton died in Atchison County, 
Mo., leaving a widow, formerly' Miss Delilah Todd, 
and one child. 

When the subject of this biography was about 
two j'ears of age his parents moved to Andrew 
County, where he remained until about thirteen, 
when their place of abode was changed to Holt 
County. He received a common-school education, 
and continued to reside under the parental roof 
until twenty years of age. In 1857 he went to 
California, and entering the mines, labored there 
four years, and then returned to his Missouri home, 
and for two years engaged in tilling the soil in 
Holt County. He then entered the Union army as 
a member of Company H, 14th Kansas Infantry, 
and remained until the close of the war, partici- 
pating in a number of skirmishes and in the battle 
of Cabin Creek. He was on dut}' mostly on the 
western frontier in the Indian Nation, and engaged 
in scouting service. He was discharged in August, 
1865, in Lawrence, Kan., and shortl}- afterward 
came to this county, settling on 150 acres of land 
adjoining the farm on which he now resides. 

An important step in the life of Mr. Bumam was 
taken, Sep. IS, 1861, when he was married to Miss 
Mary, daughter of Jacob and Mary Moser, the 



eeremonj- taking place at the bride's home, in 
Holton County, Mo. Mrs. Bumam was liorn in 
that count}', of which her parents were earl)' set- 
tlers, and where her mother is still living on the 
homestead upon which they settled over forty 
3'ears ago. She is novv eighty-nine \ears of iige, 
and her husband was of that age when he departed 
this life, on the 18th of Ma\', 1872. Mr. Moser 
was a native of ^'irginia, and Mrs. Moser of New- 
ark, N. J. Mrs. Bumam is one of seven children 
born to her parents, and her name comes midway 
on the family roll. Her oldest brother, George, 
lives in Tulesboro, I-ouisa Co., Iowa, and is one of 
the officers of Wapello Bank; he is married, and 
has one son. Anna is the widow of Green Louden, 
and lives in Atchison Countj'; she is the mother 
of seven children. Harriet married George W. 
McXulty, a farmer of Holt County, Mo., and they 
have seven children. Jacob died in that county, 
leaving eight children; his wife bore the maiden 
of Jane Watson. Caroline is the wife of Edwin 
Philips, a wealthy Colorado stockman, whose home 
is at Manitou Springs, and whose famil)' comprises 
two children. Charles is living in Holt Count\', 
Mo.; his first wife, Susan Minton, died, leaving 
three children; his second wife, Mrs. Susan Alkire, 
has borne him one child, and is the mother of four 
children by her first husband. 

Mv. Bumam has been Road Overseer and Clerk 
of the School Board. He belongs to the Repub ■ 
lican party, and in his quiet wa}^ labors for the 
good of the cause. He affiliates with Eagle Lodge, 
No. 42, I. O. O. F. He is a member in good stand- 
ing of the Christian Church. He possesses a good 
education and a varied knowledge of facts to be 
acquired outside the schoolroom, and is a liberal- 
hearted and public-spirited citizen. His wife also 
possesses many fine traits of character, and the 
eight children who have been born to them have 
been given ever}* advantage which the parents 
means would admit, together with the home train- 
ing which would fit them for useful and honored 
lives. 

Three of the children are married and living in 
homes of their own. Jacob took for his wife Miss 
Susan Center; their home is on the farm in Atchi- 
son County, Mo., and three children have been 



PORTRAIT AND UIOGRaPHICAL ALBUM. 



ro3 



born to them. Charles A. married Miss Mary C. 
Harding, and tliej' live on a farm near that of 
our subject. William T. also lives on a neiglibor- 
ino- farm with his wife, who bore the maiden.-name 
of Fannie Douglas. The other children of our 
subject and his wife bear the names of Marnissa 
E., Bert 1.. Clyde, Lewis and Levara. 



-*-)p- 



,lF^ EZIN SMrriL Among the oldseltlers, the 
Usf prosperous citizens, and the respected mem- 
<ii\\\ bcrs of society in Jefferson County, this 
\^ gentleman well deserves our notice. His 
career in life affords an unusually excellent exam- 
ple of industry, untiring energy, and prosperity 
won by his eft'orts. He is the owner and occupant 
of 156 acres of bottom land and flfi^y acres of prai- 
rie land in Kaw Townshii), finely improved, well 
fenced, adorned with orchards and groves, supi)lied 
with barns and other necessary outbuildings, and a 
verj- tasteful and comfortable dwelling. 

Godfrey Smith, the grandfather of our subject, 
was of German descent, and was an early settler in 
Kentucky, where he was engaged in tilling the soil. 
During the Revolutionaiy War he participated as a 
member of the Colonial army. His son, Jonathan, 
was born and reared in Kentucky, and when a 
young man located in Scioto County, Ohio, where 
he married and became a prosperous farmer. When 
he was getting on in years he sold and removed to 
Eastern Kentucky, where he spent the last years of 
his life. He was a consistent member of the Bap- 
tist Church, His wife, in her maidenhood Maty 
Andre, was born in Ohio, and was a daughter of 
Peter Audre, a Frenchman who bought land on the 
French grant in Scioto County, and there made his 
home until death. Mrs. Mary Smith departed this 
life in Kentucky. Of the children born to her 
seven grew to man and womanhood. Of these 
Peter is now dead; Godfrey living in California; 
Mrs. Mary Irwin in Salina, Kan. ; Mrs. Sophia Col- 
lie in Grantville, Kan. ; Mrs. Laura Chick in Cal- 
ifornia; and Mrs. Nancy Caseboldt in Kentucky. 

Powellsville, Scioto Co., Ohio, was the birth 
place of Rezin Smith, the second of the family 
above noted, and his natal day April 15, 1824. His 



childhood was spent on his father's farm, and he had 
all the advantages that could be derivt^d from the 
common schools of that period, which were held In 
log houses, furnished with slab benches and the 
other primitive belongings of the frontier schools, 
which ;were;] kept up by subscription. At the 
age of twelve years he began working in the 
mines, doing what he could there without neglect- 
ing his home duties, and when he became older con- 
tracting to cake out ore by the ton. 
,";in 1850. Mr. Smith went to Cleveland with the 
intention of starting for California'via the Isthmus, 
but finding that the tickets were sold six months 
in advance he returned to his home and waited un- 
til the winter of 1852 before starting for the Pacific 
coast. He left New York Jan. 15 of that year, 
and landed at San Francisco Feb. 15, the journey 
being performed as he had anticipated. On ar- 
riving in the Oolden State he at once began pros- 
pecting in the mines, working at Eldorado and 
Placerville, and proving inuch more fortunate than 
many who were trying their fortunes in that 
section. After asojourn of three years he returned to 
the parental home and, his parents having returned 
to Boyd County, Ky., he began farming for himself 
in earnest. He also followed coal mining and at 
onetime owned amine. He was a practical miner 
understanding how to operate gold, silver. Iron or 
coal mines. 

In 1864 Mr. Smith sold his jiropBrty in the 
East, went to Kansas City, Mo., and thence made 
bis way to Topeka, where he engaged in coal min- 
ing for two years, during that time being a mem- 
ber of the Topeka Militia. In 1866, he came to 
Jefferson County ;and took possession of the prop- 
erty which he had purchased a year before, and 
where he has since been engaged in general farm- 
ing, railing cattle, hogs and grain. He also raises 
road horses of good grade and pedigree. In carry- 
ing on his estate he keeps three teams employed. 

'J'he lady to whose housewifely skill Mr. Smith 
owes the neatness and order of his home, was born 
near Knoxville, Tenn., bore the maiden name of 
Ruth Hopkins, and became his wife in Ashland, 
Ky., in 1860. Their happy union has been blessed by 
the birth of nine childieu — Albert, George, Robert, 
Charles, Eddie, Ethel, Eva, .lennie B. and Harry. 



704 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBTTM. 



The last two named have been removed from them 
by the hand of death; Albert is a graduate of the 
medical department of the Missouri State Univer- 
sit3% and is practicing his profession at Oska- 
loosa; George is farming at home; Robert resides 
at Grantville; Charles is farming at home. Tiie 
other surviving members of the family are 
still inmates of the parental home, pui'suing such 
studies and occupations as are suited to their years 
and will fit them for usefulness in the future. 

Mr. Smitli has served his fellow citizens several 
terms in the capacity of School Treasurer, and has 
also held the offlce of Township Treasurer several 
terms. He has been a Republican until recently 
but is now to be found in the ranks of the Demo- 
cratic party. Mrs. Sniitii is a member in good 
standing of the Christian Ciuircli. 



iS^^ERDINAND TESKE is one of the most 
lii^gi prominent German residents of Pottawat- 
jh, omie Count}', and more particularl}- in 

the Township of Mill Creek where he owns a fine 
propertj' and has been well known for some years 
as a public servant. He is now holding the office 
of Justice of the Peace and performing its duties 
in the same capable manner that he has exhibited 
in the discharge of other public responsibilities. 
His estate consists of 360 acres of well-watered 
land, bearing a fine set of stone buildings, and 
stocked in the best and most complete style. It 
has been gained by the hard work and constant 
persevering industry of Mr. Teske, who came to 
this State in 1869, with but fifty dollars with which 
to begin his life in a new and strange land, but 
with the better capital of unbounded grit and a 
thorougii understanding of his trade of blacksmitli- 
ing, at which he has had a business covering a 
radius of twenty miles. 

Mr. Teske was bornjin the Province ofPommern, 
Prussia, June 26, 1834, of a respectable ancestry 
and parentage. His father, C. Frederick Teske, 
was a school-teacher and also a tailor. He took 
part in the French and Russian War in 1812 and 
'13, and was with Napoleon at the battle of Water- 
loo. His death took place in his native land at tiie 



age of sixt}' years, his father, Chris Teske, surviv- 
ing him, and reaching the advanced age of ninety 
years. Frederick Teske married Miss Mary Hart- 
wick, an estimable German lady, who lived to be 
seventy years old. Both she and iier husband were 
active members of the German Lutheran Church. 
Their family comprised eleven children, of whom 
three sons and one daughter are now living, all 
having their homes in this State. One of the sons, 
William Teske, was in the ami}* at the time of the 
Franco-Prussian War and was killed at the battle 
of Sedan. 

The subject of this notice was reared to man- 
hood in his native land, and in his youth received 
such educational advantages as the schools of the 
vicinity afforded. At the age of seventeen years 
he set out to learn the trade of a blacksmith, and 
for three years worked for his board, as is the cus- 
tom of that country, following his apprenticeship 
by journeyman work. Finally determining to try his 
fortunes in the New World, he took passage May 
4, 1869, on the steamer "Bavaria," under command 
of Capt. Swiver, from Hamburg to New York, 
landing at the desired port within two weeks. He 
came at once to this State, and securing eighty 
acres of Government land on section 30 of the 
township before mentioned, at once began work at 
his trade in connection with improving his home- 
stead. He was soon doing well at the former and 
through his work at the anvil and forge he has 
m.ade the most of his money, and by judicious in- 
vestment of the same, is now in possession of a fine 
property and in circumstances of ease and comfort. 
His farm is a woU-watered one and with its present 
improvements and stock is an estate of which anv 
man may justly be proud. 

Mr. Teske was married in his native province to 
Miss Fredericka Fischer, who was born in Prussia, 
Sept. 29, 1836, and is a daughter of David and 
Louisa (Bartel) Fischer. Her father was a farmer, 
and both parents were native Prussians and spent 
their entire lives in their own country, dj'ing when 
quite ripe in years. Both were members of the 
Lutheran Church, and their daughter was reared 
to habits of usefulness, receiving a good education 
in the schools of her own land, and careful training 
from her parents, with wliom she remained until 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



705 



her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Teske are the happy 
parents of one daughter, Augusta. 

Mr. Teske has occupied a leading position among 
the men of his own nationality since he came to the 
county. He has been Township Treasurer and 
held other offices besides that of which he is now 
incumbent. He voles with the Democratic party. 
Both he and his wife belong to the Lutheran 
Church and are active in the good work of that 
organization. 

* WILLIAM F. HARMON. The old settler 
\rJ/l of Kansas is naturally regarded with more 
OtW than ordinary intei'est, and those who come 
after iiim will in future years peruse his record and 
cast a thought backward to the times whicii tried 
the souls of men on the frontier. Mr. Harmon, in 
common with his brother pioneers during their first 
settlement in the Sunflower State, encountered 
many difficulties and hardships, but possessed the 
perseverance and resolution necessarj' to success, 
by which he was in time rewarded. He is now the 
owner of a comfortable homestead on section 25, 
Sarcoxie Township, having b}- his industry and 
frugality accumulated a sufliciency for his declining 
years. 

Mr. Harmon was horn nearly forty-seven years 
ago, in 1843. in Athens County, Ohio. His father, 
Robert Harmon, was a native of Pennsylvania and 
his mother, v,ho was born in Ohio, bore the maiden 
name of Elizabeth Fuller. Robert Harmon learned 
carpentering during his early manhood and followed 
this in connection with farming the most of his 
life. He died in his prime in Ohio when his son, 
Richard F., was only twelve years old, thus leaving 
the latter entirely orphaned, as his mother had died 
at his birth. William F. Harmon was reared by 
his maternal uncle. Resolved Fuller, from a child 
of six years, he having prior to this time lived with 
his paternal grandfather. At the age of eleven 
however, he commenced to look out for himself. 
Prior to this, he in 1850, went to Iowa with an 
uncle, sojourning in Dallas County and the city of 
Des Moines two years. Then, returning to his na- 
tive State, he sojourned there until 1802. The 



Civil War now being in progress, he enlisted in the 
gunboat service and for three months was on board 
a ship. Finally, on becoming ill, he was obliged 
to accept his honorable discharge. 

Returning to Ohio, young Harmon, now only 
twenty-one years old, soon again enlisted in the 
Union service, becoming a member of Company C, 
148th Ohio Infantry, in which he served 128 days, 
participating in the battle of Petersburg. The 
war now having ended, he returned to his old 
haunts in his native county and attended Franklin 
College one year. At the expiration of this time 
he came to Kansas, and in this county engaged in 
teaching the first school in the district where he 
now resides. In the meantime he purchased eighty 
acres of wild land upon which he operated nine 
years, bringing it to a good state of cultivation and 
erecting thereon suitable buildings. In the fall of 
1874 he sought the Pacific Slope and engaged in 
lumbering in California, for seven and one-third 
years. Next he returned to .lefferson County and 
purchased 100 acres of land, that comprising his 
present homestead. 

Mr. Harmon was married to IMiss Alice E., daugh- 
ter of James A. Mood, a native of Virginia. The 
result of this union was two daughters: Hattie, a tele- 
phone agent at Lawrence, and Myrtle, who remains 
at home with her parents. Mr. Harmon, politically, 
is a decided Republican. He held the office of 
Township Trustee at one time, and is a member in 
good standing of the G. A. R. All of his property 
has been accumulated since coming to the West. 
He is a self-made man in the broadest sense of the 
term, one who has climbed up to his present posi- 
tion unaided, save by the gifts with which nature 
endowed him. 



Ml YMAN H. BOLTON. 
1 (© Williamstown, Jeffers 
!l ^^ conducting a store of 



\i7 YMAN H. BOLTON, the Postmaster of 

rson Count}', and also 
general merchandise 
at that point, has his residence in Perry, a ver^- at- 
tractive home, nicely located. He made his waj- 
to Kansas from Illinois in the spring of 1857, dur- 
ing the territorial days of the Sunflower State, 
journeying by rail to St. Louis and Jefferson City, 



706 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Mo., and thence by boat to Wyandotte. From : 
there he traveled overland by team to Clinton, 
Douglas Co., and located there among its earliest 
pioneers. Wild game and Indians were plentiful, 
border ruffians also. Mr. Bouton located at Clin- 
ton, where he began blaeksmithing, and he also 
purchased a tract of land upon which he made 
some improvements. For a time he was in the 
grocery trade and later, during the Civil War, 
served in the Kansas Home Guards. In the spring 
of 1877 he disposed of his interests in Douglas 
County and changed his residence to Perrj', this 
county. 

In reverting to the antecedents of Mr. Bouton 
we find that his father, Seth by name, was born in 
Oswego County, N. Y., and was the son of Seth 
Bouton, Sr., who was of French descent. The 
great-grandf.ither was a native of France, whence 
he emigrated to America in time to take a hand in 
the Revolutionary War on the side of the colo- 
nists. At the close of that memorable struggle he 
settled in Oswego County, N. Y., and there spent 
the remainder of his life. 

Seth Bouton, Jr.. when a young man emigrated 
to Ohio, and entering a tract of Government land 
in Summit County, cleared a farm from the wilder- 
ness. He lived there until 1847, then pushed on 
further Westward into Cook County, 111., opening 
up a farm there also, upon which he resided until 
his death. This event took place in 1882, after he 
had attained to the advanced age of eightj- 3-ears. 
He had become blind about two j-ears prior to 
his decease. He was married in carl}' manhood to 
Miss Sarah Pool, a native of Norwich, X. Y., and 
the daughter of Michael Pool, who was a fifer 
in the Revolutionary War. Grandfather Pool 
settled in New York State where he followed black- 
smithing', but later removed to Ohio and died 
there. The mother subsequently made her home 
in Cook County, 111., where she passed to her final 
rest. 

To the parents of our subject there was born a 
famil}' of nine children, of whom Lyman II. was 
the eldest. Charles is a resident of Hudson, Ohio. 
William and Jahill died in the arm\- during the 
late Civil War. Louisa is deceased; Cynthia. Mrs. 
Truer, is a resident of Iowa; Elizabeth, Mrs. 



McLaughry, lives in Cook County,' 111.; Jane, Jlrs. 
Hawkins, makes her home in Linn County, this 
State; Almina is deceased. Lyman H., of whom we 
write, was born in Virgil, Cortland Co., N. Y., 
March 4, 1825, .■'nd lived on a farm with his 
parents until a youth of seventeen years. He was 
four 3-ears old when the family removed to Ohio, 
and when approaching manhood commenced an ap- 
prenticeship at the carpenter's trade at Penin- 
sula. Four years later he established a shop at one 
of the locks on the Ohio Canal, in Summit Count}', 
where he sojourned until 1849. Next he removed 
to the vicinity of Cleveland and engaged in blaek- 
smithing until 1855. His next removal was to 
Clinton, 111., whence two j-ears later he crossed the 
Mississippi and became a resident of Kansas. 

After taking up his abode in Perry Mr. Bou- 
ton engaged in blaeksmithing two years and then 
purchased a half interest in a drug store in corn- 
pan}' with W. H. Spangler. The two gentlemen 
operated together until 1882, when IVtr. Bouton 
sold his interest in the business to his partner, and 
established himself as a general merchant in Wil- 
liamstown, where he enjoys a leading patronage. 
He carries a large stock of general merchandise, 
including drugs, and also deals in wood and rough 
lumber. With him is associated his son, Lyman 
Bouton, Jr., the firm name being L. H. Bouton <k 
Son. They likewise operate quite extensively as 
buyers and shippers of live stock and grain, and 
Mr. Bouton is the station agent of the Union Pa- 
cific Railroad Company. 

The family residence in Perry is a neat an<1 
tasteful structure, and with its surroundings forms 
a very attractive home. It lies between three and 
four miles from the business place of» Mr. Bouton, 
a distance which he quickly traverses by rail. He 
is one of the leading men of his vicinity, and is 
closely identified with the most important inter- 
ests both of Perry and VYilliamstown. 

The marriage of Lyman H. Bouton and Miss 
Vira A. Snow, was celebrated at the bride's home 
in Cleveland. Ohio, Sept. 12, 1847. This lady was 
born in Oswego Co., N. Y.. and is the daughter of 
Barzilla Snow, likewise a native of the Empire 
Stale and who removed to Ohio at an early date, 
becoming prominent among the ijoliticians of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ro7 



Cuj'ahoga County. He operated as a farmer and 
likewise served as .Justice of the Peace. lu his 
30unger years he served as a fifer in tlie War of 
1812. The maiden name of his wife, tiie mother 
of Mrs. Bouton, was Mar\' Grenell. Their daugli- 
ter Vira, was given a good education and occupied 
herself as a teaclier prior to her marriage. 

The union of Mr. and Mrs. Bouton resulted in 
the birth of eight children. The eldest, Edwin, is 
farming near Willianistown ; Viola is llie wife of 
Lewis Baldwin, and they reside in Hickory Count}', 
Mo.; Lyman has already been spoken of as the 
partner of his father; Rose is following dressmak- 
ing in Topeka; James J. is conducting a liver}' 
business at Perry; Carrie, Agnes and Albert re- 
main at home with their parents. Mr. Bouton is 
an active member of the Republican party, and 
has served on the .School Board of ids district. 
He belongs to the I. O. (X F., and is a favorite 
both in social and business circles. He has always 
believed in the fuUire of Kansas, upon whose soil 
he has accumulated a competence, and will be 
enabled to enjoy the comforts of life in his old age. 



,.*H3- 



— -av,,-!. 



-«r— 



,^^ AMUEL HOSLI 

^^^ tractive rural al 

%^J1 that of our sub; 



,p^ A:\IUEL HOSLER. Among the many at- 
abodes in Jefferson County, 
ir subject is not the least interest- 
ing, bearing, as it does, a fine large dwell- 
ing, adequate outbuildings, a thrifty apple orchard 
and other marlis of intelligent and capable over- 
sight. It is located in Norton Township, and 
is the home of one who had an extended practical 
knowledge of agriculture before he purchased it, 
and who notwithstanding the hardships caused by 
grasshopiiers and drought, has built up an excel- 
lent financial standing, and is living in comfort 
and security from anticipations of future want. 

Mr. Hosier comes of a long line of Pcnnsylva- 
nians, his parents, Jacob and Poll}' (Everett) Hos- 
ier, having been natives of the Keystone State, 
and for a number of years residents in Hocking 
County, Ohio. In the latter county our subject 
was born Dec. "24, 182G, and was reared on a farm, 
carrying on a farmer's occupation there for a num- 
ber of years. His father was a brickmason and 



was absent from home a great deal, and Samuel 
being the cklest of eleven children, was obliged to 
take his fatlier's place as much as possilile, and so 
became the head of all the farming operations 
while still quite young. 

At the age of twenty-one years the gentlamen 
of whom we write was married to Miss Rebecca 
Holler, who bore him four chiklren, three of whom 
are now living. Of these, Clara married John C. 
McCoy, now a farmer of Valley Falls, Knu., and 
formerly of Ohio; they have one son. David owns 
and operates a fine farm in Greenwood County, 
and has a wife and three ciiildren. Caroline is the 
wife of Joseph Rawn, who lives on a Hue farm 
near Valley Falls, and they have four ciiildren. 
Mrs. Rebecca Hosier was removed from her family 
by death, in the Buckeye State, ami subsequently 
Mr. Hosier was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
Ann, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Shellender) 
McNelly and grandaughter of Valentine and Irene 
Shellender. 

After his marriage Mr. Hosier removed with his 
family to McDonough County, III., renting land 
near Bushnell, on which they remained two years, 
and where he raised enormous crops of grain. He 
then, in 1871, rented on the Seventh Day Land 
and lived among people who worked on Sunday 
and rested on Saturday, believing the latter to be 
the Sabbath of the Lord and the day which all 
Christian believers should observe. There they re- 
mained six years, and during the dry season of 
1877, Mr. Hosier traveled by the place where he 
now lives and his eye was attracted by the stream 
of water which fertilized the land, and after a 
short negotiation he purchased the quarter section, 
paying $2,000 for the same. One of the reminders 
of his early life, which is to he seen upon the farm, 
is a horse which was brought by Mr. Hosier from 
the State of Ohio. 

The living progeny of Mr. and Mrs. Hosier 
comprises six boys and one girl, and they have lost 
two children who died in infancy, and a daughter 
ageil seven years. The eldest son, Jacob, owns 
and operates a fine farm in Smith County, Kan., 
is married and has one child. Daniel and his wife 
live on the Orendorf place near the Hosier home- 
stead, and Rufus lives with tliem and farms with 



708 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his brother. Samuel, a young man, is yet at home, 
as are his j^ounger brothers, Calvin Y. and Luther, 
and Minnie Belle, the youngest of the family. 
Tlie latter had a twin brother who died in infanej'. 
In polities Mr. Hosier is a sturdy Democrat. 
Tlie family were raised to a belief in the doctrines 
of the Presh^yterian Church, and their lives are up- 
right and useful, their duties performed quietly 
and cheerfully, and many friends a|)iireciate their 
good qualities and rejoice in their prosperity. 



-" " ' I ' S ' l ' S ' 



JOSHUA R. VAN DRUFF, now deceased, 
was a most worthy citizen and had man}' 
warm friends in Jefferson County, being 
esteemed and respected by all who knew him. 
He was one of the old settlers of the county, of which 
he first became a resident in 1858, and to which he 
returned in 1868 after having spent a few years in 
the Northwest. He then located a mile west of 
Valley Falls, and during the remainder of his life 
was engaged in tilling the soil, holding a rank 
among the most progressive and financially suc- 
cessful agriculturists of the section. His death 
took place on the farm, March 30, 1885, his sor- 
rowing famil}' having the sympathy of a large 
circle in their sad bereavement. 

Mr. Van Druff was born in Greene County, Pa., 
Marcli 31, 1837, and was a son of Henrj- and Olive 
(Rinehart) Van DruiT. His father was also a native 
of Greene County and lived near Wayncsburg, 
where he was engaged in tilling the soil until too 
old for active employment. The motlier departed 
this life some years since. The parental family 
comprised nine children, of whom six now survive. 
They are Mrs. Elizabeth Chaflin, Mrs. Minerva 
Marchant, Mrs. Matilda Lippincott, Mrs. Orpha 
Smith, Maria and Mrs. Margaret Zimmerman. One 
son, Henry C, died from the effects of a wound 
received in the Union service during the late war; 
another son, .John, went to California in 1851, and 
as the family never heard directly from him they 
supposed him to be dead. 

The subject of our sketch was reared ui)on the 
home farm and educated in the common schools. 
He worked for a few years at the trade of a car- 



penter, and spent a few years in the gold mines of 
Idaho and Montana, whither he went in 1864, and 
where he made considerable money. The greater 
part of his life, however, was spent in agricultu- 
ral pursuits. 

In Jackson Count}', Kan., ten miles west of Val- 
ley Falls, on March 22, 1863, Mr. Van Druff was 
united in marriage with Miss Mar}' Lyn-ch. Tlie 
bride's mother, whose maiden name was Maiinda 
Tansy, died when her daughter, Mary, was quite 
small, leaving two daughters, of whom Mrs. Van 
Druff is the elder; the other, Mrs. Sarah Chilson, 
now lives in Oregon. Mr. Lynch subsequently 
married Miss Martha Whitecotton, who bore him 
eight children. Of the latter five are now living. 
They are Mrs. Ann McReynolds, Amos, Sylvester, 
"William and John. One died in infancy, Jane, at 
the age of twenty-two years, and Elsie, Mrs. Bon- 
nie, at the age of twenty years. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Van Druff seven children were 
born, wiio hear the names respectively of William 
H., Maria F., Marion C, George H., Annie M., 
Lucius M. and Edith Belle. Maria married 
Charles Swisher, of Salina, Kan. ; Marion is de- 
ceased. On Nov. 18, 1886. Mrs. Van Druff re- 
moved to Valley Falls, wliere she lias since lived, 
educating her cliildren. She is a member in good 
standing of the Congregational Church and a lady 
of more tiian ordinary intelligence. A loving and 
efficient helpmate during lier inisband's life, siie is 
striving to fill his place as well as her own in the 
management of her worldly affairs and tiie ti'ain- 
ing of the children who are left to her care, and 
admirably is she carr}ing out his wishes and con- 
tinuing the work which he had begun. 



' DeWITT AVALSH, one of the most success- 
I ful farmers of Kaw Township, Jefferson 
County, is likewise a representative of one 
of its most prominent families. He owns 
and operates 480 .acres of land, embracing the 
northwest quarter of section 11, the southwest 
quarter of section 2. and tlie southeast quarter of 
section 3. He was born at tlie city of Newburg, 
on the Hudson River in Orange County, N. Y., 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



709 



Nov. 28, 1849, and when an infant was taken 
by his parents to Mississippi, where he lived until 
four years of age. Next the family removed to 
Macomb County, Mich. Four years later the boy 
returne(l to his grandmother at Newburg, N. Y., 
where he was given superior school advantages. 
When a youth of fifteen years he entered Reed's 
Preparatory School at Stockbridge, Mass, where he 
prosecuted his studies two years. In June, 18G8, 
he went out with the surveying expedition of Kaw 
Townsiiip, at a time when they considered them- 
selves very fortunate in not being attacked Ijy tlie 
Indians. There probably was a reason for tiiis, 
liowever, as they were under an escort of United 
States troops. 

The next objective point of Mr. Walsh and liis 
comrades was .Junction City, and from there they 
proceeded to the 100th meridian at Ft. Kearney, on 
the Platte. This occupied him until the fall of that 
year, then returning liome Mr. Walsh, for proba- 
bl}' two years was engaged with his father in feed- 
ing Texas cattle, which enterprise nearly rained 
them botli, financiallj'. In 1877 he proceeded to 
Ellsworth, and from there made his way to Texas 
with a company of cowboys, and was on the trail 
for a time. Later he assisted in driving cattle to 
Colorado, and for a time afterward was cook on a 
ranch in that region. At the expiration of a year 
lie returned to Kaw Township, and began farming 
on the old place, which had now passed into the 
hands of an uncle. Since then he has given his 
attention strictly to agricultural pursuits, raising 
grain and stock and feeding a goodly number of 
cattle annually. He has some full-blooded Short- 
horn and high-grade Polled-Angus. He is likewise 
considerably interested in good grades of roadsters 
and draft horses. 

In Kaw Township, on the 5th of May, 1878, oc- 
curred the marriage of our subject with ]\Iiss Cath- 
erine Murphy. Mrs. Walsh was born in Indiana, 
Nov. 2, 1860, and came to Kansas with her father, 
A. K. Miu-phy, in 1868. The latter is now a promi- 
nent farmer in Kaw Township. This union has 
resulted in the birth of four children — Hugh l)e 
Witt, William Radcliffe, Catherine Elizabeth and 
Ina R. Mr. Walsh is a strong Democrat, politi- 
cally, quite prominent in party politics, and has 



officiated as a delegate to the county and State 
conventions. He has served as Townshi]) Clerk 
one terra, and School Clerk and Treasurer two 
terms. Mrs. Walsh, a very estimable lady, is a 
member in good standing of the'Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. 

Ex-Governor Hugh Sleight Walsh, the father of 
our subject, was one of the most prominent men in 
the early settlement of Kansas, lie was born at 
Newburg, N. Y., in 1810, and was the son of .lohn H. 
Walsh, also a native of Newburg, and l)y occupation 
a paper manufacturer, owning and operating one of 
the first paper mills in the United States. He was 
an expert in the Imsincss, making United States 
bank note pajier for the Government in .lackson's 
time. He spent his entire life in hisjialive city. 
The paternal great grandfather. Hugh Walsh, came 
from Ireland, and settling at Newburg, N. 1., be- 
came owner of a large tract of land and assisted 
greatly in the development of that section of coun- 
try. Grandfather Walsh was greatly- interested in 
educational matters, being instrumental in the es- 
tablishment of the academy at Newburg, and offi- 
ciated .as one of the Trustees. 

At the above-named academy Hugh Walsh, the 
father of our subject, completed his education, and 
later engaged as a clerk for a merchant in New 
York City. Afterward he went South to Mont- 
gomery, Ala., there also engaging in the mercantile 
business, and from there repaired to Aberdeen, 
Miss., where, changing his occupation somewhat he 
operated a lanyard. In 1858 he came to K.ansas 
and was appointed Secretary of State, in Territorial 
times, receiving his commission from President 
Buchanan. He located at Lecompton. and during 
the absence of the Governor filled the latter "s 
place. 

In the meantime, and when in the midst of the 
troublous times which followed, and while Mr. 
Walsh was acting as Secretary of State, the Legis- 
lature demanded of him his books, which he refused 
to deliver. He had prepared himself for this 
emergency, and as the august body advanced the 
intrepid Secretary- held a loaded musket in his 
hand and had another lying at his side. Pointing 
to the room in the rear he remarked to his visitors, 
"Gentleman, there are the books, but you canpot 



'10 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



have them unless you first kill me." Upon this 
they retired, but subsequently had him arrested 
and tried for contempt. This was onl}- a sample of 
the scenes through which Mr. "VJ'alsh and other loyal 
citizens passed at that time. He was noted for his 
bravery and never ran from his enemies. Later he 
assisted in the erection of an hotel at Lecompton, 
sinking thereby probably $2,000. 

Ex-Governor Walsh finally retiring to Kaw 
Township entered 160 acres of land comprising 
the southwest quarter of section 2, and subse- 
quently purchased the southeast quarter of section 
3, and the northwest quarter of section 11. Tliere 
he established his home and engaged in farming 
and in the cattle business. He met with reverses, 
losing during the war a fine herd of cuttle, which 
were driven away by ''red legs." In the meantime 
he appraised most of the Union Pacific Railroad 
lands as far out as Salina. 

In 1872 the elder Walsh was elected County 
Commissioner, serving three years. In the mean- 
time he succeeded in defeating the issue of bonds 
to the amount of 1600,000 for the Atchison, To- 
I)eka & Santa Fe Railroad, in which laudable 
object he was sustained and assisted by the leading 
men in the southern part of the county. He was 
offered a large bribe to allow the ispuo of the bonds, 
but refused. Nature had endowed him with strong 
common sense and that force of character which 
led him to follow his judgment as to the right, 
whatever the consequence miglit be. He was a 
stanch Democrat, officiating as a delegate to the 
National Conventions, but such was his apparent 
honesty of purpose, that all fair-minded Repub- 
licans held him in respect. As a clerk and an 
accountant, he was a decided success. In 1878, 
while acting as accountant for an insolvent firm, he 
was taken ill and died at the age of sixty-seven 
years. His remains were laid to rest in the ceme- 
tery at Grantville, but a few years later were, at 
the instance of iiis son, our subject, removed to the 
cemetery at Topeka. 

Mrs. Ellen (Beekman) Walsh, tlie mother of our 
subject, was born in Rhode Island, where her father 
carried on farming until his removal to Micliigan. 
Afterward he engaged in the lumber business in 
connection with farming in the vicinity of the 



town of Reno. He met his death while attempt- 
ing to lead a refractory colt, which threw him 
from his feet, dragging him along the ground and 
treading upon him. Mrs. Walsh died at Aberdeen, 
Miss., in 18,53; she was a member of the Congre- 
gational Church. There were born to the parents 
three sons only, tiie eldest of whom, John H., is a 
resident of Holyoke, Mass. ; J. DeWitt, our subject, 
is the second child; Ferdinand is a wanderer and 
has not been heard from for several years. 




OBERT K. McCartney, a compendium 
i? of .lefferson Count}- would be incomplete 
witliout mention within its pages of the 
fe) life of the above named gentleman, whose 
home is in Valley Falls, and who is a Real Estate, 
Loan and Insurance Agent and a Notarj' Public. 
He is a pioneer of Valley Falls, and has been active 
in advancing the moral and political interests of 
the county, and especially in educational matters, 
and has rendered valuable assistance to the advance 
of the best civilization throughout the State. 

Mr. McCartne}' traces liis descent from the sturdy 
Scotch, and is a lineal descendant of a McCartney 
who was Governor of Londonderry at the time 
King James laid siege to that place and was re- 
pulsed and defeated V)y tlie aid of William, Prince 
of Orange. Both the paternal and maternal lines 
found refuge in Ireland at a trouble<l period in 
the history of their native land; .and in that beauti- 
ful island botli his parents, James and Margaret 
(Ilines) McCartne}', were born. Thej' came to 
America in 1 837, and as their voyage was performed 
before steamships were in use, they were passen- 
gers on a sailer and were forty days on the ocean. 
The father located at Xewburg, N. Y., a pleasant 
town on the Hudson River, sixty miles above New 
York City, and our subject attended school within 
a few rods of Gen. Washington's old headquarters 
during the Revolution. The family of which our 
subject is a member comprised eight sons and one 
daughter of whom six now survive: William lives 
in W,ashington, Iowa; Andrew and Dorothea in 
Indi.anola, Iowa, and Alexander and Henry in 
Nebraska City, Neb. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



711 



Till' gentleman whose name initiates this sketch 
first opened his eyes to the liglit near Belfast, Ire- 
l.uul, IMarch 21, 1833, and was a child of four 
years when the family emigrated to Ann>rica. After 
a few years spent in Newbiirg, N. Y., they in 1842 
located on a farm in Guernsey County, Ohio, 
where our subject remained until manhood, con- 
tinuing his education in Madison College at 
Antrim, Ohio. After completing his course of 
study he adopted the profession of a teacher, and 
during the following seven years was engaged in 
pedagogical labors in the Buckeye State. 

In the spring of 18()3, Mr. McCartney came to 
A'alley Falls and filled the position of Principal 
of the cit\' schools for a year. In 1864 he was 
elected County Superintendent of Schools, and 
re-elected in 1866, thus serving four years in suc- 
cession. In the fall of 1863, he aided in the 
organization of the Kansas State Teacher's Associa- 
tion, and was an active member for several years, 
serving as President one term, and as Chairman of 
its Executive Committee two or three years. 

When Quantrell made his raid and murdered so 
many people in Lawrence in August, 1863, Mr. 
McCartney was active in securing a donation for 
the sufferers, and as Chairman of the Aid Com- 
mittee of Valley Falls carried her donation of over 
$400 to the afflicted city, being accompanied on 
his mission by the Rev. A. M. Hooker a Congre- 
gation.al minister of the place. In 1864 Mr. Mc- 
Cartney enlisted in Company E., 4th Kansas 
Militia, and followed Gen. Price until after ihe 
battle of Westport, when his regiment was re- 
turned. 

At the expiration of Mr. McCartne^y's terra as 
Superintendent of Schools, be engaged in mer- 
chandising and was so occupied for several years. 
For five years he was Cashier of the \'alley Falls 
Bank of Deposit ar.d for a number of years past 
has been engaged in his present occupation, doing 
a good business in each line. Ills marriage took 
place May 22, 1860, his bride being Miss Amanda 
.1. Milligan, a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, 
and the daughter of Thomas Milligan, deceased. 
She is a cultured and refined lady who fully sym- 
|)athizes in her husband's aspirations and mental 
Vecreations. I'our children h^ve come to bless the 



happy union. James died at the age of one year 
and F]dith at the age of two. The survivors, Jessie 
1). and Ethel B., are teaching in the Valley Falls 
city schools, where the former is serving her fifth 
year. 

Mr. McCartney is a personal friend of several 
eminent educators and other men of note, among 
them being Dr. McVicker, President of Wash- 
burn College, Topeka; ex-State Superintendent of 
Schools, the late Hon. H. 1). McCany, LL. D., of 
whom he was a personal friend for over thirty 
years; and the renowned Gen. Lane. He aided in 
securing the nomination of Hon. P. McVicker. 
D. D., for State Superintendent of Instruction and 
has been the main- instrument in the enactment of 
man}' of our best school laws, often going to 
Topeka during the session of the Legislature and 
personally interviewing its members regarding 
educational affairs. He is a strong Republican and 
an active worker, although not an office-seeker. He 
voted for Salmon P. Ch.ase for Governor of Ohio 
and for John C. Fremont for President of the 
United States and has given his suffrage to every 
Republican candidate for the presidency since that 
time. He is a member of the I. O. G. T. He and 
his wife and their daughter Jessie are members of 
the United Presbyterian Church. 

^ Ji/ II. D.WIS, deceased, was born in Putnam 
\sji County, Ind , July 12, 1833. His parents 
W^ moved to Buchanan County, Mo., when 
he was small, and from there to Platte County 
about the year 1847. In 1856, while yet a single 
man, he came to Eastern Kansas and secured by 
purchase from the Government the farm on which 
his family now resid'e. It is in Jefferson County 
two and one-half miles from the present town of 
Winchester and comprises the southeast quarter 
of section 15, Jefferson Township. Here by indus- 
try and economy he has made for his familj^ a beau- 
tiful and comfortable home, adding 250 acres to 
his original purchase, to which the family has since 
added 160 acres, making up a total of 570 acres of 
rich and well cultivated lands. The dwelling is a 



712 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



ver3' commodious structure, a large barn aud other 
adequate outlniildiiigs funiisli shelter for the crops 
and stock, and thrifty orchards add to the remun- 
erativeness and attraction of the estate. 

In 1864, on one of his trips to Platte County, 
Mo., where his parents still lived, Mr. Davis in- 
duced Miss Phoebe, the pretty and accomplished 
daughter of Elijah and Maria Crutclierfield, to 
accompany him to the home he had made on the 
prairies of Kansas. For eighteen months of their 
newly wedded life they lived in '-the little log- 
cabin on the claim," which was made bright and 
cheerful by two loving hearts, each vying with 
the other to do the most for each other and ever 
buoyed up with the hope that promised so much in 
the future. 

Two yeara after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Davis managed to build two rooms, of what is now 
a part of their main house, and which was a great 
improvement over their former waj^ of living. It 
has always been a pleasure to look back to the time 
when they moved into their "new house"and to the 
first few years spent there. The world was bright 
lo them, for they were j'oung, loving and hopeful; 
no cloud obscured their sun of happiness, and no 
shadow indicated tiie black pall that hovered near 
them. The loving husband, the kind father and 
considerate friend died of brain fever in September, 
1875, after an illness of only a few weeks, and lies 
buried in the Wise cemeterj* near Winchester. 

While in active life Mr. Davis was one of the 
principal stock-dealers of the county. He was a 
man of steady, sober habits, taking but little inter- 
est in politics, but active in any enterprise which 
promised good for the public, and a consistent 
member of the Baptist Church at Winchester. He 
left a family consisting of a wife aud six chihh'en. 
One child, Willie, who was named for him, was 
born shortly after his death; Margaret, the eldest 
daughter, died Dec. 18, 1883, at the age of eigh- 
teen years, and her remains rest by his side; 
Charles is now attending school in Kansas Cit^^ 
Mo. ; Elizabeth is at home and attending the dis- 
trict school; Fannie is a young woman at home. 

John M., the oldest son, is a .young man of 
twenty-three years, a gentleman b^' instinct, and a 
thorough business man by education, being a gradu- 



ate of Bryant & Stratton's Business College at St. 
Louis, and having also taken a course in the Slate 
University at Lawrence, Kan. He has, for several 
years, had full cliarge of his mother's extensive 
farm attending personally to 460 acres and rent- 
ing the balance, lie makes a specialty of stock- 
raising, and at the present time has a fine herd of 
thoroughbred Short-horn cattle on the place and 
a fine lot of Poland -China hogs. He is a member 
of the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Winchester, and 
has received many honors therein. 



-»»>■- 



-o*o-^;/><A^..o*o.. 




M. SHIRLEY, although yet a young man, 
is one of the oldest settlers of Kansas, to 
which he was brought by his parents in 
1853. when but a few months old. He is 
now ranked among the largest land owners of Kaw 
Township, Jefferson County, his landed estate 
therein amounting to 536 acres, comprised of 200 
acres on section 8, 160 on section 9, 160 on section 
6 and 16 on section 16: and he also owns 160 acres 
in Rock Creek Township, bringing his entire 
landed estate up to 696 acres. The Shirley family 
is one of the oldest in Kansas and has numerous 
representatives in Douglas and Jefferson Counties. 
The ancestral history will be found in the sketch of 
J. L. Shirley, a brother of our subject, which oc- 
cupies anotiier page in this volume. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this biogra- 
phy was born in Lynn County, Mo., Oct. 22, 1852, 
and his first recollections are of the wild and 
sparsely settled country which in the '50's made 
up Douglas County, Kan., and his boyhood mem- 
ories include many scenes of the border ruffian 
da^'s. In 1860 he came to this county, and there 
being no schools here at that date he had to at- 
tend those in Douglas Count}' for a year or so. In 
the spring of 1863 he went to Missouri ant} lived 
with his grandfather Prather for two years, after 
which he returned to his home and until his ma- 
jority assisted his father in improving the home- 
stead. 

Upon reaching man's estate, Mr. Shirle}' became 
the possessor of forty acres adjoining the home 
farm, bnt remained under the parental roof, en- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



713 



gaging in the cattle business and farming in part- 
nership vvitli his father. During his experience in 
the cattle business he used to herd from 300 to 
400 iiead on the range and thoroughly understands 
the life of a "cow bo}'." In 1877, he bought 
eighty .acres south of Grantville, and in 1883 sold 
sixty -five acres of it, and in March bought a part 
of his present place. Starting with 320 acres of 
raw land, which he improved and on which he en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising, he has been 
very successful in accumulating land .and in im- 
proving the s.ame thoroughly. His entire acreage 
is enclosed and supplied with all necessary build- 
ings, and really forms four different improved 
places. On the home farm he has all the modern 
conveniences, with orchards etc., and the place is 
well watered by Elm Creek and the use of wind- 
mill and tank. Mr. Shirley is extensively engaged 
in feeding cattle and liogs, turning off three to five 
cars of each per j'ear, .and he also buys and ships 
stock directly to market. He raises full-blooded 
Poland-China hogs and a high griide of Short-horn 
cattle and about thirty head of horses. In 1887 
he estalilished a meat market at Grantville, which 
is still under his supervision. 

The lady who presides within the pleasant dwell- 
ing of Mr. Shirley, bore the maiden name of 
Elizabeth Givens, and the rites of wedlock were 
celebrated between them in Grantville, Jan. 5, 
1882. Mrs. Shirley is the daughter of .James and 
Sarah (Housman) Givens, natives of ^'irginia, 
whose family comprises eleven children, all of 
whom are still living except .Joseph, the tliird born. 
James, Ipsico and Walter live in Kaw Township, 
this county; these precede Mrs. Shirley in order of 
birth. Martha, J. S., II. C, Charles, ISIarvin .and 
Frank, reside with their mother in Grantville, 
where their father dejiarted this life, Sept. 11, 1S88. 
Mr. Givens was born in Roanoke, A'a., and was the 
son of Jonathan (livens, a distiller, and a native 
likewise of the Old Dominion. 

Montgomery Count}', Va., was the home of Mrs. 
Shirley's i)arents for man}' years and there her fa- 
ther was engaged in tilling the soil until 1861, 
when he enlisted in the Confederate army and 
served until the close of the war. He received two 
slight v'<:>unds during his army life, In 1873, he 



located near Grantville, Kan., where his death sub- 
sequently occurred. He w.as in good circumstances, 
and was a well respected member of the commu- 
nity and a worthy member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church South, as is his widow. Peter Hous- 
man, tlie maternal grandfather of Mrs. Shirley is a 
native of Pennsylvania but for many years a resi- 
dent of Montgomery County, Va., where he was 
engaged in farming. Although over age for army 
service at the outbreak of the Civil War he joined 
the Confederate army*and served until the close of 
tlie Rebellion. He is now living in Rural Retreat, 
Va. 

Mr. Shirley is a member of the Farmers' Alli- 
ance at Grantville. He has been Township Trustee 
for two years, .and displays as much enterprise and 
.as good judgment in serving his fellow-citizens as 
in the conduct of his private .affairs. He is a stanch 
Republican and has been delegate to county con- 
ventions. Intelligent, energetic, discriminating 
and i)Ossessing courteous, agreeable manners and 
an upright character, Mr. Shirley is held in high 
esteem by his fellow-citizens. 3Irs. Shirley, who 
was educated in the Grantville schools, is a lady of 
fine character and has many friends. She has borne 
her husband two children — Leah and Blanche. 

5) LI EVANS. This gentleman is a pioneer 
citizen of Kansas and for the past decade 
has been a prominent business man in ^'al- 
ley Falls, Jefferson County. He is one of those 
fortunate men whose every enterprise seems to 
prosper and he finds abundant opportunity to ex- 
ercise his generosity and benevolence. The thrill- 
ing adventures and interesting episodes in the 
career of Mr. Evans, particularly during the d.ays 
of the border troubles atid the Rebellion, would fill 
a volume in themselves, and it is impossible in a 
work of this nature to give more than a few instan- 
ces of his bravery, daring, and elHcient service in 
the cause of freedom. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Richmond 
County, Ohio, July I 9, 1810, and is a son of Joseph 
and Elizabeth (Caple) Evans. His father was 
born in Westminster County, Md., and was of 



714 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Welsh and Geiman ancestrj-. The mother of our 
subject was also a native of Maryland and she is 
now living in Oskahiosa, being sixty-seven years 
old. The parents moved to Wapello County, Iowa, 
in 1848, settling on a farm in wliat was then a wild 
country, where tliey lived about eight years, when 
they located at Leavenworth, Kan. In tlie latter 
place the father died in 1885, aged seventy -six 
years. The paternal family consisted of six cliil- 
dren, five of wliom are now living: William is 
a resident of San Luis Obispo, Cal.; Mrs. Maria 
Coy lives in Valley Falls; Lemuel in Oskaloosa; 
and Mrs. Dora Dibart in the same place. 

Our subject is the second in order of birtli in the 
parental family and was a boy of about sixteen 
years when he accompanied his parents to this State. 
Although so young he was a devoted patriot and 
tired with the Free State principles, and at once 
identified himself with the party which supported 
them, tendering his services to the cause of free- 
dom when John Brown was so strongly agitating 
the Abolition question. His conduct is unpar- 
alleled in the history of the ''bloody ground." He 
became First Lieutenant of a company under James 
Lane and participated in the first struggle between 
the anti-and-pro-slavery elements, and was cap- 
tured by border ruffians, tried b3' court martial, 
and i-eleased under penalty of death should he ever 
again champion the cause of the Free State people. 
Learning of the conspiracy to annihilate the Free 
State men of Leavenworth, he at once communica- 
ted the fact to Phillips and others, and through 
this warning some of them were enabled to make 
their escape, although Phillips was brutall}' mur- 
dered. Young Evans well knew what the result 
would be to himself as soon as his instrumentalit3' 
in giving the warning was known to his antago- 
nists, but being again captured, he succeded in mak- 
ing his escape from Leavenworth to Lawrence 
under cover of night. 

Lieut. Evans acted as dispatch carrier for Gen. 
Lane, his route being from Leavenworth to Oska- 
loo?a and Lawrence, and later from Flat Rock to 
Fts. Gibson and Leavenworth, and he took many 
chances in this dangerous mission. He had a guard 
of seven men. and on one occasion, while fording 
lUe Cottonwood River in the Indian Jvation, six of 



tliem were shot dead by ambushed guerrillas. The 
Lieutenant's horse was severel3' wounded and after 
escaping some distance from the scene he released 
the animal and made his way on foot to Ft. Scott. 
At the first Free State election in Leavenworth, 
Lieut. Evans was in command of a company under 
Capt. Fisk, in Moore's regiment, to see that order 
was presei ved at the poles and to regulate the 
voting. 

In 1857. Lieut. Evans, serving under Capt. 
Dixon, visited Kickapoo, where the border ruffians 
had a seventy-five pound gun whicli formerl}^ be- 
longed to the Government. Taking the custodians 
unawares at daylight, the gun was captuied by 
Lieut. Evans' command and is now in the State House 
at Topeka. He also captured a stand of twenty- 
five rifles from a pro-slavery physician of Delaware 
City, and performed other deeds of heroism for his 
country. Immediately after the memorable raid 
and massacre at Lawrence, niiich was consummated 
by (^uantrell, Lieut. Evans went to tliat city and 
assisted in arranging matters theie and in the care 
of the wounded. 

During the warmest period in that region it was 
discovered that a Mr. Hogan on Salt Creek bottom, 
used his house as a retreat for the bushwhackers 
and Lieut. Evans resolved that the place must suc- 
cumb to tiie authority of the National Government. 
Accordingly about ten o'clock one night, with a 
party of nine men he attacked the place. He had 
not properly estimated the force of the enemy and 
found that there were over twenty-five well armed 
men fortified in the house. When h_- discovered 
the situation of affairs he told one of his men, in a 
commanding tone, to run and tell Gen. Lane to 
hurry on one of the cannons and he would blow 
the house to atoms. The result of this command, 
which was heard inside the house, was a complete 
surrender of the men and their arms, the cream of 
the joke to tiie Lieutenant being that Gen. Lane 
and the artillery were in Lawrence, several miles 
distant. 

Lieut. Evans was a participant in the conflicts of 
the noted Price raid and in other stirring events of 
the Rebellion. In 1861. 'ue with forty men made a 
raid on Barry. JIo., which was then one of the 
main points of the Confederate forces in that section. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



715 



There he captured nearly fifty head of horses, 
whioh were taken to Kansas City and the owners 
notified to lonie and take tlie oath of allegiance 
and get their animals, whicli tlie most of them did. 
During the late war lie was engaged in tiio Quarter- 
master's department at Leavenworth during a 
considerable time, and tliere are few who have con- 
tributed more amply than he in every possible 
avenue of assistance to the cause with which he 
sympathized. 

The debt claim of our subject against Kansas 
Territory for loss of propert3' during the border 
troubles, was issued in his father's name, he being 
a minor. He entered the Union aimy during the 
late war, was First Lieutenant of Company A., 2d 
Kansas Infantry, a regiment of thirt}' da3's' enlist- 
ment, and liLi still preserves the commission which he 
then received, as well as those of Third and Second 
Lieutenant which he received at other periods. The 
first Sharp's ritle he ever owned was given him by 
John Brown, whom he believes to have been a sip- 
cere Christian. The first small arms he ever car- 
ried were of the variety known as horse pistols, and 
they also were secured from "John Brown of Os- 
awatomie." The first oith ever used by Lieut. 
Evans was on the occasion of his being brought in 
front of a cannon when a prisoner. 

Mr. Evans was for a time in the employ of Fuller, 
McDonald cfe McKej', riovernmeut Supply Agents, 
at Ft. Gibson, and then engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits for several years, after which he entered into 
a mercantile business in Oskaloosa, this county, 
continuing the latter until 1875. At that period 
he became a traveling salesman for the boot and 
shoe house of Buck, McCown & Co., of St. Joseph, 
Mo., and for eight years was on the road, next en- 
gaging in general merchandising in Valley Falls, 
in January, 1883. Three 3'ears later he sold out to 
Evans & Kemper, and engaged in the sale of gro- 
ceries, which he still continues. He took up his 
residence in Valley Falls in 1879, and here he owns 
a magnificent residence which was erected at a cost 
of over $5,000, and ninety acres of valuable land 
adjoining the town. 

The marriage of Mr. Evans took place Jan. 6, 
1865, his bride being Miss Josephine R. Coy. 
Their happy union has been blessed liy the birtli of 



four children: Joseph A., Elizabeth Maude. Sarah 
Pearl and Polly Ruby. The son married Mary A. 
Armstead and lives in this place. The subject of 
this sketch has never been an office seeker and is 
not identified with any religious body although he 
contributes liberallj^ to the support of the Gospel 
and to benevolent institutions. 

^^^ TEPHEN H. DUNN, the oldest settler 
^^^ of Valley Falls who still lives 'here, was 
\\[/_^) born in Miami County, Ohio. Jan. 27, 
1821. His father, Joseph Dunn, now de- 
ceased, was a native of Carlisle, Pa., was a brick- 
la3^er and plasterer, and lived on a farm, where he 
of whom we write spent the first sixteen years of 
his life. The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Hendershott; she died during the infancy 
of her only child, and the father subsequentl3' mar- 
ried her cousin, Elizabeth Dilts. This lad3' was a 
daughter of Jacob Dilts, who brought his family 
from Cynthiana, Harrison Count3', Ky., to Piqua, 
Miami Co., Ohio, in an earl3' da3'. 

The education of Stephen Dunn was acqiiiic<l in 
an old-fashioned school-house built of logs, the 
spaces between them chinked and daubed, one be- 
ing left out for windows; the seats were made of 
split poles, the desks of puncheon pins, and the 
place was heated from a huge fire-place in one end 
of the room. After completing his course of study, 
3'oung Dunn served an apprenticeship of four years 
at the blacksmith's trade at a point on the Miami 
River between Piqua and Sidney. In February, 
1843, he went to Goshen, Ind., where he worked at 
his trade until fall, when he returned home for a 
sojourn of a few weeks, afterward spending a short 
time in Goshen, whence in December of the same 
year he went to Manoquet, Ind. There he worked 
at his trade in the employ of Harris & Co., who 
were building mills and woolen factories, until 
1817, when he returned to Goshen. Thence he 
went to Bristol, Ind., in 1818, and thence to West- 
ern Missouri in the fall of 1854, being then on his 
wa3' to Kansas. 

Mr. Dunn was an anti-slavery man, and was anx- 
ious to hel() to bring Kansas into the Union as a 



716 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



free Stale. He and Ins brotliei-in-law, J. D. Adams, 
made a prospecting trip in the winter of 1854-55, 
arriving near wiiere Valley Falls now stands, 
on the lOtli of December, and when there was not 
even the beginning of a village there. Mr. Adams 
remained in the Territory, but Mr. Dunn returned 
to Western Missouri and worked at his trade there 
until the following spring, when he took up his 
permanent residence in Jefferson County, arriving 
near what is now Valley Falls, on March 16, 1885. 
As work at his trade was at that time limited in 
the vicinity, Mr. Dunn worked at various things 
during the first year, after which he had plenty to 
do in the shop. In 1865, he started a livery stable 
also, which lie carried on until 1873, and which 
proved a Source of prosperity. On the 1st of No- 
vember, 1879, he abandoned the arduous labors of 
his trade, and engaged in the confectionery busi- 
ness, which he still continues, now running a lunch 
stand in connection therewith. 

During the Kansas troubles in the fall of 1855, 
Mr. Dunn went to Lawrence, and assisted in pro- 
tecting that city from the invasion of tlie border 
ruffians, and the following M.ay took part in the 
defense of Topeka against the same lawless horde. 
In 1864 he became a member of Company I. 18th 
Kansas militia, and followed Price to Wyandotte. 
His patriotism has always been of the stanchest na- 
ture, and he espoused the cause of the Abolition- 
ists when such espousal endangered the personal 
safetj', and the financial interests of citizens in this 
section of the country. lie has always been a Re- 
publican, and while not an office-seeker, assists the 
party whenever the needs of the country demand 
his suffrage and his voice. He was Chairman of 
the first Board of Trustees of Valley Falls, is a 
memner of the I. 0. O. F., and of the Congrega- 
tional Church, to the latter of which his wife and 
daughter Annie also belong. 

On Jan. 20, 1845, the marriage of .Stephen Dunn 
and Sarah Adams, of Goshen, Ind., was celebrate<l, 
and they shared each other's joys and sorrows until 
July 20, 1879, when Mrs. Dunn was removed by 
<Ualh. She had borne three children — Lucilia E., 
.M:iry E., and Homer A. The eldest daughter be- 
came the wife of James FirJier, b}' whom she had 
bi.x children, two of whom, Milo W., and Frank J., 



are jjow living. Mr. Fisher was killed on the rail- 
road, and his widow subsequently became the wife 
of IMarciis Hatch. The second daughter, Mary, 
married John Albert Rodehaver, of Downs, Kan. 
In 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Dunn adopted a child who 
is called Annie, and who is now a 30ung lady 
eighteen 3'ears of age. After the death of his first 
wife, Mr. Dunn remained a widower until June 4, 
1884, when he became the husband of Mrs. Jane 
M. Sanderson. 

The subject of this sketch has six half-brothers 
and three half-sisters, of whom we note the follow- 
ing: William C. is now living in LaPorte, Ind.; 
Mrs. Catharine Webster in Marshalltown, Iowa; 
James in Terre Haute, Ind. ; Mrs. Rachael Ta3'lor 
in Southern Kansas; Charles has not been heard 
from for ten j'ears, and it is not known whether he 
is living or dead; Heniy died in the United States 
service during the late war; Jacob was drowned in 
the Skunk River, Iowa, when about twenty-three 
years old; George died in Cyuthiana, Ky., leaving 
a family; Jemima, who was the oldest of the girls, 
died in LaPorle, Ind., after reaching womanhood, 
the father having removed to that place about the 
year 1852. 

-J^^ 

^/OSEPH A. KESTER. The mercantile in- 
terests of Onaga are admirably represented 
b^' this .young and enterprising citizen who 
deals extensively in drugs, books and sta- 
tionery, having iiis headquarters at the intersection 
of Third and Leonard streets. He established his 
business in July, 1885, and has built up a lucra- 
tive trade, numbering among his friends and pa- 
trons the best people in this part of the county. 
Prior to this he was for some time engaged in llie 
drug business at Leavenworth, after having served 
five years as a traveling salesman for the whole- 
sale house of George A. Eddy in Leavenworth. 
In his younger }'ears he was a resident of Cameron, 
Mo., where he acquired his first experience as a 
salesman and made of pharmacy a practical stud}'. 
He has a thorough understanding of the business 
and is careful and conscientious both in his busi- 
ness habits and private life. 

The subject of this sketch was born iri Holmeg 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



717 



Countj-, Ohio. Nov. 23. 1852, and is the son of 
Josc'ijh Kester, Sr., who was born in Pennsj'Ivania 
and came of substantial Dutch ancestry. The sen- 
ior Kester emigrated to Ohio wlien a young man, 
and located in Holmes Count3% where he was mar- 
ried to Miss Susan Ilulterbaum. This lady was of 
German ancestry and parentage, but born in 
America. After marriage and the birth of their 
only child tiie father, in 1853, crossed the plains to 
California and spent seven years in the mining 
regions. He returned by tiie water route and sub- 
sequently followed the tr.ade of a cooper in Ohio. 
After the death of the mother, which occurred 
there, Mr. Kester emigrated across the Mississippi 
into Missouri, where his death took place in 1873 
when he was forty-eight years old. Both parents 
were members of the Christian Church. 

Young Kester accompanied his father to Miss- 
ouri being then only thirteen years old. Two 
years later he commenced paddling his own canoe, 
and has piloted it safely to the present time. He 
worked first for a farmer near Cameron, Mo., and 
attended school during the winter season, doing 
chores for his board. In this manner, and by em- 
ploying his leisure time in reading he attained a 
good practical education. When a youth of seven- 
teen j'ears he entered a drug store in Cameron and 
was employed as a clerk until 1871. That year he 
came to Kansas and, for sometime, was employed 
in a drug store at Leavenworth. Later, lie went 
into the Southern part of the Slate. He came to 
Onaga in 1884, and by hard work and good man- 
agement established himself in a paying business. 
While sojourning in Leavenworth, BIr. Kester was 
married Jan. 18, 1882 to Miss Minnie Van Dorcn. 
This lady was born in that city in 1861, and is the 
daughter of W. S. and Tanda (Allen) Van Doren, 
who were old residents of that cit3'. The mother 
died there in middle life. Mr. Van Doren is still 
living. He was engaged in the real-estate business 
for some j'ears in Leavenworth and Kansas City. 
Later, he removed to Colorado, where he now re- 
sides and has .attained to the age of about tifty-seven 
years. He has long been a member of the Chris- 
tian Church to which his estimable wife also be- 
long. 

Mrs. Kester w.as educated in the public schools 



of Leavenworth and made her home with her par- 
ents until her marriage. Both she and her hus- 
band are prominent in th3 social circles of Onaga, 
and their modest home is the frequent resort of its 
best people. Mr. Kester votes the straight Repub- 
lican ticket and has been a member of the City 
Council. 

'-'^ -f^^- "^-^ 

"il^.HILlP A. BOWf:R is engaged with his 
sister in carrying on a hotel at Medina, and 
also occupied to some extent in farming 

_ and stock-raising. He has lived in this 
section since 1860. and no more "jolly old settler" 
can be found than this active, intelligent, and en- 
terpiising gentleman. For a number of years he 
was engaged in freighting in the Rocky Mountain 
regions, where he became well known as "Sandy" 
Bower, and where he made the personal acquaint- 
ance of Kit and Fred Carson and other noted 
scouts, and many prominent travelers. Among the 
latter was Horace Greeley who says of him in his 
"Travels in the West," "of all the ten-horse teams 
and bell arrangements, Sandy Bower's is tlio 
finest." 

The family from which our subject is descended 
was of German stock and three generations of 
them were born in Pennsylvania. His grandfather, 
AUbright, was a native of Berks County, and his 
father, Wilhelm, of Lycoming County. The former 
was a farmer, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. 
His de.ath occurred in Union County, Pa. Wilhelm 
Bower was a farmer, a carpenter and a millwright, 
and engaged in contracting, mostly in bridge work. 
He built the first bridge at Harper's Ferry. He 
was a member of the Lutheran Church and a Demo- 
crat in politics. He married Miss Mary Swisher, a 
native of the same county with himself, and a 
daughter of Philip Swisher of Virginia, who began 
farming in Lycf)ming County in 1782. Mrs. 
Bower's grandfather was Abraham Swisher, a native 
of pjUgland, who on coming to America settled in 
Loudoun County, Va., and became a prosperous 
citizen. He subsequently removed to Northumber- 
land County, Pa., and was drowned in the Susque- 
hann.ah River six weeks after he arrived. Both the 
parents of our subject died in their native State. 



•18 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Their family comprised ten ebildren, of whom our 
subject is the eldest. Callie is living in Medina 
and with her brother's assistance is keeping a hotel ; 
Perry lives in White Pigeon, Mich.; Mary died at 
the age of seventeen years; Warren is living in 
State Center, Iowa; Maggie died when eighteen 
years old; Eveline died in Kansas; Espy and Abelive 
in California; William died when three weeks old. 
Perry and Warren served four years each during 
the late vvar, the former as a member of the 1st 
Michigan Infantry and the latter of the 92d Illinois. 

The subject of this biography first opened his 
eyes to the light near Muncie, Lycoming County, 
Pa., Oct. 18, 1829. He was reared on the farm, 
obtaining a common school education and forming 
a part of his father's household until twenty-one 
years of age, when he rented the farm for three 
years. In 1854 he went to New York City and 
thence via the Isthmus of Panama to California, 
going on to Sacramento after reaching the coast. 
He engaged in driving freight teams, first in the 
employ of others, and later driving teams of his 
own, acro.ss the mountains to the mines, and to 
different Territories. He was exposed to constant 
danger, had several skirmishes with the Indians, 
and for eight years never slept in a bed. He hauled 
the first steam boiler to Virginia City, requiring a 
ten-horse team to .accomiilish the feat as the boiler 
weighed 9,800 pounds. 

In driving through the narrow and steep passes 
in the mountains, freighters were obliged to have 
their teams belled in order th.at one might wait for 
another, and avoid accidents where it was impossi- 
ble for teams to pass. It was frequently necessary 
to lift the wagons to one side in order that a train 
or stage might pass and such an incident befell our 
subject when he met Horace Greeley. Such inci- 
dents are generally the occasion for much friendly 
witticism and hilarity and served to promote a gen- 
eral feeling of good fellowship among all but the 
most haughty and distant. The renowned journal- 
ist was quick to perceive .and enjoy every scene and 
incident which would give him a better insight into 
the character and a better understanding of the 
life, in the distant West, and Mr. Bower remembers 
with pleasure their meeting on the mountains. 

Our subject spent but a shoit time in the mines 



but followed freighting almost exclusively until 
1862, when on account of his father's death he was 
obliged to return to Pennsylvania, where he took 
charge of the old homestead, operating it until 
1866. He then came to jMedina and purchased 160 
acres of raw land at ^18 per acre, upon which he 
erected buildings and made other improvements. 
In 1877 land sharks attempted to beat him out of 
it and he became so disgusted with the controversy 
that ensued that he let the land go and came back 
to Medina, where he has since been taking charge 
of the hotel in partnership with his sister, and as 
before stated, paying some attention each year to 
agricultural pursuits, principall}' to the raising of 
corn and stock. 

Mr. Bower is a Democrat and a firm believer in 
the principles of the Democratic party. He is a 
member of the School Board and has for j-ears 
been actively interested in educational matters. He 
possesses a wide fund of information and is an 
acute observer of men and manners; and many an 
interesting anecdote and tale of adventure can be 
related by him, his own experience having given 
him a large store from which to draw. He has 
never married, but otherwise performed his duties 
.as a citizen and member of society in a manner 
which wins him many friends. 



tP^^ EX. JOSIAH TERREL. The first man to 
iL^sir settle upon the present site of Perry de- 
c4i '\\ serves more than a passing mention; and 
\^ especially so in this case, as the subject of 
this notice was one worthy of all respect. As a 
pioneer preacher of Kansas he saw much hardship 
and privation, being the third minister of the 
United Brethren denomination to settle in the State. 
He w.os born in Virginia Aug. 23, 1804, and when 
a child of seven years was taken by his parents to 
Champaign County, Ohio, they settling there in 
1811. He was the sixth in a family of thirteen 
children and was reared on the frontier, obtaining 
his education mostly around the evening fireside, 
and being fond of books, thus acquired a very 
good fund of general knowledge. 

The subject of this notice was the son of Enoch 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Tetrel, a native of Wales, who in emigrating to 
America was accompanied by iiis fatlier. tlien a liale 
and iiearty old man, whose age numbered one hun- 
dred j'ears. He lived four years thereafter and 
was then gathered to liis fathers. Euoeli Terrel, 
locating in Virginia, followed farming there until 
l&ll. tlien removed with his family to Champaign 
County, Oiiio, settling among tlie Indians in the 
wilderness. He engaged in farming and milling 
and became well-to-do, at the same time exerting 
no small influence in his community. A pait of 
the old mill which he operated is still standing, 
almost the only relic of a bygone age. He served 
as an officer in the War of 1812, and at one time 
while in tlie service was nearly frozen to death. 
He was for many years a leading member of the 
Meliiodist Elpiscopal Cinircli and finally died, in 
1817, from the effects of an injurj' received in his 
mill. 

Josiah Terrel assisted liis father in farming and 
milling until his death and remained with his 
mother until reaching liis majority. He was then 
married to Miss Sarah Provault, a native of Ohio, 
and of German descent. Soon afterward they re- 
moved to a farm in Indiana where Mr. Terrel was 
converted to religion in a singular manner while 
hauling a load of hay. Within three days he began 
exiiorting and in 1834 was licensed to preach in 
the United Brethren Church, leaving his farm to 
do so. He preached at Nauvoo. III., in the temple 
after the Mormons had left and was instrumental 
in rousing the people against the followers of Joe 
Smith, denouncing them from the pulpit. At 
Nauvoo his first wife died. He possessed a fine 
intellect and aside from being a successful public 
speaker, was straightforward in his dealings and 
conscientious in his life. 

Mr. Terrel's life was often threatened on account 
of his out-spoken doctrines. Later, in Missouri 
and Kansas, he became Presiding Elder. At one 
time his jurisdiction extended nearly over the 
whole State of Illinois. In the meantime he lived 
at Blandinsville, until 1853, and was there a second 
time married, to Miss Mary Mayhew. This lady 
was born in Ohio and was the daughter of Laban 
M.ayhew. a native of Kentucky, who moved first 
to Southern Ohio, then back to his native State 



and finally to McDonough County, III., where he 
engaged in fanning until his death; he was of 
French descent. 

In the spring of 1853 we find Josiah Terrel in 
Missouri and for two years thereafter he was estab- 
lished at Carthage, otiiciating as a missionary sent 
by the Illinois Conference. Later he was County 
Superintendent of Jasper and Barton counties, and 
was also Postmaster. He secured eighty acres of 
land, but gave most of his attention to his clerical 
duties. Through him tiie Western Conference was 
organized and the first meeting thereafter held at 
his house was presided over by Bishop Bright. He 
came to Kansas as a missionary and first established 
a cluirch at Mound City, preaching the first sermon 
at Ft. Scott, also organizing a church there. He 
was elected Presiding Elder at the first Conference 
held in Kansas, in 1858. Upon one occasion he 
was nearly frozen to death on horseback, being 
found on the prairie, benumbed and almost speech- 
less. He was Presiding Elder for eight years, then 
having suffered a stroke of paralysis retired from 
the ministry. In 1864 lie purchased property in 
Lecorapton and he had other property which he 
had accumulated while traveling around. His wife 
was an excellent manager and attended to the farm 
in his absence. 

The Lane University at Lecompton while not 
organized b3' him was establisiied largely through 
the instrumentality of Mr. Terrel. He started in 
the drug business in that place, conducting it suc- 
cessfully and was also Postmaster. In 1866 he 
removed to Perry and was the first man to engage 
in the drug business there. He also organized a 
United Brethren Church, throwing his own house 
open for religious meetings of all kinds. From 
1878 he lived retired from active business. 

Tlie second wife of Mr. Terrel died in Perry in 
December, 1867, at the age of forty eight years, 
and he was a third time married to Mrs. Minerva 
McBride. This lady was born in New York State 
and is still living, making her home in California 
with one of her daughters. Mr. Terrel spent the 
last three years with his daughter, Josephine, Mrs. 
J. R. Pendroy,and departed this life Sept. 14, 1887. 
His rem;iins were laid to rest in the Perry cemetery, 
which he had assisted in purchasing and laying out. 



■20 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



He passed awny lionored and revered and his name 
will bo lield in kindly lemenibrance for many years 
to come. Politically, Mr. Terrel was a sound Re- 
publican and preached the abolition of slavery 
from the pulpit. 

Of the first marriage of Mr. Terrel there were 
born seven children, viz: Enoch, William, Rebecca, 
John, Josiah, Sarah and Benjamin. The boys, with 
the exception of tiic last mentioned, who died at 
the age of two years, all served as soldiers in the 
Union Array. Of the second marriage there were 
born two children only: Josephine, (Mrs. J. R. 
Pendroy) a sketch of whom will be found else- 
where in this volume, and Mary, (Mrs. GilflUin) of 

Perry 

^ ^^ i^ 

OSEPH S. BLAVLOCK. Among those who 
i looked upon Kansas in its pioneer days was 
Mr. Blaylock, who came to Pottawatomie 
County when Indians were more numerous 
than whites, and when the present flourishing little 
village of 81. Clere had not yet come into exist- 
ence. He could go west to Vermillion Creek, 
about ten miles away, without seeing a single house 
or a fence, and he could go eastward about eight- 
een miles, passing only one house and no fences. 
He came to this region poor in purse but strong in 
courage and resolution, believing that from the 
primitive soil he could hew out for himself a home 
and a competence. In this he has succeeded beyond 
even his expectations, being now the owner uf a farm 
of 560 acres, besides seventy-five acres of valuable 
land adjacent to the town of St. Clere, also a num- 
ber of village lots and a business building in which 
he carries on n lucrative trade in general merchan- 
dise, and where he makes his home. He has been 
the privileged witness of the" remarkable changes 
occurring in the Sunflower State during a period 
of nineteen years, and has reason to feel that he 
has performed no unimportant part in its growth 
and development. 

A native of La Salle County, 111., Mr. Blaylock 
was born Sept. 26, 1849, at the parental homestead, 
and pursued his first studies in the district school. 
He lived in his native State until a young man of 
twenty years, then in the winter of 1869-'70 came 



to Kansas and located in Augusta, remaining in 
that part of the State until 1872. We next find 
him in Pottawatomie County in the employ of a 
cattle man herding eaatle, at which occupation he 
was employed three years. He then worked on a 
farm two years. The next interesting and import- 
ant event in his life was his marriage, which oc- 
curred Oct. 9, 1876, in Grant Township, the bride 
being Miss Lurinda C, daughter of Abner and 
Elizabeth (Gavin) Dooley. Soon after marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Blaylock established themselves on a 
rented farm, where they remained two years. Then 
they removed to a farm of 160 acres one and one- 
half miles northwest of St. Clere postofflce, and 
which Mr. Blaylock had purchased prior to his 
marriage. They lived here until 1881, then 
changed their residence to the village, where Mr. 
Blaylock engaged in general merchandising until 
June, 1886, when he sold his stock and for two 
years thereafter was engaged as a traveling sales- 
man. At the expiration of this time he returned to 
St. Clere and established himself in his present bus- 
iness. He still retains possession of his farm, which 
is operated by hired men. 

To our subject and his estimable wife there have 
been born four children, viz: Joseph L., Laura, 
Chester and Francis M. Mr. Blaylock gives his 
support to the Republican part}', and has been 
quite iMominent in local affairs. He was elected 
Township Trustee in the fall of 1886, and has been 
elected each successive year, and is still holding 
the office. He was appointed County Commis- 
sioner in 1885, serving one term. He and his wife 
are members in good standing of the Methodist 
P^piscopal Church. Social!}' Mr. Blaylock belongs 
to Circleville Lodge, No. 20, A. F. and A. M. 

The father of our subject was Joseph M. Blay- 
lock, u n.ative of Tennessee who, when a j'oung 
man, emigrated to Illinois when the present flour- 
ishing city of La Salle was but a fort, and when 
Indians were quite luimerous in that section of 
country. People hauled lumber from Chicago 
with which to build their houses at a time prior to 
the building of railroads through this section. He 
went to La Salle Countj' a young man, and in due 
time was mari'ied to Mrs. Jane (Nortlirup) Har- 
rington, who was born near Galliiwlis, Oliio. The 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



721 



father of Mrs. Blaylock died when she was quite 
}'Oung, and she removed to Illinois witli her mother. 
They located near the fort at La Salle before the 
Black Hawk War. Mrs. Northriip died there at 
the age of fifty j-ears. To Joseph ;ind Jane Blay- 
lock there was born a family of four children, of 
whom .losepb S. was the oblest. All of these are 
living, two in Illinois and one in Benton Count^^ 
Ind. The mother departed this life in 1872, aged 
about fifty-five years. The father is still living on 
the old farm in Illinois. 

Mrs. Blaylock was born in Grant County, Ind., 
and came to Kansas with her parents when a child; 
thej' are now residents of Osage County. Mr. 
Blaylock has been Postmaster since Hayes' admin- 
istration, with the exception of a short time while 
a traveling salesman. 



*^9s;^^»^ 



<?«f-»«^«tf-. 



^I^^RANCIS M. STARK. Tliis stirring young 
ll-!!s(5)\ business man of Perry, Jefferson Count3% is 
IL, well known as the son of N. J. Stark, who 

is represented elsewhere in this volume. He is ''a 
chip of the old block," and is quite extensively 
engaged as a lumber dealer, having purchased the 
interest of his father in the business early in 1SS9. 
He was born in Ingham Count3', Mich., Jan. 19, j 
1853, and lived there with his parents on the farm 
until a lad of thirteen years. 

Young Stark acccmipanied his father's family to 
Illinois in 186G, and attended school in Henry 
County one year. Later, he attended the public 
schools of Lawrence, Kan., after which he engaged 
in farming for a time, and then removed to Perry. 
When twenty-two years old he assumed charge of 
his father's farm of 120 acres in Rural Township. 
He was thus occujiied for four j'ears, and then, 
removing to Perry, purcliased a slock of queens- 
ware and groceries, and conducted a thriving trade. 
in company with a partner, under the firm name of 
Stark & Martin. 

In the si)ring of 1885 Mr. Stark disi)Osed of his 
interest in the above business and purchased an in- 
terest in his father's lumber business. He became 
sole proprietor on the 1st of January. 1889. He 
is already the uwner of other valuable property, 



having a half block of ground on each side of 
Front Street, where he has put up an ottice, sheds, 
and other necessary buildings. He keeps a full 
supply of building material, including hardware, 
nails, lime, cement, etc. He owns his residence 
and a block elsewhere in the town of Perry. 

Mr. Stark was married in Perry. April 9, 1875, 
to Miss Etta F. Armstrong. Mrs. Stark was born 
in Indiana County, Pa., Feb. 21, 1858, and is the 
daughter of J. D. Armstrong, likewise a native of 
the Keystone State and one of the earliest settlers 
of Jefferson County, Kan. He is now engaged as 
a gardener in the vicinity of Perry. Mrs. Stark 
was given a fair education, completing her studies 
in Maplewood Seminal y, at Leavenworth. Subse- 
quently she engaged as a teacher, having charge of 
of her first 'school at the age of seventeen 3-ears. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Stark there have been born 
three children — Nathan, Guy and Victor. Mr. 
Stark is a sound Democrat, politically, and like his 
honored father, a member in good standing of the 
Presbyterian Church. He has been a member of 
the Cit}^ Council two years, Township Clerk one 
year, Clerk of the school district three years, and 
has officiated as City Treasurer for the past seven 
years. It cannot be denied that he has made for 
himself an admirable record. 



O-HA 
, whose industry and energy have secured 
, , them a competence, and who are in posses- 
sion of a fair supply of this world's goods, may be 
properl}' mentioned Mr. Johnson, who owns and 
occupies a snug farm of seventy-seven acres, on 
section 12, Kentucky Township. Besides this, lie 
is the owner of 217 acres on section 7. He has 
good improvements, and prosecutes farming after 
the latest improved methods, assisted by modern 
machinery, and all the other appliances necessary 
to successful agriculture. 

A native of Macoupin County. 111., Mr. Johnson 
w.as born near Virden, May 21, 185.'?, and when five 
years old was brought by his parents overland to 
Kansas. They journeyed with a team of horses 



722 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a«d wagon, via Qnincy and Kansas City, and 
thence by the Santa Fe trail to Willow Springs, 
Douglas County, where they settled when the 
country was new and Indians plentiful. In 1860, 
however, the^' returned to Illinois, and after the 
outbreak of the Civil War, young Johnson en- 
deavored at two different times to gain entrance 
into the ranks of the Union army, the first time 
when a boy of eleven years. He, of course, was 
rejected. In 1864 he went to the home of his 
grandfather, where he remained a year; then re- 
moved with his father to Shelby County, where 
the latter had contracted to furnish a railroad and 
sawmill with timber. Charles M., at the age of 
twelve, chopped two cords of wood in a day. His 
advantages for an education were quite limited, 
but he kept his eyes open to what was going on 
around him. and at an early age was generally well 
informed. 

In the fall of 1865 Mr. Johnson came to Kansas 
the second time overland with a team, via Oquawka 
and St. Joseph, Mo. He located at Willow Springs, 
Douglas County, and later accompanied his father 
to Cedar County, Mo., remaining there from the fall 
of 1868 until the spring of 1869. He then started 
out in earnest to paddle his own canoe, and, coming 
to Jefferson County, this State, without a cent of 
mone}', found employment on a farm, vvliere he 
sojourned three years and in the meantime attended 
school three months. In the spring of 1873 he 
went down into Western Texas, where he engaged 
as a cowbo^y, driving cattle on the trail to Western 
Kansas. In 1J73 he engaged on a ranch in Texas, 
remaining there until 1876. He then began 
driving cattle to Wyoming, and in the fall of that 
year returned to Kansas. 

During his sojourn in Texas Mr. Johnson had 
some thrilling experiences. Upon one occasion, he 
and a company of five others were arrested, Feb. 
12, 187.5, on account of illegal cattle driving, and 
on the 18th were taken out in the night by a vigi- 
lance committee, and, with the exce|)tion of Mr. 
Johnson, and another man who was shot, they were 
all hung. During the hanging, Mr. Johnson, 
around whose neck his captors had put a rope, 
made a break for freedom, being shot at in the 
meantime, three of the balls passing through his 



clothing, and one striking his heel. He made as 
good time as he could, jumping over a man who 
was shot in his path, and finally gained the moun- 
tains, where he found shelter with a friend, Tom 
Gamble, and was befriended by Lieut. Dan 
Roberts, Captain of the Rangers, with whom he 
remained until the sitting of court, when he had to 
stand a trial for cattle stealing. At the trial no 
charges were preferred against him. and he was 
accordingly set free. He remained in that region 
eighteen months; then sojourned for a time in 
Wyoming, after which he quit the plains, taking 
up his abode within the liounds of civilization. 
During his experience as a cowboy, he became ex- 
pert in the use of the lasso, being able to hobble 
the wildest Mexican cattle. 

In the fall of 1876. Mr. Johnson located on 
rented land in Kentucky Township, where he op- 
erated three 3'ears. In 1879 he purchased 217 
acres on section 7, which was partly improved, and 
where he prosecuted agriculture until 1886. He 
then purchased that upon which he now resides, 
and where he has erected fine improvements. The 
land is amply watered with creeks and springs, and 
Mr. Johnson has set out forest and fruit trees, 
which, with his neat residence and other buildings, 
makes a very .attractive home. lie feeds about 
sixty head of high grade cattle, has eight head 
of draft horses, and a goodly .assortment of swine. 

Mr. Johnson was married in Kentucky Town- 
ship. Dec. 28, 1877. to Miss Alice Demaree. This 
Iad3' was born in Indiana, and came to Kansas witli 
her parents in 1868. The latter, William and Lu- 
ticia Demaree, are residing at Meriden. Of this 
union there have been born four children, viz.. 
Nova, Clara, Amos and Myrtle. Mr. Johnson 
served as School Director in his district until re- 
signing, and he belongs to the Farmers' Alliance 
with headquarters at Thompsonville. Politically, 
he is independent, and is frequently sent as a dele- 
gate to the county convention. 

The father of our subject was James Johnson, a 
native of Maine, and the son of Travis Johnson, 
who was likewise born in the Pine Tree State, and 
w.as a carpenter bj* trade. James Johnson, after 
settling in Macou|)in County. 111., followed car- 
pentering, and put up many of the most important 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



723 



buildings of tliat region. Grandfather Johnson 
was of Scotch descent, and at one [teriod of his life 
l)elonged to the United States Navy. 

James Jolinson, in 18.58, leaving Illinois, came 
to Kansas, locating on a farm in Donglas Coiintj'. 
Two years later, on account of tlie drought, he re- 
turned to Illinois, but in 1865 came h.ack to K.ansas, 
and rented another farm in Douglas County. Fin- 
ail\-, he removed to tiie vicinity of Ottawa, where 
he is now living on a small farm. In 1862, during 
tlie progress of the Civil "War, he enlisted as a 
Union soldier, in Company B, 122nd Illinois In- 
fantry, serving until taken prisoner at Trenton, 
Tenn. by the rebel. Gen. Forrest. He was paroled 
and sent liome, and never exchanged. He is a 
member of tlie Metliodist Episcopal Cluircli. The 
maiden name of the mother of our subject was 
Martha Jackson. She was born in Macoupin 
County, 111., and was the daughter of Brice Jack- 
son, one of its earliest pioneers, and who was of 
Scotch-Irish descent. He followed farming, and 
spent his last days in Illinois. The parental family 
was completed by the birth of nine children, of 
whom Charles M. was the eldest. Mary, Mrs. 
Stanard, is a resident of Ottawa ; Arthur sojourns 
in Jefferson County; Lucretia (i\Irs. Ferrel) and 
Rozella live near Ottawa; Jolin makes his home 
in Meriden; Henry lives near Ottawa; Ada is a 
resident of Kaw Township; Lulu remains at home 
with her parents. 



-~^/> — <juii2/t§'^^| 



; »®f5WWZr»\~'Wv» 



JOHN R. PENDROY, proprietor of the Stark 
Hotel at Perrjville, has Ijeen a resident of 
Kansas for a period of twenty-two years. 
He was born in Greene Count}'. Ohio, on tlie 
22d of December, 1837, to Ellis and Mary (Ellis) 
Pendroy, the former of whom was born in the 
same county as his son, and the latter born in Ten- 
nessee. The paternal grandfather was a native of 
Kentucky, and of Irish descent. Ellis Pendroy 
spent his entire life in his native State, dying when 
his so^, Joiin R., w,is an infant. The mother sur- 
vived her husband until 1861, passing away at the 
age of fifty years. Both parents were members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. There had been 



born to them four children, the eldest of whom, a 
son, Eli, died at the age of forty years, in Indiana; 
James Lewis resides on a farm near LaFayette, 
that State; Josc|)h died in liaFayettc when thirt}'- 
five years old; John R. was the youngest child. 

Mr. Pendroy, until a youth of sixteen years, re- 
mained under the parental roof attending the dis- 
trict school and assisting his mother on the farm. 
Then starting out for himself, he engaged as a farm 
laborer in Ohio for three years, and later emigrated 
to Indiana, engaging in Tippecanoe County as a 
farm laborer for two seasons. We next find him 
West of the Mississippi in Leavenworth, this State, 
to which he came in 1860, during its Territorial 
days. A few weeks after his arrival here he joined 
a Ijand of men bound for Denver, Colo., crossing 
the plains in twenty-seven days. He engaged in 
mining in that region until in September, 1862. 
Then deciding to join the Union Army, he enlisted 
in the 3d Colorado Infantry, serving until June, 
1865, after the close of the war. He saw some 
hard service at one time, marching on foot from 
Montgomery, Colo., to Ft. Leavenworth, a distance 
of 738 miles. Then he went with his regiment 
through Missouri to Iron Jlountain, where they 
camped for a time, and were then ordered to St. 
Louis, Mo. At that point they were consolidated 
with the 2d Colorado Regiment, and mounted as 
civalry. going thence to Sedalia, IMo., and engaged 
in scouting. Mr. Pendroy subsequently joined in 
the pursuit after the Rebel general. Price, and par- 
ticipated in the battles of Lexington, Big Blue, 
Westport, Mine Creek and Newtouia, and followed 
Price to the Arkansas River, and on the return 
march went u\} through the Cherokee Nation. 
They were short of provisions, having for ten days 
nothing to eat excei)t beef, wliich they obtained 
along the route. Upoir reaching Ft. Scott, they 
olitained provisions. From there they proceeded 
to Ft. Leavenworth, where they remained several 
weeks, and then the regiment was ordered to Ft. 
Rilev. and a montti later, to Ft. Ellsworth, in the 
pursuit of Indians. Next they went to Ft. Earned, 
wliere they remained for some time engaged in 
scouting until receiving tlieir discharge June 9, 
1865. 

After retiring from the service, iSIr. Pendro}' re- 



7U 



POiKTRAlT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



paired to Atchison, and was given the position of 
foreman of public works, under James Auld, re- 
maining there one j^ear. Next, coming to Jeffer- 
son County, he located at Perry, where be was 
variously occupied a few months, and then pur- 
chasing a grocery store, conducted this three years. 
Later, he engaged with the Union Pacific Railroad 
Company as a foreman, which position he still 
holds in connection with running his hotel. 

Mr. Pendr()y was married at Perry in 1868, to 
Miss Josephine M. Terrel. This lady was born in 
Iroquois County, 111., Feb. 4, 1850, and is the 
daughter of the Rev. Josiah Terrel, a pioneer min- 
ister of Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri. Of 
this union there have been born three children, the 
eldest of whom, Mary Capitola, is an accomplished 
musician, having a certificate from Bethany College 
atTopeka: Jessie died at the age of nine years; 
and Anna Moore. Blary and Anna arc at home with 
their parents. Mrs. Pendro.y is an active member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and zealously- 
devoted to her religious duties; also a prominent 
member of the Woman's Relief Corps of the G. A. 
R., a delegate to the National Convention at Colum- 
bus, Ohio, in 1888, and was for two years President 
of that society in Perry. At present she is a mem- 
ber of the Council of Administration. Mr. Pend- 
roy, politically, is a sound Republican, prominent 
in the councils of his party, and is a member in 
good standing of the G. A. R. He was for ten 
years a member of the City Council at Perry. His 
real estate in town consists of six acres, which is 
laid out in town lots. 




i, ICHA.RD F. BROWN. An Eastern man 
ff traveling through this State would be 
much impressed with the fact that many of 
;y; the most flourishing business estalilishments 
and best improved farms are owned and controlled 
by young men, and that these aie not the only in- 
dications of their character and usefulness. They 
also fill manj' public offices, and take a prominent 
part in the upbuilding of the West in every worthy 
way. The subject of this sketch is one of these 
enterprising young men, who is recognized as the 



leader in Township Kentucky, Jefferson County, 
in progressive farming and st()ck-feeding, and 
in social and religious work. 

Mr. Brown was born near Venice, Butler Co., 
Ohio, March 26, 1854, and is a son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Val. Brown, whosa sketch fills another page in this 
volume. He was brought up on his father's farm 
there until sixteen j-ears old, when he accompanied 
his parents West, the journey being made by rail 
to Medina in the spring of 1870, and the following 
three 3'ears being spent by our subject in labors 
upon the new home farm. During this time he 
came near having a sunstroke, and was incapaci- 
tated for labor for several months, and when, in 
the fall of 1873, he entered the scientific depart- 
ment of Lawrence Univerity, he found that his 
health would not permit him to long continue his 
studies. He therefore left the University and en- 
gaged as clerk in a general store in Medina until 
spring, when he returned to the farm, the next 
fall making another attempt to carry out the desire 
of obtaining a more thorough education, by enter- 
ing McCauley' Business College at Lawrence, and 
being graduated from that institution three months 
later. 

Mr. Brown then returned again to his home, and 
remained until s|iring, when he entered the dry- 
goods house of Bosworth & Bobbins, in Topeka, 
in the capacity of clerk, and continued in their 
employ during the next two winters, spending the 
summers on the farm. Miss Francis M., daughter 
of the Hon. John W. Brown, of Shawnee County, 
had won the regard of our subject by her cultivated 
mind and womanl3' graces, and his wooing having 
proven successful, thej' were united in marriage 
Dec. 24, 1879, the ceremony taking place at the 
home of the bride in Auburn, Shawnee County. 

The father of Mrs. Brown was born in Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, and is a blacksmith b}' trade. He 
moved from his native State to Missouri, where he 
engaged in farming, from that State changing his 
residence to Kansas in the spring of 1851, being 
therefore one of the very earliest settlers in this 
State. He improved a farm near Auburn, and 
became a prominent citizen of Shawnee County, 
and the possessor of a comfortable fortune. He 
was for some time extensively engaged in stock- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



725 



dealing in tliat county, and was well-known as one 
of the most intelligent, lionoraljie and public-spir- 
ited citizens witiiin its borders. During the late 
war lie served tlie country at the time of Price's 
raid. lie was tlie Superintendent of the first Sun- 
daj'-scliool organized in Siiawnee County, and was 
a member of the Legislature two terms. His 
wife was in iier maidenhood Miss Elizabeth 
Perl<ius, a native of North Carolina. Both are 
still living in .Shawnee Count3', and have hosts of 
friends, the circle extending far beyond the limits 
of the county. Mrs. R. F. Brown was educated at 
the State Normal School at Emporia, and is an 
accomiilished lady, and one whose amiable charac- 
ter exerts a powerful influence on those whom she 
meets. To her and her husband one child has 
been born — Earl G. 

In the spring of 1880, the gentleman of whom 
we write engaged in farming on his father's place, 
and after two years thus employed re-entered the 
employ of Bosworth & Robbins, at Topeka, where 
he became head clerk in the silk department, and 
where he remained until the spring of 1884. He 
then returned to Thorn psonville, and took up his 
abode on section U, where he is now residing. He 
operates 320 acres of his father's estate, 160 of 
which are now under the plow, and devoted to 
corn and wheat crops. He keeps an excellent 
grade of English draft and Norman horses, two or 
thiee teams being used in the work of the estate, 
and having nine head on hand. He feeds about 
three carloads of cattle per season of his own rais- 
ing, and is also engaged extensively in shipping 
hogs. The place is supplied with excellent im- 
provements, including a windmill, barns, granaries, 
cribs, etc., all of which have been made under the 
supervision and with the assistance of our subject. 
The residence is well built and well furnished, and 
under its hospitable roof the visitor finds not only 
good cheer for the outer man, but the "feast of 
reason and the flow of soul" wliich makes a true 
man. 

Mr. Brown belongs to the Farmers' Alliance of 
Thom|)sonvill(', and is now Door Keeper of that 
body. He has been delegate to the county con- 
ventions of the Republican party, and display's the 
lltuiost activity and energy whenever the interests 



of the party are to be advanced, ever supporting it 
by his vote and b3' all his influence. He belongs 
to the Methodist p4)iscopal Church, and helped to 
build the edifice in which the society is now wor- 
shiping. He is now Trustee and has been Superin- 
tendent of the Sundaj'-school, and Assistant Cho- 
rister. In the conduct of his business affairs he 
is discriminating and enteri)rising, and bids fair to 
become one of the most prosperous agriculturists of 
this section. He practices dehorning of cattle, and 
all modern methods in which his iuflg'uent and 
observation concur. With a good education and 
more than ordniary abilitj-, he endeavors to keep 
himself acquainted with the progress of the world 
in current events, in science, and in art, and so 
round and complete his character and acquirements 
instead of becoming the man of one idea who is to 
be found in some rural residences, as well as in 
many city homes. It is needless to say that both 
Mr. and Mrs. Brown are regarded with high res- 
spect and sincere fiiendshipby their neighbors and 
associates. 

^AMES UNION CAWOOD. Among the 
[jleasant homesteads of Clear Creek Town- 
ship, Pottawatomie County, that of Mi- 
(j^^i Cawood deserves special mention as illus- 
trating the enterprise and industry of the proprie- 
tor. It comprises the southwest quarter of section 
6, a fertile tract of land under a thorough state of 
cultivation and improved with good buildings. 
Mr. Cawood is the architect of his own fortune, 
having begun life in a modest manner and with 
limited means. He is now well-to-do, with a suf- 
ficienc3"of this worhl's goods to fortify him against 
want in his olil age. 

The subject of this sketch is the scion of an ex- 
cellent family, being the son of .James R. and 
Mary E. (Sharpe) Cawood, both natives of Clai- 
bourne Count3', Tenn. The father was reared 
to agricultural pursuits, and at the breaking out 
of the Rebellion enlisted as a Union soldier, and 
served until the close of the war. He spent his 
last years in Claibourne County, Tenn., and dc 
parted this life .Sept. 20, 1889. He was an honest. 



726 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



industrious and useful citizen, and a man who, 
witliout making any great stir in the world, still 
exercised a sensible influence upon his fellow- 
mcn. His wife, Mar3- Ann, was the daughter of 
Isaac Sharpe, likewise a native of Claibourne 
County, Tenn., where her death took place Aug. 
12, 1883. 

To tlie parents of Mr. Cawood there was born 
a famil}^ of eleven children, namel_v: Adeline, 
Rachel, Emma, Seniiuie, Sallie, Love. David. James 
Union, Nellie, Peter and Stephen. Seven of these 
are living, and residents of Lower California and 
Kansas. 

Mr. Cawood, like liis parents, was also horn in 
Claibourne County, Tenn., Feb. 15, 1862. He 
spent his early years in his native county, acquir- 
ing a common-school education, and being trained 
to habits of industry and econom3% He left his 
native State when a young man of twenty years, 
coming to Kansas in February, 1882, settling first 
in Brown County. He was favoraVily impressed 
with tlie Sunflower State, and decided to locate 
here permanently. Tiiere was, however, still an 
attraction in the vicinity of his ciiildbood home, 
and early in 1881 he returned to Tennessee, and 
in February of that year was united in marriage 
with IMiss Martlia Yoakum. Soon after tlieir mar- 
riage Mr. and Mrs. Cawood set out for Kansas, and 
Mr. Cawood secured the land from which lie built 
up his present farm in Clear Creek Township. He 
has made good headway during ihe last Ave years, 
and is numbered among the representative men of 
his community. He does not meddle mucli with 
public affairs, but keeps himself posted upon mat- 
ters of general interest to the intelligent citizen, 
and votes the straight Republican ticket. 



J I W. BALSLEY, M. D. Among the profes- 
sional and business men of Oskaloosa, Jef- 
I ferson County, a prominent place is filled 
' by this gentleman, who is a wide awake 
business man, a well-versed and successful physi- 
cian, and an honorable and patriotic citizen. He 
has not only had a Large practice in his profession, 
but has held official positions in various social or- 



ders, and is a worker in the ranks of his political 
party, and in the religious body to which he be- 
longs. 

Dr. Balsley was born in Zanesville, Ohio, Nov. 
14, 1843, and is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Hood) 
Balsley. His paternal grandfather. Christian Bals- 
ley, was born in Germany aid came to America 
before the Revolution, in which struggle he partic- 
ipated as a ])atriot soldier. He settled in Penn- 
sylvania, and died in 1816, at the advanced age of 
ninety-five years. The paternal grandmother, 
Esther Thorpe, was tbe^second wife of the grand- 
father, sometime after whose death she married a 
Mr, McCowen, whom also she survived. Her death 
occurred in Zanesville, in 1858, when she was 
seventv-six years old. 

The father of our subject lived in Pennsylvania 
until twelve years of age when his widowed mother 
removed to Zanesville, where he lived until Au- 
gust, 1889, when he came to this State and is now 
residing in Oskaloosa, His trade is that of a mill- 
wrigiit, and for a number of years he had charge 
of two mills in Zanesville, belonging to Beaumont 
ik HoUingsworth. His wife was a native of Greens- 
burg, K\',, her natal day being March 14, 1810. 
Her death took place in Zanesville, Ohio, Ma}- 3(1, 
1889. 

Dr. Balsley is the fourth of ten children born to 
his parents. iSIar}' lives near McPherson, Kan., 
and is the widow of Ephraim Bonnifield, a farmer, 
who died in August, 1889, leaving seven children. 
Rebecca is the wife of Asahel Denman, a i)ronii- 
nent farmer, near Newark, Ohio, and their family 
consists of two children. Harriet is the wife of 
David German, a farmer, at Valley Falls, and they 
have four children. Martha died at the age of 
eighteen months, George died when two years old. 
Nannj' lives near Zanesville, Ohio, and is the wife 
of C. Richards, a potter; they have three children. 
Frances is the wife of Shelby Hibbs, a farmer, 
near Zanesville. Herbert is a carpenter and his 
home is also near Zanesville; he married ;\Iiss Net- 
tie Cooper, and is the father of one child, Ernst, 
a twin of Herbert, is unmarried and at home. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this notice 
has improved the excellent, educational facilities 
which he enjoyed, and possesses a deep and varied 



i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



727 



fund of knowledge. After acquiring a good com- 
nion-scliool education, lie spent two jears in at- 
tendance at Muslviugum College, and then entered 
the Sterling Medical College at Columluis, Ohio, 
from which he was graduated in Feliruary, lt57"2. 
His studies were broken in upon, however, by the 
breaking out of the Civil War, and before he was 
yet of age he had entered the Union army, enroll- 
ing himself as a private in Company G, 32d Ohio 
Infantry. 

At the battle of Harper's Ferry, April 16, 1862, 
when Gen. Miles and 11,000 men were taken |)ris- 
oners by Stonewall Jackson, young Balsley was one 
of the captives, but he was immediately' paroled, 
and in .lanuar}', 1868, was exchanged. He was 
then transferred to the Western department and 
participated in the ^■icksburg campaign, taking 
part in the battles of Black River, Champion Hills 
and other engagements in the vicinity of Vicksburg. 
During the contest at Champion Hills his regiment 
charged and captured a Confederate battery, and in 
this charge, as in other work of his regiment and 
company, young Balsley- bore himself gallantly and 
in a manner becoming one whose lineage is traced 
from the warlike and soldierlj' German race. 

In the fall of 18G3 Mr. Balsley was given a vet- 
eran furlough, at the expiration of which he joined 
Sherman at Big Shanty, at the outset of the Atlanta 
campaign, and under the command of the renowned 
leader made that march to the sea that will ever 
have a prominent place in the annals of American 
history. He took part in the battles of Bentons- 
ville, Goldsboro and Raleigh, the closing battles of 
the war, and after participating in the grand re- 
view at AVashington City, received an honorable 
discharge and was mustered out happy in the 
consciousness that lie had discharged his duty with 
•all the ardor which accompanies his years, and with 
a deep and fervid patriotism. Journeying to 
Nashville, Tenn.. he became a clerk in the (Quarter- 
master's department, and a year later returned to 
Ohio and took up his studies in college. 

In April, 1872, a short time after his graduation 
from the medical college. Dr. Balsley came to this 
place and began the pracfice of his profession, in 
which he has a deservedly high reputation. He is 
the owner of the "Gem Drug Store," which was 



established in 1880, and the drug and stationery 
stock of which amounts to ^6,000. The building 
in which this business is carried on is a two-storj' 
brick structure, 20x70 feet, situated on the south- 
west corner of the public square, and is also owned 
by the Doctor. 

The wife of Dr. Balsley bore the maiden name 
of Sarah K. Bonnilield, and the ceremony which 
united them took [ilace in .St. Louis, Mo., May ;j, 
1873. Mrs. Balsley is a daughter of Ephraim and 
Sommerville (Reamy) Bonnilield, who were natives 
of Virginia, and her own birth took place in Zanes- 
ville, Ohio. She is an intelligent and an estimable 
ladj', and a worth}' companion for a man of Dr. 
Balsley's character and acquirements. They have 
one daughter, Nellie — now nine years old. 

Dr. Balsle}' is a Reiiublican, and has frequently 
been delegate to county conventions, and is treas- 
urer of the County Central Committee. He has a 
genial, social nature, and belongs to the following 
orders: A. F. & A. M.. K. of P., A. O. U. W. and 
G. A. R. He has been presiding officer in the lo- 
cal lodges of each of these orders, and is Medical 
Examiner of them all. He now holds the office of 
Inside Guard in the State Grand Lodge of the K. 
of P. He is the Coroner of Jefferson County. 
He and his nife are members in good standing of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



^AMES C. DINNEN. The young farmers 
I of Jefferson County have an excellent rep- 
resentative in this gentleman, who is both 
prosperous and enterprising, and who owns 
and operates 160 acres in Kaw Township, and is 
also the owner of 320 acres in Wilmington Town- 
ship, Wabaunsee County. He is among the oldest 
settlers in the township where he resides, and his 
dwelling is one of the finest therein, having been 
erected in 1889 at a cost of §3,00(1. The entire 
home farm is under cultivation, is fenced with 
hedge and wire, and is su[)plied with a windmill 
and tank, and all necessary outbuildings, the whole 
making up an estate profitable, convenient and at- 
tractive. Mr. Dinnen has been quite extensively 
engaged in stock feeding, and has adequate fee 1 



r28 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and stock yards, but he now farms in a general 
wa}-, believing lliis to be more profitable in these 
times. 

The subject of this sketch is of Irish descent and 
parentage, and inherits a sturdy perseverance and 
acute observation, together with a discriminating 
judgment, from his progenitors. His grandfather 
Morris Dinnen, followed agricultural pursuits in 
the Emerald Isle until his death. He was the fa- 
ther of a large family, one of whom, Michael Din- 
nen, born in County Limerick, was reared and edu- 
cated by an uncle on whose farm he was emplo3'ed 
until 1848. He then came to America and loca- 
ted in Pittsburg, Pa., found employment in the 
rolling mills of that place, running a furnace there 
until about the year 1856, when he went to Kansas 
City, Mo., performing a part of his journey bj^ 
boat. In that city he worked at brick-making un- 
til the spring of 1859, when with his family he 
moved to Kaw Township, tiiis county, first settling 
on survey 13, where he began making improve- 
ments. He farmed there until 1865, when he sold 
his inprovements and his claim on the land, and 
bought a tract on section 22, of the same township, 
which forms a part of the estate which he now owns 
and occupies. He has been successful in liis agricul- 
tural work, and is now living at ease enjoying the 
results of his earlier labors and prudent manage- 
ment. He owns 335 acres of land in the county, 
with valuable improvements, and is also the owner 
of real estate in South Topeka. He served in the 
Kansas State Militia and was out during the Price 
raid. He is a prominent and respected citizen. 

The wife of Michael Dinnen bore the maiden 
name of Bridget Murphy and was born in County- 
Longford, Ireland. Her father, Hugh Murphy-, 
was a native of the same county as herself, and 
coming to America he spent his last days at his 
daughter's home, where he died at the age of eighty- 
four years. Mrs. Bridget Dinnen bore her hus- 
band nine children, four of whom are now living. 
Our subject is the second member of the family; 
his sister Catherine, now Mrs. Sweeney of Lead- 
ville, Col., precedes him on the family roll; John 
is a train master in Montana; and Michael lives on 
the home farm in Kaw Township. 

James Dinnen first opened his eyes to the light 



in Pittsburg, Pa., May 24, 1856, and was but a 
j^ear old when his parents emigrated to Kansas 
City, Mo., and a child of three when they came to 
this county wliich is the scene of his earliest recol- 
lections. He was reared on the farm and educated 
in the district schools, the first one which he at- 
tended being held in a log house furnished with 
slab benches. During his leisure from school he 
made himself useful at home and was able to help 
his father a great deal in improving the place, 
upon which he remained until he was twenty-three 
years old, for some time prior to his departure 
superintending the estate. 

Upon leaving the paternal roof in 187!), Mr. Din- 
nen rented an adjoining farm and began hand- 
ling stock, feeding, and shipping to Kansas City, 
and being very successful in the business. In 
1882, he was able to purchase the half section 
which he still owns in Wabaunsee County, which 
he fenced and arranged as a place on which to keep 
cattle through the summer. In the fall of the. 
same ye.ar he bought the farm which he occupies, 
paying a round sum of money for it, although it 
had no improvements except fences and broken 
sod. Its situation, however, on the Kaw bottoms, 
made it valualile and bj' strict attention to iuis- 
baudry Mr. Dinnen has developed its fertility, 
made u[)on it the improvements before noted and 
placed it in a condition unexcelled in the vicinity. 
In Miss Mary Reed, a native of Atchison County, 
Kan., Mr. Dinnen founil the lady whom he desired 
as a life companion and they were united in marriage 
at Newman, Nov. 8, 1882. The p,arents of the 
bride, Addison J. and Elizabeth E. Reed, were 
early settlers of Atchison County, whence they 
moved to Jefferson County, and are now living 
upon a farm in Rock Creek Township. The hap- 
py union of Mr. and Mrs. Dinnen has been blessed 
by the birth of three children — Frank, Lizzie and 
Victor, whose childish voices and growing Intelli- 
gence are music in their parents' ears'. 

Mr. Dinnen li.as been Clerk of Kaw Township 
for three years. He is an advocate of the princi- 
l)lcs of the Democratic party. He has served a 
term on the Grand Jury. His parents and himself 
are members of the Catholic Church, and he is one 
of the Directors of that ilenomination at Newman, 



PORTRAIT AJND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



729 



and active in its suppoi't. The sturdy- characteris- 
tics wliich Mr. Diiinen has derived by inheritance 
from wortliy parents and which have been im- 
proved by careful training, coupled with intelli- 
gence and courtesy, make him an object of respect 
and friendly esteem in the community, and give 
promise of his future years being still more useful 
and prosperous than those which are past. 



iDGAR L. CARHARTT, M.D., one of the 
J^ leading physicians and surgeons of Thonip- 
sonville, was graduated from the medical 
departments of the Missouri State University at 
Kansas Cit}', and is now in the enjoyment of a large 
and lucrative practice. He has been a close stu 
dent and an extensive reader, and owns one of tlie 
best-appointed medical libraries in this part of the 
State. He is looked upon as a man of worth and 
reliability, and is equally popular both in social 
and business circles. 

A native of Delaware County, Ohio, Dr. Carhartt 
was born Sept. 12, 1860, near Burling Station, 
whence shortly afterward his parents removed to 
Keokuk Count3-, Iowa, where he received bis early 
training and was reared to manhood on a farm. 
In 1876, when a youth of sixteen years, he accom 
panied his parents to this State, locating in Ells- 
worth County, where he assisted in the labors of 
the farm and gave good attention to his books in 
the common school. When less than twenty years 
old he was married Oct. 14, 1880. at Ellsworth, to 
Miss Etta Wollam. Soon after his marriage, Mr. 
Carhartt began the study of medicine under the 
preceptorship of Dr. Aldersou, at Wilson, and with 
whom he remained three years, entering then the 
University and lieing graduated therefrom in 
March, 1886, with the highest honors of his class. 

Beginning the regular practice of his profession 
at Wilson with his preceptor, Dr. Carhartt contin- 
ued there until .January, 1889, when he changed 
the scene of his labors to Tborapsonville, entering 
into partnership with one of his old classmates. 
Dr. Smith. This partnership was dissolved the 
following May and Dr. Carhartt has since operated 
singly and alone, giving particular attention to 



surgery. He has been more than ordinarilj' suc- 
cessful, having more business than he can con- 
veniently attend to. He is Vice President of the 
Alumni Association, and a member of the Central 
Kansas District Medical Society, having been duly 
registered by the State Board of Pharmacy. 

The subject of this sketch is the son of Lewis 
Carhartt, a native of Utica, N. Y., and the grand- 
son of Henry Carhartt, a blacksmith by trade, and 
also born in tlie above-mentioned city. Elliot 
Carhartt emigrated to Iowa at an early daj-, and 
thence to Missouri, locating in Macon City. He 
served in the War of 1812. He traced his ancestry 
to England. The great-grandfather Carhartt emi- 
grated from that country and settled on Long 
Island. 

Lewis Carhartt early in life established himself 
on a farm in Delaware County, Ohio, whence he 
removed first to Keokuk County, and then, in 
1876, to Ellsworth County, Kan. In the latter 
county he became the owner of 320 acres of land 
from wliich he improved a good farm, where he 
made his home until 1886. That year he removed 
to Wilson, sojourning there until the early part of 
1889. He then took up his abode with his son, 
Edgar L., and died Nov. 30, 1889, at the age of 
seventy-two years. He was a member in good 
standing of the Baptist Cliureh. The maiden 
name of his wife was Nancy Pearson. She was 
born in Athens, Ohio, and was the daughter of 
George Pearson, a native of Cumberland County, 
in the eastern part of Virginia. Grandfather Pear- 
son was a farmer by occupation, and served in the 
War of 1812. He settled in Delaware County, 
Ohio, at an early date, and removed thence to 
Iowa and finally to Kansas. He returned to Iowa 
prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, and died in 
that State when over eight3' years of age. He 
likwise was of English descent. To the parents of 
our subject there was born a family of six children, 
the eldest of whom, a daughter, Betsey A., died 
when in her sixteenth year; William H. is in 
Denver; Harrison and Harvey died in Iowa; Clara 
is living in Watson, Kan.; Edgar L. was the young- 
est born. 

Mrs. Carhartt was born in Apple River, ,Io 
Daviess Co., HI., June 23, 1862, and was educated 



730 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in Wilson, Kan., and Apple River. Her parents 
were James and Mary (Jellison) Wollani, natives 
of Ohio and early settlers of Northern Illinois. 
The father engaged in farming and accumulated a 
competence. He left .To Davi ss County, 111., in 
1871, and coming to Kansas, located in Ellsworth 
County, where he prosecuted farming until his 
death, in 1875. He was prominently connected 
with the Presbyterian Church. He followed teaching 
considerably during his younger years, and after his 
removal to Kansas became the Superintendent of 
Ellsworth County Schools, and also was Tax Col- 
lector. He served in the Union army during the 
Civil War, in an Illinois regiment under the com- 
mand of Gen. Grant. The paternal grandfather, 
Samuel Wollam, removed from Pennsylvania to 
Ohio at an early day, and thence to Jo Daviess 
County, 111., settling in Apple River, where he 
became a wealthy man. Mrs. Wollam departed 
this life at Wilson in 1884. Mr Wollam died in 
the same place about 1876. Her family, the Jelli- 
sons, were of German descent. The children born 
to INIr. and Mrs. Wollam were: Etta, Mrs. Car- 
hartt; Rosa, Mrs. Olsen, of Wilson; Allie, deceased; 
Stella, Mrs. Taylor, of Utica, this county; James, 
who is attending college at Saline. Kan. ; Adah, 
living in Colorado, and Josie, in Wilson. 



-^^^ fe 



^/ OHN McCLURE. The farming community 
It of Ozawkie Township recognizes in Mr. Mc- 
I' Clure one of its most substantial and reli- 
^^/ able men. He started out in life without 
other means than his own resources, and is conse- 
quently a self-made man, one who has attained to a 
good position socially and financially, through his 
own unaided efforts. He may usually be found at 
bis headquarters, a well-regulated homestead on 
section 12, where he prosecutes general farming 
successfull}', and lives at peace among his neigh 
bors. 

Mr. McClure was born in County Armagh, Ire- 
land, July 5, 1842, and there spent the first eighteen 
years of bis life. In the meantime be attended the 
common school, and gained a very good insight 
into the various pursuits of farm life as conducted 



in the Emerald Isle. Upon approaching man's es- 
tate, however, he became dissatisfied with his pros- 
pects and surroundings, and resolved upon emigrat- 
ing to the United States. 

In 18G0, putting his resolve into execution. 
3'oung McClure embarked on a sailing-vessel, and 
after a safe voj'age, soon found himself upon Amer- 
ican soil. First making York County, Pa., his 
home, he sojourned there for a brief time, then 
went to Philadelphia, where he lived a few monihs, 
but finally returned to York County. In August, 
1863, during the (jrogress of the Civil War, he en- 
gaged as hostler in the employ of the Government 
at §50 per month, and was thus occupied, moving 
with the regiment, until 1864. That 3'ear he en- 
listed as a regular soldier, and served until the close 
of the war. 

Returning now to Pennsylvania, Mr. McClure, 
in 1865, took unto himself a wife and helpmate. 
Miss Agnes Ta3-lor, a native of York County, Pa., 
the wedding occurring Dec. 5, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. 
McClure lived in Pennsylvania until the spring of 
1869, then set out for Kansas, and coming to Jeffer- 
son County, Mr. McClure purchased 160 acres of 
bis present farm. He was prospered as a tiller of 
the soil, and invested his capital in additional land 
to the extent of 320 acres. It must bo remembered 
that this was all wild land. The t.isk of erecting 
buildings, making fences, planting trees, and in- 
stituting the other indispensable improvements on 
a farm, can better be imagined than described. 
The labor of years, however, prevailed, and Mr. 
McClure now has one of the most desirable home- 
steads in Ozawkie Township. He has a good frame 
dwelling neatly painted, with a pleasant yard, orna- 
mented b}' shade trees, and adjacent is a conven- 
ient barn, and the other necessarj' outbuildings 
required for the storage of grain and the shelter 
of stock. Mr. McClure has set out about 250 apple 
trees, besides trees of the smaller fruits. 

To Mr. McClure and his estimable wife, there 
have been born six children — ^\'illiam A., Sarah J., 
Molly, and Alter; these are all living. The de- 
ceased are .Josejih and Ira. The i>arents are mem- 
bers in good standing of the United Presl)>terian 
Church. The ancestors of Jlr. McClure were na- 
tives of Ireland, as far back as is known, and de- 



i 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



731 



voiit arllierents of the Presbyterian Church. .Fpon 
becoming a voting citizen, Mr. McClure identified 
himself with the Republican party, but witli the ex- 
ception of casting his vote at the general elections, 
he meddles very little with political affairs. He is 
liberal and progressive in his ideas, and belongs to 
the A. O. U. W. lodge, of Valley Falls. 



19 eJ 



— V 



^ EV. ALBERT L. PEARSALL. an efficient 
minister of the German Baptist Church, 
became connected with this denomination 
^p)when a man of lliirty years, in 18C.5, and 
was soon afterward appointed to the office of Dea- 
con. He was recognized as possessing more than 
ordinary talent, and three 5ears later was ordained 
a minister, in which capacity he has since served. 
Tiie society at Ozawkie was organized about 1863, 
and for manj- years Mr. Pearsall preached in school 
Jouses and private residences before the erection of 
a church edifice. The society' lias recently finished 
a cliurch, 38x60 feet in dimensions, with basement 
under the whole. Tiie membership is about 175, 
and the ciiurch is in a prosperous condition. The 
labors of its pastor have been crowned with success 
and he is warmly appreciated by his people. 

Mr. Pearsall was born in Susquchannah Count3', 
N. Y., Sept. 2, 1835, and about 1840 was taken by 
his parents to the vicinity of Chicago, 111. They 
located on land about one and one-half miles west 
of the present site of the city, and for jears kept 
what was known as a four and one-half mile house. 
About 1850 they removed to Lawrence County. 
Ind., where the father purchased a flouring-mil), 
which lie operated until 1853. Then pushing on 
further Westward, he crossed tiie Mississippi, and 
located in Benton County, Iowa, prosecuting farm- 
ing there until 1855. 

In the year above mentioned, the Pearsall fam- 
ily came to what was then Kansas Territory, and 
located in what is now Rock Creek Township. In 
1856 they removed to Madison County, and the 
father, Albert Pearsall, died the following fall, at 
the age of fifty-eight years. The mother, Mrs. 
Lydia (Atwater) Pearsall. was a native of New 
York State, and spent her last days at the home of 



her son, in the village of Ozawkie, dying in 1865, 
when about the same age as her husband at the 
time of his decease. The parental grandfather was 
Stephen Pearsall, a native of France, who emigrat- 
ing to America, settled in New York State, where 
he reared a familj^, and there spent his last days. 

After the death of his father, Mr. Pearsall re- 
moved to the village of Ozawkie, and eng.aged in 
milling, having learned the trade witli his father. 
He operated one mill for fifteen years in the inter- 
ests of the owner, Mr. Dail, who is still its proprie- 
tor. In 1856 Mr. Pearsall was wedded to Miss 
Catherine, daughter of Jacob N. and Anna (Hoo- 
ver) Brown. The Brown family settled in this 
region in 1854, and here the parents of Mrs. Pear- 
sall spent their last days. The^^ were born in Bed- 
ford Count3% Pa., and cmly in life connected them- 
selves with the German-Baptist Church, of which 
they thereafter remained faithful and conscientious 
members. The\- were a people greatly respected 
in their community for their upright lives and 
kindly traits of character. 

About 1871, Mr. Pearsall engaged in the lumber 
business at Ozawkie, and later commenced dealing 
in hardware, building materials and .agricultural 
implements. After a time he associated himself in 
partnership with Samuel Stephenson, and under the 
firm name of Pearsall & .Stephenson they are still 
conducting a thriving business. Their store build- 
ing, a substantial frame structure, occupies an area 
of 50x22 feet, and is well stocked with everything 
in their line of merchandise. They do an annual 
business of at least $10,000. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall there have been born 
three children: Stephen, who is married; Ida, who 
is the wife of Hiram Stewart, of Ozawkie Township; 
and Addie L. 



#-^ 



-V 



rj SAAC WARD, a well-to-do farmer of Franklin 
Township, may usually be found at his home- 
stead on section 5, where he has labored suc- 
cessfully as a tiller of the soil, and has provided 
himself with all the needful comforts of life. He 
is numbered among the peaceable and law-abiding 
citizens of that locality, and uniformly votes the 



732 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Republican ticket. The family cousists of his 
wife and ten chilrlien, the latter being named res- 
pectively: Eliza Ann, Ida B., A'iola, Mary, Melvin, 
Thomas, Luella, Lucinda, Jesse and Bertha M. 

The subject of this sketch, a native of Wayne 
County. Ind., was born Aug. 17, 1839, and was the 
second in a family of four children, the offspring 
of William J. and Frances (Runnels) Ward, who 
were natives respectively of Indiana and Tennessee. 
After their marriage they settled in Wayne County, 
Ind., and thence removed to Vermilion County, 
111., where they lived a number of years and where 
the mother died. Afterward the father catne to 
Kansas, settling in Franklin Township, Jackson 
County, where his death took place March 17, 
1885. 

Isaac Ward resided in Vermilion County, 111., 
until the fall of 1877, then came to Kansas with his 
wife and four children, settling in Franklin Town- 
shij), of which he has since been a resident. From 
his boyhood he has been engaged in agricultural 
pursuits, and at the present time is considerably 
interested in stock-raising. His farm of 100 acres 
is all under <-ultivation. His estimable wife, to 
wliora he was married in Vermilion County, 111., 
April 3, 1863, was formerU' Miss Sarah A., daugh- 
ter of AVilliam L. and I^liza (Smith) Gants. Mr. 
Gants was a native of Pennsylvania, and his wife was 
born in Tennessee. After marriage they settled in 
^'ermilion County, 111., and Mr. Gants departed this 
life March 17, 1889; the mother is still living. 
Their family included ten children, of whom Mrs. 
Ward was the eldest born. She is a native of 
Georgetown Township, Vermilion Co., II!., the 
date of her birth being Aug. 25, 1842. 



-=S»]^ -»^ 



AMES M. ORENDORF was for more than 

J a quarter of a century a resident of Jeffer- 
son County, and was engaged in farmirg 
and stock-raising on a fine estate in Norton 
'I'uwii^hip. He is now living in Leavenworth 
nliritl from active life, having accumulated suffi- 
cient of this world's goods to enable him to spend 
Irs declining years in ease, and finding life in the 
tuLintry rather lonely for himself and wife, all 



their children having left them for homes of their 
own. 

Mr. Orendorf is a native of the .Shenandoah 
Valley, Va., where his e3'es first opened to the light 
in 1827. He remained in that countr}' until 1853, 
and in his earl}' manhood was the mainstay of the 
paternal family, relieving them of indebtedness, 
and finally persuading his father to remove to Ohio, 
which was done before the war, and spared them 
the experiences which would otherwise have been 
tlicir's in a section so overrun by troops and the 
scene of such conflicts, as was the Shenandoah 
Vallej'. AVhile still living in his native State, Mr. 
Orendorf was married to Miss Catherine Barr. also 
a Virginian, n ho lived but eighteen months after 
their marriage. She left a daughter, Philoma, who 
is now the wife of William Kej s. of Oliio, and is 
the mother of seven children. 

After the death of his wife our subject removed 
to Delaware County, Ohio, where he lived until 
1860, during that period of time contracting a 
second matrimonial alliance, liis clioien companion 
being Miss Amanda Bausermau, who was born in 
Virginia, but had lived in Ohio from childhood. 
Her parents were James and Mary (Oglevie) Bau- 
sernian, and her maternal grandparents, James and 
.Sarah (Parr) Oglevie. The grandmother was a 
daughter of Stephen Barr, of Ireland, and was 
sister to the father of her husband's first wife. 

When Mr. Orendorf removed from Ohio he took 
up his abode in Jefferson Count}', Kan., on his 
farm, which was then but a wild piece of country, 
comprising 160 acres. He imi)rovedlhe estate and 
put it under thorough cultivation, adding to it by 
purchase until it amounted to 240 acres, and was 
so man.iged as to be a verj- valuable piece of prop- 
erty. It was well adapted for use as a stock farm, 
and to that branch of farm life much attention was 
paid by its owner. In 1888 he traded his farm for 
property in Leavenworth, and removed to that 
city, where he and his wife can enjoy the frieudl}' 
associations and tlie religious privileges which are 
more easily obtained in town than in the country, 
when peoi)le are growing old. 

During the war Mr. Orendorf lived in Leaven- 
worth about three years, with the exception of 
which time the farm was his iiome from 18C0, as 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



733 



before stated. He w.as drafted, but owing to de- 
fective speech was rejected. Tills misfortune was his 
from his birtli, and for two weeks he was unable 
to i)artako of sustenance, and came near starving. 
His inotlier says she put him in a quart cup, he was 
so small. He was rac^asurod and greased by an old 
German doetress, ard afterward l)egau to im|irove, 
becoming quite a heai-ty man. 

To Mr. Orendorf and his present companion three 
chiklren have been born, of whom we note the 
following: JNIartha Kllcn Oglevie is now the wife 
of Joiin G. Rockefeller, a ranchman of Rawlins 
County, and tlie owner of oGO acres of land there; 
Ida Belle married John C. Curry, of NortonviUe, 
and they live on a farm near that village; Josie C. 
is tiie wife of W. W. Day, a merchant in Talrao, 
Republic Countjs and is the mother of one child. 
Mr. and iMrs. Orendorf are members of the Chris- 
tian Church, and are highly regarded by those who 
know tiiem, their lives haying been usefully spent 
in accordance with the principles of the Gospel. 



,T^) ICHARD .). TOLIN. Among those who 
'Itir cast their lot with the early settlers of 
tli \\\ Nortiiern Kansas came Mr. Tolin, establish- 
\^ ing himself as a resident of Jackson County 
in June. 1863. Like his brother pioneers he came 
hither with a limited cai)ital and lias worked his 
way up. step by step, until he has surrounded liim- 
self and bis family with all the comforts of life. 
He was born in Bath CoLint\-, Ky., Aug. L5, 1824, 
and is the son of Alexander B. and Mary (Stokes) 
Tolin, who were natives, respectivelj'. of Kentucky 
and 'N'irginia. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject w-as 
James Tolin, who was born in the Old Dominion. 
Grandfather Berryman Stokes was a native of ^'ir- 
ginia and of Scotch-Irish parentage. He spent his 
last years in Indiana. Alexander Tolin was bred to 
farming pursuits, which he followed mostly through 
life, and for years he was also engaged as a butcher. 
The family left the Blue Grass State in 1829, emi- 
grating to Putnam Countj% Ind., taking up their 
abode amDng its earliest settlers. The father im- 
proved a farm from the wilderness, remaining there 



until his death. which occurred in 1880, after he had 
arrived at the a<lvauced age of eighty years. The 
mother passed away in 1854, prior to the decease 
of her husliand. at the age of sixty-three. Both 
were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. The elder Tolin was a conscientious 
worker and a liberal supporter of his church, in 
which lie was one of the chief pillars, ofliciating as 
Class Leader, and frequently filling the pulpit as 
an exhorter. In politics he was a member of the old 
Whig party, and later identified himself with the 
Reiniblicans. Of his first marriage there were born 
two children, Richard J. .and his sister Elizabeth, 
Mrs. Proctor, who is a resident of Pottawatomie 
County, this State. 

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, 
and received his education in the public school. 
He remained a member of his father's household 
until a young man of twenty-two years, and then 
in 184(3 was united in marriage with Aliss Rebecca 
Mark. Mrs. Tolin is a native of Kentucky. Soon 
after their marriage they located on a farm in In- 
diana, where they lived until 1863. That vear 
they came to Kansas and settled on 160 acres of 
wild laud, occupying a portion of section 10 in 
Soldier Township. Mr. Tolin built up a good farm 
from the wililerness, cultivating the soil success- 
fully and effecting modern imijroveraents. In 1884 
he retired from .active labor, and now makes his 
home near the village of Soldier, which is on sec- 
tions 8 and 9. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Ttilin there have been born 
seven children, the eldest of whom, a son, Leonard 
B., died at their home in Soldier Township in 1870- 
John A. is farming in Parke County, Ind.; George 
T., Hcnr}- C. and James T. are residents of Soldier 
Township; MaryC, Mrs. Stephenson,' lives in Grant 
Township; Laura A. became the wife of the Rev. 
R. B. Francis, the present Sheriff of Jackson 
County, and is now deceased. 

When in their youth Mr. and Mrs. Tolin became 
connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
since which time they have continuously retained 
their membership. Mr. Tolin has taken an active 
part in church work, otticiating as Class- Leader and 
Steward, and has been a liberal contributor. He 
maintains a deep solicitude in connection with the 



734 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBTTM. 



I 



training and education of liis children, it being the 
leading desire of his heart that they should be 
Christian men and women, and useful members of 
the community. In polities Mr. Toliu votes the 
straight Republican ticket. He has served as 
Township Assessor one term, and several terms as 
the Treasurer of Soldier Township. During the 
Civil War he was a Captain of the .State Militia, 
and was out twenty da3-s after the rebel Gen. 
Price during his raid across the frontier. He has 
watched with the warmest interest the growth and 
development of his adopted county, and may justly 
feel that he has contributed his quota to her pros- 
perity. 



^ 



HARLES HOFFMAN. There is not a more 
skillful or thorough farmer, or a moi-e pop- 
^^/ ular citizen within the limits of Kentucky 
Township, Jefferson County, than he with whose 
name we initiate this sketch. He owns and ope- 
rates a fine body of land, 190 acres in extent, 
comprising a portion of section 16, where he has 
substantial improvements, the whole making a 
model homestead. He is a ma,n looked up to in 
his community, and one whose name will be held 
in remembrance long after he has departed hence. 
The first thirteen years of the life of Mr. Hoff- 
man were spent in the town of Hamilton, Ohio, 
where he was born Aug. 24, 1848. From a little 
lad up to this time he had enjoyed excellent school 
advantages, but now leaving school he went to 
work on a farm by the month, and was thus occu- 
pied until after the outbreak of the Civil War. 
Then, in 1863, although but a lad of fifteen years, 
he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company F', 3otli 
Ohio Infantry, being mustered in at Hamilton. 
While on his way to join his regiment in Kentucky 
his father went after him, and by persuasion and 
command compelled him to leave the army and re 
turn home. Very much against his inclination the 
young man then returned to work on the farm, but 
on the 20th of September, tiie following year, again 
entered the army, enlisting in Company F, 2d Ohio 
Heav}' Artille'y, and was mustered in at Dayton. 
He succeeded this time in his endeavor, and accom- 
panied his regiment South to Louisville, X.ashville 



and Chattanooga, and participated in the battle of 
Strawberry Plains, Tenn., as a gunner. He was 
also in the battle of Sweetwater and Cleveland. 
The winter of 1864-65 was spent mostly in skir- 
mishing and doing garrison duty. At the close of 
the war he was mustered out, June 28, 1865, at 
Knoxville, Tenn.. receiving his honorable discharge. 
Much of the time his regiment had operated as in- 
fantry. 

Upon leaving the army Mr. Hoffman returned to 
his old haunts in Hamilton, Ohio, and engaged in 
farming and threshing in Butler Countj' until the 
spring of 1870. Then coming to Kansas, he lo- 
cated in Jefferson County and worked at farming 
b}' the month for about six years. In 1876 he 
purchased 160 acres of land, which he secured at a 
low figure — $10 per acre — on account of the grass- 
hoppers, which that year were committing great 
ravages in this region. He located upon his prop- 
erty, cultivating the soil as best he could and en- 
gaged considerabl}' in hunting. He effected good 
improvements and in due time purchased thirty 
acres adjoining, sojourning there until 1884. Then 
renting his farm he removed intt) Perry and en- 
gaged as a clerk in a lumber yard until the spring 
of 1888, when he returned to the farm, where he 
feels the most contented of any place in the world. 
He makes a specialtj' of live stock — cattle and 
swine — having of the latter about 180 head of 
full-blooded Poland-Chinas, in the breeding of 
which he has been very successful. He keeps two 
teams of good work horses. 

The marriage of Charles Hoffman with Miss 
Alice Fowler was celebrated at the bride's home, 
in Kentucky Township, Nov. 25, L879. Mrs. Hoff- 
man was born near Bowling Green, Kj'.. and was 
the daughter of A. M. Fowler, a prominent resi- 
dent of Kentucky Township, and who is repre- 
sented elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Alice 
Hoffman departed this life at the homestead in 
Kentucky Township, May 10, 1882. Mr. Hoffman, 
politically, is a Republican of the first water, and 
prominent in Grand Army circles, belonging to 
Corinth Post, No. 288, at Perry, in which he has 
been Ouartermastcr for many years. He intro- 
duced the first steam thresher into Kentucky Town- 
ship, and has operated a machine for several years, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



r35 



beginning vvitii horse-power. lie is a man liberal- 
minded and progressive in liis ideas, and is looked 
upon as a valuable member of the community. 

In noting the parental history of the subject of 
this sketcii we lind that liis father, Michael Hoff- 
man, was a native of Prussia and emigrated to 
America when a boy, locating in Butler County, 
Ohio, where he prosecuted the trade of a baker 
and afterward embarked in the grocery business. 
Final!}' he engaged in brick-making, and was very 
prosperous, but lost lieavily by taking stock in the 
Four Mile Valley Railroad, which proved a failure. 
He died in Butler County about 1874. He was a 
veteran in the ranks of the I. O. O. F. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Rosanna Hipp. She was born in the Prov- 
ince of Alsace Lorraine, now belonging to Ger- 
many, and emigrated to America at an early age 
with her parents, they settling in Crawford County, 
Ohio. Grandfather Hipp purchased a tract of 
Governmefit land, from which he improved a good 
farm. Later he removed to Wyandot County, 
where he spent his last days. His daughter, Ro- 
sanna, was reared and educated in Crawford Count}', 
and is still living, being now a resident of Wash- 
ington, D. C, and making her home with a daugh- 
ter. The parental household was completed by 
the birth of eight children, viz.: Caroline, who 
died wlien about thirty years old ; .I.acob, Ciiarles, 
Maria. Kate, Christian, Louis and Ida. Jacob 
served three months in the 3d Ohio Infantry dur- 
ing the late Civil War. 



\f, OHN L. SHIRLEY. This gentleman, although 
still on the sunny side of forty, is one of the 
oldest settlers of Kansas, to which State he 
/ was brought by his parents in 18.53. His 
early recollections are of the wild and uncultivated 
prairies where buffalo, deer, wild turke3S, and 
other animals abounded, and of a home life under 
all the primitive conditions of t'le frontier. He 
now owns and operates 300 acres of land, all loca- 
ted in Kaw Township, except eleven acres, wiiich 
are included in Kentucky Township. His home is 
on survej- 11 and his farm bears marked improve. 



ments, such as a windmill, adequate and commo- 
dious farm buildings, two feed yards, etc. He is 
engaged in general farming and stock raising, and 
in feeding both cattle and hogs. The horses which 
are to be found upon his place are good grades of 
Clydesdales. 

The Shirley family is of English lineage. Isaac 
Shirley, the grandfather of our subject, was born 
in Tennessee, and in the early settlement of Illi- 
nois located in Shelby County, from which he af- 
terward moved to a location near Mattoon in order 
to obtain better land. Some years later he went to 
Lj'nn County, Mo., of which he was a very early 
settler and where he opened up a fine farm. In 
1853 he came to Douglas County, Kan., pre empled 
a farm near Lecompton, and became a well-to do 
farmer there. He was a strong Free State advocate 
and on numerous occasions his personal safety com- 
pelled him to hide in brush heaps from the ill treat- 
ment of the border ruffians. He did not live to 
see the territory which he had chosen for his home 
peaceful and prosperous and taking a front rank in 
education and other civilization, but departed this 
life in the midst of troublous times, breathing his 
last in 1858. 

Wilburn Shirley, son of the above mentioned, 
and father of our subject, was born in Shelljy 
Count}-, III., but p.assed the greater part of his 
earlj' life in Missouri. In 1849, he became imbued 
with the excitement which then raged regarding 
the discover}' of precious metal on the Western 
coast, and joining a train with his own ox team he 
went to California. There he cng.aged in mining 
for two years and proved quite successful, return- 
ing to his home at the expiration of that period. 
The following year (1852) he came to Eastern K.an- 
sas on horseback and spent some time prospecting, 
and, being favorably impressed with the country, 
the following year brought his family and located 
near Lecomption. Like his father he was a Free 
State man and was a radical Abolitionist. As a 
member of the State Militia he participated in the 
conflicts incident to Price's raid. In 18G0, he sold 
the 100 acres of land which he had in'e-empted 
near Lecomption, and coming to Jefferson County, 
located in Kaw Township. Here he was successful 
in his agricultural i)ursuits. accumiatinga comfort- 



736' 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



able amount of this world's goorls, and here lie be- 
came prominent among the citizens. For many 
years he was a Justice of the Peace, and in politics 
was a useful member of the Republican party. His 
religious belief coincided with that of the Baptist 
Church, but there being no organization of that 
kind in the community he united with the Metho- 
dist Fipiscopal Church. His death took place in 
the fall of 1880, his wife having died three weeks 
prior to his own demise. 

The mother of our subject was Loiiisa Prather, 
a native of Kentuck}-, in which State her father, 
John Prather, had also been born. During the early 
settlement of Missouri, Mr. Prather located in that 
State, where he followed hunting and farming and 
became well to-do. He spent the latter part of 
his life at the home of his daughter in this State. 
The parents of our subject had ten children, he of 
whom we write being the second in order of birth. 
The oldest, Margaret, is the wife of Moses Shirley 
of Morris County: M. M., G. T., and E. P. live in 
Kaw Township; I. M. resides in Morris County; 
Mrs. Annie Givens also lives in Morris County. 
.Sarah, now Mrs, Willits, lives in Missouri; the 
home of William is in Kansas City; Belle lives in 
Morris Count}'. 

The subject of this biography was born in Lynn 
County, Mo., Nov. 9, 1850, and in 1853 accom- 
panied his parents to this State, their journey be- 
ing made overland with an ox-team. Until nearly 
ten years of age young Shirley lived in Douglas 
County and attended school in the old fashioned 
log school houses where the tuition was made up 
by subscriptions. After the family removed to 
this county, he still remained with his parents, 
working for his father until he reached his majority, 
when he took charge of the home farm and con- 
ducted it until 1877. He then began with forty 
acres of raw, uncleared land, and by strict attention 
to business, energy, industry, and perseverance he 
has added to his Urst possessions and made up the 
fine acreage which he now possesses, and placed 
his farm and his general finances in the good condi- 
tion which they bear to-day. 

In Topeka, March 4, 1876, the interesting cere- 
monj' was performed which transformed Miss 
Plutina Hodges into Mrs. J. L. Shirle}'. The esti- 



I 



mable bride was a native of Surrey County, N. C, 
and her happy union with our subject has been 
blessed by the birth of four children, who bear the 
names respective!}', of Nora, Lue Belle, Garfield 
L., and Holla. 

Mr. Shirlej' is a straight Republican an<l at vari- 
ous times has been chosen delegate to County Con- 
ventions. He does not aspire to, nor will he 
accept public office, his time being taken up with 
his farming pursuits and his home life. As a citi- 
zen, however, he is interested in whatever will ad- 
vance the interests of the community; as a farmer 
he is painstaking, intelligent and discriminating; 
and as a private individual is ui)right. honorable, 
and agreeable. 



i-S— f 



^-^ 



Vt/AMES K. JOHNSON. Among the success- 
ful men of Kentucky Township, Mr. Johnson 
^.^^ holds a leading position. He is' the owner 
(^^ of 300 acres of well developed land, his 
homestead embracing eight}' acres on section 13, 
this township, while he has 220 acres in Kaw Town- 
ship. He came to Kansas in 1865 and as a man of 
more than ordinary ability, has been prominent in 
the growth and development of this part of the 
State. His birthplace was on the other side of the 
Atlantic in County Fermauagh, Ireland, where he 
first opened his eyes to the light Jan. 10, 1837. 

Mr. Johnson remained a resident of his native 
country until a lad of ten years, in the meantime 
attending the district school. The succeeding four 
years were spent in farming. At the age of four- 
teen he set out alone for America, going by way of 
Londonderry to Liverpool, and there embarked on 
the sailing vessel, "John Gorrow," which landed 
him six weeks later in the city of New Orleans. 
Thence he proceeded up the Mississippi to Rock 
Island, 111., and located in a then thinly settled 
country, and later added to his store of knowledge 
by attendance at a subscription school. He also 
assisted in paying for the land purchased by his 
father, working out at seven dollars per month. 

The country, at this time, abounded with wild 
game, and young Johnson hunted deer, turkeys and 
wolves. After the outbreak of the Civil War, he, 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in September, 1862, enlisted as a Union soldier in 
Coninaiij' H, 84tli Illinois Infantry, being mustered 
in at Qnincy, III., and soon afterward went with his 
regiment to Louisville, K3'. lie partieipated in the 
battles at Stone River, went on the Tallalioma cam- 
paign, and fought at Chattanooga, C'hiekaniauga 
and Lookout Mountain. At Chickamauga, .1 ball 
cut across his nose and cheek, and while on his way 
from Louisville to Nashville he was shot by a 
busliwacker through the wrist, badly shattering the 
bone. He was confined in the hospital six weeks, 
but becoming impatient of the confinement, he ran 
awaj' and boarded a train which took him to Nash- 
ville. He was reported as a deserter, but joined 
his company at the latter place before he was able 
to handle a gun. 

Young .Johnson now entered upon the Atlanta 
campaign, and was present in the various battles 
wliicli followed, namely: Dalton, Jiuzzard's Roost, 
Resaca and many other engagements, including the 
siege of Atlanta. At Louisville he had been pro- 
moted|to be Sergeant. His regiment joined the army 
of Gen. Grant in Virginia where he was at the time 
of Lee's surrender. Subsequently his regiment re- 
mained for a while in camp at Nashville and was 
then mustered out, Mr. .Johnson receiving his 
honorable discharge at Springfield, III., June 1, 
I8G.5. He had participated in twenty-two hard 
fought V.attles, besides many skirmishes. Out of 
1,000 men composing his regiment, only 350 were 
present to be mustered out, their ranks having been 
thus decimated by death, illness and disability. 

Upon leaving tlie army, Mr. Johnson returned to 
Mercer County, 111., and thence, in July, 18fi5, 
struck out for the Sunflower State. He journe3'ed 
l)y rail to Lawrence, and for two years thereafter, 
was in the employ of the Kansas Pacific Railroad 
as foreman of excavation. Subsequently he oper- 
ated as a contractor in partnership with Ij. I). Iving, 
giving employment to 100 men. When his con- 
tract was filled he left the road, and established 
himself in Jefferson County, this State. 

While a resident of Dickinson County, Kan.. ^Ir. 
Johnson spent many days hunting, there being then 
large quantities of buffaloes and other game. He 
became expert in dressing moat, and can now, 
with a pocket knife, do as neat a job at cutting up 



a beef as is often seen. Mr. Johnson purchased 
his present farm of the Union Pacific Railroad 
Company at ^7.50 per acre. It lay in its primitive 
condition, and ail the improvements have been 
effected by the present proprietor. He has [Janted 
700 ai)ple trees comprising three orchards, and has 
a good house and barn, besides the other requisite 
outbuildings. The land is ampl}' watered by a 
nevei-failing spring, and is largely devoted to corn 
and stock raising. Mr. Johnson makes a specialty 
of Polled-Angus cattle, and ships annually numbers 
of swine. He has about twenty head of graded 
Clydesdale horses, using about four teams in his 
farming operations. Some of his land is operated 
b3' other parties. 

At Lecompton in 18()(;, Mr. Johnson was mar- 
ried to Miss Delia A. Purdy. This lady was born 
in New York State Ma^y 10, 1811, and is the 
daughter of Eri and Hester Ann (Gilbert) Purdy, 
who came to Kansas in 186."i, locating on a farm in 
Kentucky Township. Upon leaving New York State 
they first settled in fiercer County, III., where Mrs. 
Johnson was reared to womanhood. The mother 
died at the home of Mrs. Johnson Feb. 2, 1888. 
Mr. Purdy now makes his home with his son-in-law 
Mr. Johnson. 

Mrs. Johnson received a good education, and 
while in Mercer County, III., occupied herself as a 
teacher. Of her union with our sidjject, there 
have been born the following children: Gilbert, 
Arthur, George, who died when seventeen years 
old; Rose, Mead and Edith. The survivors are all 
at home with their parents. Mr. Johnson votes 
the straight Republican ticket, and is quite inomi- 
nent in local politics, frequently serving as a dele- 
gate to the county conventions. He was Road 
Supervisor a number of years, and a member of the 
School Board of his district four years. He is one 
of the pillars of the M. E. Church at Thompson- 
ville. and gave substantial aid in the erection of 
the church edifice. He h.as held the office of Ste.v- 
ard and is at present a Trustee. The family' occu- 
pies a high social position, numbering their friends 
and acquaintances among the best people of the 
county. 

The father of our subject was Isaac Johnson 
likewise a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland 



738 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



and his paternal grandfather, Joseph Johnson, 
was reared and spent his entire life on his 
native isle. Isaac Johnson owned a small faroi 
there, which he operated until 1845, then emigrated 
to America. He located in Mercer County, 111., 
and engaged in farming and stock raising, becom- 
ing the owner of 240 acres of land, and well to do. 
He loft Illinois, however, in 1872, and coming to 
Kansas, purchased land in this Township, where he 
sojourned until his death, in Ma3% 1886. He was 
then seventy-nine years old. In religion, he was a 
stanch Episcopalian. He was married in his na- 
tive Ireland to Miss Jane Fairburn. who died at 
the home of her daughter in Mercer County, III., 
in November, 1 888. at the age of sevent}--six years. 
The parental famil3- numbered seven children, 
namel}', Thomas, a resident of Kentucky Township; 
Jose|)h and John, deceased; James R., the subject 
of this sketch; William, of Springfield, 111.; Eliza- 
beth, Mrs. Adams of Mercer County, that State, 
and Mary A., who died when three years old. 
William, during the Civil War, served as a Sergeant 
in Company H, enlisting in 1862. He was shot in 
the ankle near Resaca, Ga., which resulted in the 
amputation of his leg three tin-es below the knee. 
James R. being with him, accompanied him to the 
field hospital, then to Nashville and Louisville, in 
each of which places he suffered amputation, while 
the third operation was performed in the hospital 
at Rock Kland. III. 



]l-^ ON. GEORGE VAN GAASBEEK, who 
settled in .Jefferson County in 1856, and 
who still occupies the land upon section 24, 
Delaware Township, where he then located, 
is well-known for his efforts in behalf of Valley' 
Falls, and for his general intelligence and energetic 
life. His father, Peter YanGaasbeek, was a na- 
tive of Ulster County, N. Y., was a tiller of the 
soil, and was a soldier of the war of 1812. This 
gentleman married Miss Phcebe Dunham of the 
same county, whose father, William Dunham, was 
a privateersman for the Colonists in the Revolu- 
tionary War, and whose mother was from Con- ] 



necticut and firmly believed in the existence of the 
Salem witchcraft. 

Of the eleven children l)orn to Peter YanGaa- 
sbeek, our subject is the oldest of those who now 
survive. Of the others. Lewis lives in Wabaunsee 
County, Kan.; Frank in Delaware Township, Jef- 
ferson County: Mrs. Salome Masters in Jackson 
County; Mrs. Catherine Shepherd and Mrs. Lovina 
Woodardin Wabaunsee County. The mother died 
in Dane County, Wis., in 1858. the father liaving 
preceded her to the silent land, the date of his 
demise being 1854. 

The subject of this sketch was born in I'lysses, 
Tompkins County, N. Y., Feb. 4, 1816. and the 
following year his parents removed to Chautauqua 
County, where they lived until 1830. They then 
took up their residence in Ashtabula County, Ohio, 
where the3' remained until 1853, when the3' fol- 
lowed their son George to Dane County, Wis- 
Young Van Gaasbeek attended the subscription 
schools but is principally self-educated, having ac- 
quired the most of his book lore bj' hard study at 
home, often pouring over the pages of his text 
books from three o'clock in the morning until 
eleven o'clock at night. When old enough to do 
so he began teaching during the winter, farming 
in summers, spending one winter in Pennsylvania 
and eleven in Ohio and Wisconsin as an instructor. 
He settled twenty miles northeast of Madison. 
Wis., in 1850, and farmed there until 1S56. when 
he became a citizen of Kansas. 

The first house of Mr. VanGaasbeek after com- 
ing to Jefferson Count}', was a log cabin built in 
the timber by a man of whom he bought the claim, 
on which ten acres were broken and fenced, and 
where corn, potatoes, pumpkins, etc., were growing. 
He paid ^400 for the land, improvements and crops, 
and settled among the wild animals and pro-slavery 
men, with w-hom, however, he had no trouble. He 
now owns 365 acres of land all under fence and 
otherwise improved. 

While still a j'oung man and living in Ohio, 
Mr. YanGaasbeek was Township Trustee, and for 
two years was a member of the County Board of 
Supervisors in Wisconsin. In 1859 he was Super- 
visor of Delaware Township, this county-, and in 
1865, was elected to the State Legislature in which 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



739 



he served one term. "While there he introduced a 
bill giving to the people of Valley Falls the 
grounds left for a court house, on which to build a 
school house, and another bill allovving the district 
to issue bonds for $10,000 with which to erect the 
building. There were many bills ahead of these 
but when the time had almost arrived for adjourn- 
ment of the Legislative body, by hard manip- 
ulation Mr. VanGaasbeelv got both before the 
house and both were passed. The school house 
which now stands on the grounds mentioned is a 
constant reminder to the citizens of tiie efforts of 
our subject. In his religious views Mr. VanGaa- 
sbeek is lii>eral, allowing every man the same privi- 
lege of freedom of opinion. 

The marriage of Mr. ^'anGaasbeek and Miss 
Mary A. Cripps was celebrated in the fall of 1854, 
and tlie happy union has resulted in the birth of 
three children. The first born, Melissa, married 
George INIcNorton of this count}' and has four 
children; the second child Otto, married Miss Alice 
Brunts, has a family of seven sons and daugh- 
ters and also lives in the township wherein his par- 
ents reside; the joungest daughter, Sedora, became 
the wife of A. B. Scrauton, of Lorain County, 
Ohio, to whom she has borne four children. Mrs. 
YanGaasbeek is a daughter of William Cripps, de- 
ceased, was born in Worcestershire, England, reared 
to her sixteenth year in Oxfordshire, and then 
accompanied her parents to the United States. 

UARREN C. ROSE is a well-known resident 
of Jefferson County, and a nurseryman 
^f^ and fruit grower of experience. His home 
is in Galley Falls, and among the citizens of that 
thriving town he holds high rank as a worthy co- 
laborer in every good cause, and as a faithful 
Christian gentleman. Mr. Rose is descended from 
Puritan ancestrj', his grandfather, Lemuel Rose, 
having been a resident of Granville, Mass., in which 
town the father of our subject was born. Lemuel 
Rose was a Revolutionary soldier, and was a mem- 
ber of a colony of thirt^'-three families who 
started the town of Granville, Ohio. The colonists 
drove through from Massachusetts with ox-teams, 



cutting portions of their road through the woods, 
and settling in a forest surrounded b}' wild ani- 
mals and Indians. They were accompanied by 
their minister, and while resting from their journej' 
each Sunday, held their customary services. Thej' 
reached their destination on Saturday, and cut 
down a tree, the stump of which served for the 
pulpit, and the log for seats the next day. This 
journey was accomplished when the father of our 
subject was but a boy, and in Granville, Ohio, the 
second Lemuel Rose spent the remainder of his 
life, and there his son, our subject, was born, June 
30, 1836. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch 
was reared on a farm, and acquired his schooling in 
Granville Academy, Granville College, and Mari- 
etta College, being a member of the Freshman 
Class in the last-named institution when he aban- 
doned his studies to take up arms in defense of the 
Union. Becoming a member of Company D, 1 ISili 
Ohio Infantry, he served three years, taking part 
in the famous battle of Chickamauga, and other 
hard fought fields, and bearing a gallant part in 
skirmishes, marches, and the more monotonous 
duties of camp life. 

Mr. Rose was captured at Chickamauga and was 
taken first to Libby Prison, where he was confined 
two months. The following six months were spent 
in Danville, Va., after which ci'me an Anderson- 
ville experience of three months, a month at Charles- 
ton, S. C and three months at Florence, after which 
he was paroled. He stood prison life better ihan 
manj- of his comrades, and saved many lives by 
his cheerfulness and the manly manner in which he 
un<lerwent the privations of captivity. One of 
the means which he employed to keep the minds of 
his comrades from thoughts of home and loved 
ones and their own hunger, was to make checker 
blocks in the sand and play checkers with peb- 
bles. During the August of his iniprisonment 
3,100 of his comrades in captivity died, the aver- 
age mortality of 100 per day being due almost 
wholly to starvation. Although he never succeeil- 
ed in escaping, Mr. Rose helped dig severaf tun 
nels with that pur|>ose in view. He was disabled 
in the service and now <lraws a pension. 

In the fall of 186.^ our subject took up his resi- 



740 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



deuce in Cliillicolhe, Mo., wlierp he lived ten years, 
engaged in the niiiseiy business and also teaching 
some. Ho moved to Valley Falls in August, 1875, 
and has since carried on tl>e nursery business here, 
having a good trade, and a reputation for honor 
and reliability in his dealings. He is a thorough- 
going Republican and a strong advocate of tem- 
perance. He has been a member of the G. A. R. 
Post in Valley Falls since its organization about 
eight years ago, and is its Chaplain. For several 
years he was a Deacon in the Congregational 
Churcli, in the faith of which denomination lie had 
been reared, but he now belongs to the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, as does his wife also. He is 
respected and loved by all who know him. and in 
every department of life earnestly endeavors to 
carry out the precepts of the Gospel. 

AtUtica. Ohio, May 30, 186G, Mr. Rose was 
united in marriage with Miss Juliette Lamson, in 
whose companionship he rejoiced only until Nov. 
14, 1867, when she was removed from him liy the 
hand of death. She left a son, Franklin T., now a 
resident of .San Francisco, Cal. Mr. Rose con- 
tracted another matrimonial alliance, his bride on 
this occasion being Mrs. Mary E. Jones, daughter 
of Joseph Barnes (deceased), and widow of Daniel 
H. Jones. Mrs. Rose had two children by her first 
husband. One of them, a daughter, Julia H., 
died at the age of five years; the other, Lyman R. 
Jones, married Mi.ss Emma Catt, and lives in Val- 
ley Falls. 

- ocx> - 



<*"/ AMES R. MITCHELL is the proprietor of 
a meat market and pork-packing establish- 
ment in Valley Falls, and displays great 
energy and careful oversight in his business^ 
and is doing much for the prosperity of the city, 
lie puts up none but the best meat, selecting all 
young hogs, sees that all is carefully trimmed, and 
his packed meats are nicer than those in the large 
packing houses. He keeps five hands constantly at 
work, hiring additional help frequently, and has 
his own ice-house, smoke-house, and other conven- 
iences. 

Mr. Mitchell was born in Switzerland County, 
Ind., Dec. 17, 1834, and is a son of Henry H. and 



Almira (Wilson) Mitchell. His father w.as a native 
of Rhode Island, and went to Indiana with his 
parents when a boy. In 1841 he emigrated to 
DesMoines County, Iowa, settling twelve miles 
north of Burlington, and there continuing his oc- 
cu|)ations of cooper and farmer. He was a soldier 
in the Black Hawk War. The mother of our sub- 
ject is a native of New York, and the mother of 
nine children, of whom four are now living. Of 
these, John T., our subject, and Paleman, live in 
"\'alley Falls: and Flsther, now Mrs. Thompson, in 
Clay Center. The mother also lives in Valley 
Falls, and is now seventy-six 3-ears old. 

The gentleman of whom we wiite was reared on' 
a farm, and educated in the common schools, 
working at the cooper's trade when young. He 
came to Bourbon County, Kan., in 18.57. and spent 
the most of the time until the fall of 18G0 in the 
State, at that date returning to Iowa. In the 
spring of 1862 he went to Colorado, and during 
the entire summer lay in Georgia Gulch, suffering 
with mountain fever. Returning to Iowa in the 
f.all, he enlisted in Company C, 30th Iowa Infantry, 
and participated in the battles of the Atlanta cam- 
paign, making one of the 60,000 who accompanied 
Sherman on his grand march to the sea, and the 
return toward the North. An empty sleeve is a 
mute witness to Mr. Mitchell's loyalty to the flag, 
a wound received at the battle of Bentonville, 
N. C, having necessitated the amputation of his 
left arm at the shoulder joint. He now draws a 
pension of $45 a month as a partial compensation, 
for his missing member. 

Mr. Mitchell came to Leavenworth County, 
Kan., in the fall of 1865, and the following spring 
took up his residence in Valleys Falls, with the bus- 
iness interests of which he has since been identified. 
For two years he carried on the stock business, 
and he then added the meat market, in which he 
has a large trade. During the last year he shipped 
7,000 hogs and 800 cattle. He has twice been a 
member of the City Council, and, while he never 
seeks office, is an efficient public servant when 
called upon bj- his fellow-citizens. He filled the 
office of constable two ye.ars. In politics, he is a 
thorough Republican, and of the social orders, he 
belongs to the G. A. R. and the A. O. U. W. 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



741 



Tlie marriage of Mr. Mitchell took place in 
Iowa, in April, 18G3, the lady with whom he was 
united being Rebecca A. Berger, a native of Ohio, 
and the possessor of manj' womanly virtues. Of 
the nine children born to this union, six are now 
living, and are still under the parental roof. They 
bear the names, respectivcl}', of Ulysses 8., Hiram 
H.. INIaria .1., Andrew J.. Everett, and James. As a 
loyal citizen, an honorable business man, a genial 
neighbor, and an affectionate husband and parent, 
Mr. Mitchell is highly regarded by his fellow- 



cilizens. 



^^^^;^^^^^7^^^^-^ 




ik.y^. ILTON JONES. Kentucky Township, Jef- 
ferson Connty, probably has not a more 
i respected citizen than Mr. Jones, who 
made his way unaided to a good position 
among his fellowmen. He came to this township 
in 1878 and purchased first eighty acres of land, to 
which he subsequently added until he has now 200 
acres, comprising some of the best soil in this re- 
gion. The greater part of this is under cultivation, 
and Mr. Jones has a substantial dwelling, a good 
barn, orchards, groves, and in fact all the applian- 
ces of a modern rural homestead. It is located 
five miles north of the town of Perry. During the 
season of 1889 Mr. Jones raised 5,500 bushels of 
com from 100 acres of ground, and fed over a car- 
load of cattle, besides from seventy to 100 head of 
swine, doing his own ship[)ing. He is considera- 
bly interested also in good road horses. 

The subject of this sketch was born near Lexing- 
ton, Montgoraer3^ Co.. Ky., in August, 1825, and 
is the son of Thomas and Elsa Jones, who were 
natives of Clarke County, that State. Ilis father 
was a free man, but his mother was a slave, being 
the property of his Orandmother Jones. Milton 
was likewise the property of Mrs. Jones. Thomas 
Jones was a farmer in Montgomery' County, until 
selling out, when he removed to Pilot County. 
There he also engaged in farming, but he was 
likewise a sportsman und fond of the hunt, very 
brave and killing bears and panthers. He died in 
Clarke County, where he had been connected with 
the Baptist Church. lie was said to be partl3' of 
Gherokee-lndiaa lilootl. The mother was also a 



Baptist in religious belief, and died in Montgomery 
County in 1865. 

Mr. Jones was brought up on a farm as his 
grandmother's slave and was not allowed any chance 
for education, although he managed to learn to read, 
and picked up considerable information. He was ex- 
ceedingly bright and especially handy with all 
kind of tools, learning shoe-making, stone-masonry 
and carpentering. His duties were varied by driv- 
ing hogs over the mountains to Atlanta and Charles- 
ton, 750 miles away, making usually twelve miles 
in a day. Such was his good judgment iu the 
handling of these, that when arriving at their des- 
tination the}' were fatter and heavier than when 
they started. He was considered, in fact, the boss 
hog driver in all that region. Two men were usu- 
all}' employed for every lot of 200 hogs. The 
mountain roads were narrow, and sometimes a bear 
would tumble down the sides among the animals, 
some of whom would go nearly wild with fright, 
and it was difficult to keep them from escaping 
their drivers. They could only be controlled by 
being blinded by a coat or something of the kind, 
and sometimes the men would sew their eyelids to- 
gether, when they would again take the road. On 
the return trip Mr. Jones would man}' a time walk 
fifty-five miles in a day, arriving home far in ad- 
vance of his comrades. 

Upon the death of Mrs. Jones, our subject be- 
came the property of her granddaughter, who had 
married Thomas Pointer; the latter thus became 
the master of Mr. Jones, whom he ever treated 
kindly. After the death of Mrs. Jones, our subject, 
with several others, was taken possession of by one 
Jackson Toll, who kept them until the law gave 
them to their rightful owner. Mr. Jones was then 
hired out to Dr. Hood, of Kentucky for $90. The 
following four ye.ars he, was permitted by Mr. 
Pointer to vvork for Mrs. Toll, in exchange for an- 
other man who was unable to attend to her work 
properly. Later, he remained with Mr. Pointer 
one month, then went to Missouri to his wife, 
there to remain until sent for. 

Mr. Jones was married in Clarke Count}', Ky., 
in 1845, to Miss Mary J. Allison. Mrs. Jones was 
born in Montgomery County and went with her 
master to Missouri in the spring of 1856, locating 



742 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



in Platte County. In the fall Mr. Pointer allowed 
Mr. Jones to join his wife and make what money 
he could for himself in Missouri. Toward spring 
his Kentucky master wrote him to select a future 
master and he was sold to one Landy Barnet, who 
afterward sold him to Mr. Allison, the owner of 
his wife. Upon this occasion he paid *200 of his 
own monej' to keep from being thrown into the 
hands of New Orleans traders. 

About 1862 Mr. Allison returned to Mr. Jones 
his i*200 in order to try to keep him on the place, 
fearful that the slaves would be driven away b\' 
the Union soldiers. The last time that Mr. Jones 
was sold he brought the good round sum of §1,400. 
In 1863, Mr. Allison, having become addicted to 
strong drink, was ver}' imprudent and hurrahed 
for Jefferson Davis in hearing of some of the Union 
troops, when he was taken charge of and his chat- 
ties driven awaj'. Mr. Jones, who had saved up 
§300 and a team of horses by working extra hours, 
then embraced the opportunity to leave the coun- 
try and came, with his familN" to Kansas, locating 
near Oskaloosa. He bouglit six acres of ground 
to start with, to which he gradually added and 
besides engaging in farming and stock-raising, chop- 
ping wood and clearing land for others in order to 
increase his cash income. In due time he became the 
owner of 170 acres near Oskaloosa. He began 
raising hemp and was the first man in the State of 
Kansas to produce this commodity. Upon one 
occasion he sliipped a car-load from Lawrence, 
wliich brought him very large profits. He also 
drove hogs through to the packing houses at 
Leavenworth. Thus he has been uniformly suc- 
cessful with tlie exception of at one time loaning 
*300 and on account of its non-payment became 
involved in a lawsuit wliich cost him *-960. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Jones there have been born 
twelve children. George, the eldest, owns and 
operates a farm of 235 acres in Oskaloosa Town- 
ship; Henr^' has a farm of eighty acres near Junc- 
tion City; Julia is the wife of J. S. Carter and 
resides near North Topeka; Greene now owns .•: 
farm of eighty acres near Junction City; Samuel 
is a real-estate man and contractor, transferring 
wood from Okalahoma to Texas and other points, 
and owns ten acres of land adjoining North Topeka; 



Thomas, one of the best cooks in the West, is em- 
ployed in a hotel at Salt Lake City; John B., is a 
mail-carrier in Topeka; Lincoln is a cook in an 
hotel in Salt Lake City; Moses S. works his father's 
farm on shares; Dora is in Oakland, Cal.; Mil- 
ton, Jr., is working in partnership with his brother, 
Moses .S. ; Sarah (Mrs. Lewis) is a resident of Val- 
ley Falls. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Jones has a letter 
from the Christian Church in Kentucky. Politi- 
cally, he is a sound Reiniblican. 

When Mr. Jones first arrived in Kansas there 
was considerable agitation on the subject of negro 
citizenship, and, consequently, their right to the 
elective franchise. He was one of the delegates 
to the State Convention, held at Lawrence, Doug- 
las County, from which place he went from Jefferson 
County. During the convention an amendment to 
the Freedinen's Bureau Bill was offered, and after 
two da3's' discussion was adopted. Three delegates 
were elected and sent to the National Convention 
to present to that body the papers of the Kansas 
convention, declaring the rights of the negro to citi- 
zenship. These papers were accepted by the National 
Convention and forwarded to Washington. D. C, 
where they were ratified. To Mr. Jones much 
credit is due for the deep and intelligent interest 
he has alwa3's taken in these great and important 
issues, and the good he has done the colored r.ace. 

- •°' "S ' ^ ' :I ' ^ ' 1" '°* ■ ' 




\\ RS. REBECCA BRUTON. an old settler 
of Jefferson County, among whose pio- 
neers she is well known, and by them and 
all who know her held in good repute, was 
born in Jackson County, Tenu.. May 16. 1839. 
Her father, Campbell Shaw, died a short time 
before her birth, and her mother, Martha (Hogan) 
Shaw, brought her four daughters to Buchanan 
County, Mo., in 1843. There, some \-ears later, 
she became the wife of George W. Taylor, and in 
1852 they removed to Holt Count3'. settling on a 
farm at Jackson's Point (now Mound City.) 

On Feb. 22, 1855, at the place above named, 
Miss Rebecca Shaw was united in marriage to 
Heni-y Gragg, who was born in Clay County, Mo., 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



743 



Feb. 29, 1832, and was the son of William Gragg, 
now deceased. E.arly in the month of May follow- 
ing tlieii' marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gragg came to 
Jefferson County, Kan., locating on Cedar Creek, 
six miles west of the site of Yalley Falls. They 
secured 240 acres of the Delaware [jurchase, and, 
surronnded bj- Indians and wild animals, on wild 
land, wliere the sod was unbroken and no 
dwelling yet erected, they began their pioneer 
work. In tlie improvement of tiie property and 
the upbuilding of tlieir fortunes, Mrs. Gragg ably 
assisted her husband, looking well to the ways of 
her household, and proving herself an efficient 
helpmate. She still owns the estate, which now 
bears a very different appearance from that in 
which she first saw it. 

To Henry Gragg. the subject of our sketch bore 
threi- children, two of whom are now living. D. 
Franklin is a veterinary surgeon and farmer, and 
Henry O. is roaming around, both being yet un- 
married. The husband and father departed this 
life, Dec. 29, 1862. He was a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. After spending several 3-ears 
in widowhood, Mrs. Gragg became the wife of 
Quails Bruton, the marriage ceremony being cele- 
brated, Feb. 6, 1867. The result of this union 
has been the birth of three children, of whom two 
daughters, Lauretta and Maude, still survive. 

<« IfelLLIAM S. WKATHERFORD, a member 
* J/l '^^ ""^ '^"^ °^ AVeatherford & Son, dealers 
W^i in general merchandise at Winchester, is 
one of the prominent business men of Jefferson 
County and displays marked ability and a strict in- 
tegrity in all his affairs. The firm began business 
in September, 188;'), for two years previous to 
which time our subject had been engaged in farm- 
ing. The establishment of Weatherford & Son 
employs five clerks, carries a stock valued at 
$18,000, and their sales run from |;35,000 to 
§40.000 during the year. Business is carried on in 
a main room 40x70 feet, and three outside rooms, 
the general storage department being 20x60 feet, 
the oil room 18x24 feet, and the flour rof)m also 
18x24; a cellar is under one-half of the structure. 



The senior member of the above firm is W. S. 
Weatherford, who was born near Lexington, Ky., 
and who was a practical farmer. He married Miss 
Mary Beldon and lived in Kentucky until 1859, 
when with his family, consisting of a wife and four 
children, including our subject, who was the eldest 
and was then a lad of about nine years, he settled 
on a Kansas farm. His location was in Jefferson 
County, east of Winchester, and he afterward 
bought the place known as the '"Uncle Billy Gardi- 
ner Farm." one mile south of the town, and lived 
upon it until he moved into Wincliester to take an 
interest with his son in the mercantile business. 

Since coming to Kansa, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. 
AV^eatherford have had four children born to them 
and their entire household still survives. The oldest 
daughter, Lue, is the wife of T. V. Varner of 
Jefferson, Colo., and they have two children. Ella 
married A. L. McDermot, who carries on his trade 
of harness-making in Winchester; their famil}- 
comprises three children. Elmma is the wife of C. S. 
McConnell, a contractor and builder of Topeka, 
Kan., and is the mother of two children. W. F., 
who is book-keeper for the firm, is a graduate of 
the business department of Holton University; 
he recently married Miss Nannj' Meredith of Win- 
chester. Laura, a young lady, is quite proficient 
with the artist's brush, her specialty being land- 
scape painting; Idona has charge of the dr3'-goods 
department in the store and has become expert in 
her department of business; Dora is a young miss 
still at school. 

J. H. Weatherford, the son of the subject of this 
biography, married Miss Sallie, daughter of Albert 
Pemberton, one of the early pioneers of Leaven- 
worth County, in wliicii Mrs. Weatherford was 
born. The happy union h.as been blessed by the 
birth of four l)riglit boys: Frank. Walter, Albert 
and J. H. Jr. Mrs. Weatherford is cultured and 
refined, and her chief anxiety is to make her home 
liapp^- for her husband and her children, and to 
train her boys for usefulness in life. 

Mr. J. H. Weatherford belongs to the I. O. O. F, 
and the Knights of Pythias, has passed the Chairs 
in each lodge, and is at present Deputy Grand 
Chancellor of the State of Kans.as for this district. 
He is a supporter of the principles of the Re[nibli. 



'lU 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



can i>:utv. He belongs to the diristian Church 
nnrl endeavors to take his religion with him into 
his fields of labor in every department of life. He 
consequent!}' wins the respect of all with whom he 
comes in contact, and exerts an influence for good 
throughout the community. 



-^^^<^- ^ 



fl^ ON. WILLIAM C. BUTTS. The history 

1^ of Valley Falls would be sadly incomplete 




if, in a volume containing sketches of her 
citizens, mention were not made of the 
gentleman above named, who lias been prominently 
identified with the history of the [jlace for a num- 
ber of years, and who has represented Jefferson 
County several terms in the Legislature. He is at 
present station agent for the Sante Fe Railroad, in 
the town which has so long been his home, and b^' 
whose citizens he is so highly esteemed. 

Mr. Butts was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., 
Aug. 4, 1832, to William and Eliza (Truesdell) 
Butts, natives of the same county, where the fa- 
ther was engaged in fanning. The parental family 
comprised three sons, of whom our subject is the 
first born; John W., the second son, is still living 
in the Empire State, and the youngest. Waller I)., 
died in Valley Falls when a young man. Amid 
the usual suri'oundings of a farmer's son he of 
whom we write grew to manhood, acquiring an 
education in the common schools of his native 
county, and then engaging in school teaching in 
his native State for four terms. In the si)ring of 
1856 he removed to Adrian, Mich., and thence to 
Valley Falls a year later, taking up his abode here 
when there were but three or four houses in the 
place, and while Indians were still in the neighb(jr- 
hood. although the villagers were unmolested by 
them. 

The Cataract House, the first regular hotel in 
Valley Falls, was erected b}' Mr. Butts, who was 
engaged in hotel keeping for three 3'ears, after 
whicli he operated a farm until the spring of 1872. 
He then entered the employ of the Sante Fe Rail- 
road and with the exception of the four years in 
which he served as Postmaster under a commission 



from President Cleveland, he has since acted for 
the road. In 1867 he was nominated on the Demo- 
cratic ticket to a seat in the Legislature, and al- 
though the district was largely Republican, he was 
elected to the office, running far ahead of his ticket. 
The following yeav lie was re-elected and also in 
1870 and '71, and in 1878 again represented the 
county. During several years of its early history 
lie was one of the commissioners of Jefferson 
County, and he has also been a member of the 
Council and Mayor of A' alley Falls. He is a Royal 
Arch Mason and a member of the Congregational 
Church. 

The marriage of Mr. Butts occurred May 28, 
1855, his bride being Miss Cordelia E. Waltermire, 
a daughter of David Waltermire and a grand- 
daughter of David Waldermeyer, as the name is 
spelled in Germany, the ancestral home. To our 
subject and his estimable wife eight children have 
been born, all of whom died when quite young, 
cxce[)t Ilalleck D. and John W., who still survive. 



,^ jiUAAAU CAMPBELL. A career of in- 

\/iJl ''"stry and perseverance has resulted in 
^^ placing the subject of this notice in i)0s- 
session of a 2U0-acre farm finely situated on 
section 2 in Ozawkie Township. The land has been 
brought to a high state of cultivation and the 
farm is embellished with substantial modern build- 
ings. Mr. Cajiipbell came to Kansas in 1878 and 
locating at once in Jefferson County, purchased 
160 acres of his [irescnt farm, up(.)ii which was a 
small frame house and a little spot of ground un- 
der the plow. He was one of those men, however, 
who had come to stay and he bent his energies to 
the task of constructing a homestead with results 
of which he has reason to be proud. 

Mr. Campbell was born in County Donegal, Ire- 
land, in 1844, and is the son of John and Elizabeth 
(Blackburn) Campbell, likewise natives of County 
Donegal, where the father spent his entire life, 
dying in June, 1S68. Both parents were reared in 
the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church to the 
faith of which they adhered through life and in 
which they reaied their children. The mother is 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



745 



living in Ireland. The paternal grandfather, Sandy 
Caraobell, was likewise a native of County Donegal 
and a memlier of the Presbyterian Churcii. He 
died in Ireland when well advanced in years. The 
maternal prand|)arents were also natives of County 
Donegal and members of the Presbyterian Church. 
Mr. Campbell lived in his native county until 
June, 1868 and then emigrated to America, making 
the voyage on the steamship "Hibernia" and land- 
ing in tlie cit}' of Montreal, Canada. Thence he 
))roceeded to New York St' te and from there to 
Philadelphia. Pa., where he was employed in the 
locomotive shops until 1878. In the meantime, in 
1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., 
daughter of George and .Jane (Blackburn) God- 
frey. Mrs. Campbell was born in Pennsylvania and 
there reared to womanhood. She is now the mother 
of two sons — John and Oliver. Mr. and Mrs. 
Campbell are members in good standing of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at Blue Mound and 
Mr. Campbell belongs to the Farmei's' Alliance. He 
is also connected with the A. O. U. W. at Valley 
falls. Honest and upright in his dealings, he is a 
man respected by bis neighliors and is full\' worthy 
of representation in the liuxutAriiiCiL Albu.m of 
Jefferson County. 

^=Tr/ACHARIAH GRAGG, the |)ioneer settler 
J^ on Cedar Creek, is tlie owner of a fine farm 
^^^ of 800 acres of land in Jefferson County, 
where lie is engaged in farming and stock raising. 
He raises Hambletonian, Clydesdale, and Norman 
horses, graded Short-horn cattle, and Poland- 
China and Jersey-Red hogs. His pleasant abode is 
situated on section 20. Delaware Township, and tiie 
fine property which he owns has resulted from the 
industry and good management of himself, his wife 
and family, as he had no financial assistance in 
building up his fortunes. 

The birth of our sui)ject took place in Clay 
County. Mo., May 12, 1833, and he is one of ten 
children born to William and Kitty (Jones) Gragg. 
The father, who is now deceased, was born in East- 
ern Tennessee and was an early settler in Ray 
County, Mo., .and later a resident of Clay County. 



His occupation was that of a farmer. Ilis grand- 
f.ather Sollers was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
War. The mother was a native of Virginia. Of 
the children born to her, five are now living: they 
are Mrs. S.alliQ Ann McDaniel. Mrs. Elizabeth Hub- 
bai-d, our subject, John and William. Three of 
the deceased children — Henry, Mrs. Martha Rogers 
.and Mrs. Kittle A. Piper — left families when called 
from time to eternity. One son, James, was a 
mute and was killed by the cars while walking on 
the track, the sad event occurring in Iowa when he 
wtis fort^'-one years of age. 

The gentleman of whom we write was reared on 
a farm and received but limited school privileges, 
his studies being carried on in subscription schools 
which were held in the old-fashioned log school 
house whose description we have so often read, and 
which was presided over b}' persons well-versed in 
the art of administering corporeal punishment, 
making up in this respect what the^' lacked in book 
lore. The earlj' years of Mr. Gragg were spent in 
hard work and he soon learned self-reliance and 
habits of industry. He spent one year on the 
Kickapoo Reservation in Brown County, and in 
1855, settled where he now lives, on what was at 
that time wild land, where Indians were numerous 
and wild be.asts frequently seen. 

The savages woidd often come during the night 
.and cr\' out for the " white man get up and give 
meat and water to the big Indian," but aside from 
begging they never gave Mr. Gragg any trouble. 
One year a large lion lived in the vicinity and Mr. 
Gragg had a fine view of it on one occasion. He 
rode toward it, when it turned and came to meet 
him, and he retreated to the wagon ; the beast was 
proceeding on its wa}- when Mr. Gragg repeated 
his maneuver when it again turned toward him 
and he returned to the wagon and allowed it to go 
on its w.ay unmolested. This incident occurred 
when he and others were en route to Missouri to 
work in the harvest fields there. During his early 
residence here his milling was done at Platte Citv, 
Mo., and Leavenworth was his market town. 

On July 16, 1851, Mr. Gragg contracted a mar- 
riage, which resulted in the liirth of one child 
who died in infancy, and in January, 1856, the 
lovins wife breathed her last. Mr. Gragg con- 



746 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



tvacted a second matrinionird alliance in March, 
1857, his companion being Roxillana, daughter of 
Jefferson Ferrell, vvho bore liim nine children. The 
surviving members of this family are Mary E., 
George H., Dudley, and Laura. INIary E. married 
Jesse Taylor of Delaware Township aud is the 
mother of six children — Bertha. George, Charles, 
Frederick, Lloyd, and an infant daughter. George 
married Ada .Strong, who bore him one daughter, 
Flossie A.; death having removed his first com- 
panion, George Gragg married Miss Tavia Mitchell; 
their home also is in Delaware Township. Dudley 
married Miss Emma Bales and he also lives in tlie 
township wherein his father resides. The mother 
of the family above noted departed this life 
November 22, 1878. 

The lady who now presides over the household 
of Mr. Gragg became his wife on Jan. 14 1880. 
Her maiden name was Isaphine Boies and she is a 
daughter of Jolin Boies, who resides near Topeka. 
Tlie hai)py union has resulted in the birth of one 
child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Gragg is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church South at 
Gragg's Chapel. Mr. Gragg belongs to the Masonic 
order and the Masonic Alliance. 



LKXANDER FORSYTH is a worthy vet- 
eran of three wars, having participated in 
the Civil War, and that witli Mexico in 
our own land, and in tlie noted contest in 
the Crimea. He is a well-known and highly re- 
spected citizen of Valley Falls, Jefferson County, 
of which tliriving town he became a resident on 
Dec.'24, 1877, and where, with the exception of 
one year spent in California, he has since lived. 
He is a member of the G. A. R., and both he and 
his estimable wife Iielong to the Congregational 
Church. He has never sought office, although dur- 
ing the late war lie iield the minor positions of 
Corpi ral and Sergeant, and was elected First Lieu- 
temint. an oflice wliich he declined to fill. During 
twc) years lie was a member of the police force of 
Yalle3' Falls. 

The parents of our suliject were James and Jane 
(McChesney) Forsyth, who were born in Scotland 




and came of an honored lineage in that land. The 
father was born in Edinburgii,and after becoming a 
citizen of the United States, fought for his adopted 
country in the War of 1812, holding the rank of 
Colonel of Sharp-shooters. 

The gentleman whose name initiates this sketch, 
is the youngest of fifteen children born to hi^ 
parents, his natal day having been on the 1 Ith 
of July, 1813, and his birthplace near Pongh- 
keepsie, N. Y. He was reared in his native place, 
and educated in the subscription schools in tlie 
tlie old-fashioned log school-house, and acquired 
the trade of a stone-mason. When a 3'oung man 
he came West into Indiana, and worked at his trade 
in various places until the breaking out of the Mex- 
ican War, when he enlisted in the 18th United 
States Light Infantr}', being enrolled in 1846, and 
serving for two years and eight months. During 
this service he took part in the famous battles of 
Buena Yista, Mataraoras, ^Monterey, and Yera Cruz. 
Suusequent to this experience Mr. Forsyth visited 
the ancestral home in Scotland, and other points of 
interest in the land of his ])rogenitors, and while 
there enlisted in the 93d Highland Regiment, in 
which he served three years and fifty d.ays during 
the Crimeiin War. There lie took part in some of 
the most famous battles of history, among them 
being those of Iiikerniaiiii and B.alaklava; and 
helping to dig the tunnel and blow up the fort at 
Sebastapol. 

Having returned to his native lan<I, Mr. Forsyth 
entered the Union Army in 1861, as a member of 
Company K, 11th Wisconsin Infantr}-, and once 
more bore a gallant iiart in scenes of conflict en many 
a hard fought field. Among the battles in which 
he jiarticipatetl, were Pilot Knob. Little Ko-jk, Po- 
cahontas, Batesville, Port Hudson. Port Gibson, 
Cape Girardeau, Ft. Helena, Jackson (.AHss.), Jack- 
son (Tenn.), A'icksburg. Chattanooga, and others. 
Mr. Forsj'tli fought under Gen. Logan, and was in 
the first charge on Chattanooga. He was captured 
in Mississippi, and taken to Libby Prison, where he 
was confined three months, and was then released, 
as the war had ended, meanwhile. He received a 
wound in the right leg belaw the knee, and is now 
drawing a pension on account of it. 

After the ivar, Mr. Forsyth bought a farm in 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



747 



Livingston County, Mich., where he occupied him- 
self with agricultural pursuits until 1872, at which 
time he became the first settler in Barton County, 
Kan. Indians and wild .animals were numerous 
around him, and all his surroundings were of the 
most primitive character for a time. Ere long, 
however, tliere were neighbors within some miles 
and life was less dreary and toilsome. The first 
4th of July celebration in the county was held at 
his home in 1873, and citizens came from a dis- 
tance of thiity and forty miles to attend it. Dur- 
ing the first year of Mr. Forsyth's residence in the 
county he devoted himself entirely to hunting 
buffalo, and made money at that pursuit. He then 
engaged in farming, and continued thus occupied 
until 1877. when he took up his abode in Valley 
Falls. 

The marri.age of Mr. Forsyth and Miss Maria 
Havens was celebrated M.ay 1. 18.53. The bride was 
born in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 9, 1818, 
and is a daughter of Peleg Havens, now deceased. 
She has ably assisted her husband in his toils and 
struggles, has encouraged him in all his efforts to 
acquire a corapetence, and in every department of 
life has shown herself a true helpmate. Four chil- 
dren have blessed their happy union: Hattie L.,born 
March 3, 1854; Mary M., Aug. 7, 1856; Abraham 
and Ida S., Sejit. 29, 1858. Hattie married .John 
Ratz, of Valley Falls; Mary is the wife of James 
Barngrover, of EUenwood, Kan., and the mother 
of three children — Myrtle, Charles and Cassius M.; 
Abraham and his wife Mary, live in Los Angeles, 
Cal.. their family consisting of two children, Anna 
and Elmer; Ida is the wife of Henry Dengle, of 
White Church, Kan., and the mother of four chil- 
dren. 

^ .#^ ^ 



ILES S. HOOVER is dealing in hardware 
and furniture in St. Mary's, Pottawatomie 
County, and successfully conducting a 
business which be entered into in Decem- 
ber, 1888. when he bought the hardware business. 
His stock is valued at about $7,000, and comprises 
a general and well assorted line of goods in both 
departments, and Mr. Hoover takes high rank 
among the younger business men of the city, his 




good judgment in the selection of his stock, his 
honoralile dealing and his affable manners in the 
conduct of his business, alike entitling him to re- 
spect. 

Although his birth did not lake place here, Mr. 
Hoover is decidedly a Kansan, as this State has 
been his home for a period antedating his second 
birthday. He was born in Indiana County, Pa., 
' July 22, 1854, and in the spring of 1856 his 
l)arents removed to Osage County, Kan., and 
settled upon a -wild piece of land. In the entire 
neighborhood there were but three or four cabins 
occupied by whiles, and the chief inhabitants were 
Indians. The trading w.is done at Leavenworth 
and Kansas City, where the produce was sold and 
whence supplies were hauled hack in the wagons 
which had carried the crops thither over a distance 
of eighty-five miles. But a few miles west of his 
boyhood's liorae buffaloes were found in large herds, 
and deer and anleloiio were plentiful still nearer 
their door. Our suliject killed the last two deer 
that were killed in that vicinity, about the year 
1869. The school facilities were meager, the first 
school house near them having been a little frame 
structure, and but few even of those were to be 
found. 

The father pre-empted 160 acres of land, and 
our subject helped to break the prairie and im- 
prove the farm, and h.as seen the country change 
from a bleak wilderness to a highly improved and 
fine section, its expanse diversified by cultivated 
fields, green pastures and waving trees, and with 
flourishing towns springing up on it here and there. 
The parents of our subject still live on the land 
which they have highly improved, and where our 
aubject remained until he began his business enter- 
prise in this city. 

David and Mary J. (Jamison) Hoover were 
Dative.' of the Keystone State, and were reared and 
married there. They belong to the Methodist 
Church. Samuel Hoover,grandfather of our subject, 
was a native of Pennsylvania, where he spent his 
entire life. He was the son of a German, who on 
coming to the United States located in the Key- 
stone State and there remained until his death. 

At the home of the bride in Burlingame, on Dec. 
18, 1879, Miles S. Hoover was united in marriage 



748 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



with Miss Laura M., daughter of Joseph and Ann 
Gibson. The happy union has been blessed b3' the 
birth of four children — Laura L., Denuh I., Web- 
ster J. and Bertha E. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hoover 
belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are 
highly valued members of the congregation and 
general favorites in society. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gibson, parents of Mrs. Hoover, 
were natives of England, where the father learned 
the potter's trade. Mr. Gibson served the United 
States government through the entire Civil War 
and his death, which occurred in New Jersey when 
his daughter, Laura, was a mere child, was caused 
l)y exposure and illness during his army life. His 
widovy subsequently married Samuel Begent. 

-i^^- • 




AMUEL A. DICK. The hero of many 
thrilling scenes in the Wild West among 
the California mines at an early day, Mr. 
Dick has liad an ample experience of life 
in its various phases, and has learned well from 
what he has observed iii the world around him. 
Ho is one of the leading men of Fairview Town- 
sliij), a well-to-do farmer, owning and operating 
160 acres of land, eighty acres being on section 
27, and eighty on section 28. Further reference is 
made lo tlie familj- in the sketch of his brother, 
W. S. Dick, which will be found on another page 
in this Albu.m. 

The fifth in a family of ten children, Mr. Dick 
was born in Pulaski County, Ky., Dec. 30, 1830, 
and liiere spent tlie days of his boyhood on a farm, 
receiving only limited school advantages. In fact 
he probably attended school, which was conducted 
un the subscription plan, only about one year alto- 
gethei'. He remained under the parental roof 
until p.ast nineteen j'ears old then determined to 
start out in the world for himself, his objective 
point being the gold regions of California. He had 
no means, so he made arrangements with a man to 
give him one-half the proceeds of his first two 
years' labor for his transportation, and took his 
turn at driving and whatever else was required on 
the journey. 

The party proceeded by boat to Arrow Rock, 



Mo., where they on .\piil, 22, 1850, started over- 
land on the long, tedious journey. Mr, Dick 
drove every fourth day. They went through the 
northern part of Kansas, striking the Platte River 
near Ft. Kearney, supposing the}- were at the head 
of the tide of emigration going thitherward, but 
found upon their arrival .at Ft. Laramie 13,000 
men ahead of them. Taking the North Platte 
route, they crossed the Rockies at South Pass, made 
the desert journey in safetj' and arrived at Hang- 
town on August 7. They began prospecting, but in 
a few days proceeded to Georgetown, where they re- 
mained until February, 1 85 1 . Thence they went to 
Eldorado canyon, remaining until September, and 
then Mr. Dick settled with his companion by paying 
him $600. 

Mr. Dick now proceeded to Big Bar, on the 
American River, and in partnership with twenty- 
two men purchased a claim, each paying $500. In 
November he sold out and going to Saciamento 
engaged in freighting to the mines until March of 
the following year. We next find him in the 
vicinity of Los Angeles, Cal., on a farm, and in 
June following he drove a team Ixack to Sacra- 
mento with a load of baggage, and upon his arri- 
val there superintended a job of mining at Surrey- 
ville, wh'ch occupied him until February, 1853. 
He then rented a farm on the Sacramento River, 
but taking the chills ancl fever was obliged to leave 
there, going in the spring of 1854 to Santa Cruz, 
where, in addition to farming, he engaged in lum- 
bering. Later he mined some at Vocano, but made 
Santa Cruz his headquarters, running a sawmill 
part of the time. 

Up to this time, until about 1857, Mr. Dick had 
made very little clear money, but he now com- 
menced teaming on his own hook and averaged a 
profit of 17 [)er d.ay. He thus operated until the 
fall of 1859, then turned his footsteps toward his 
old home via the Panama route and New York 
city. He greeted his friends after an absence of 
nine years and six months to a day. He purchased 
a farm of 262 acres in Pulaski County, where he 
prosecuted agriculture and stock-raising. During 
the war he officiated as a constable and was Cap- 
tain of a comp.any of home guards. They were 
rough times in Kentucky in those days, but Mr. 



/ 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



749 



Dick, b}' virtue of his experience on Uie Pacific 
slope, was equal to the emergency. 

In the spring of 1870, starting out once more 
from the Blue Grass regions. Mr. Dick removed to 
Platte County, Mo., where he carried on farming 
until the fall of the year. In August he came to 
Kansas, and purchased eighty acres of land in 
Fairview Township, Jefferson County. Subse- 
quently he added another eighty acres and has in- 
stituod all the improvements which we now behold. 
His place is watered by Big Slough and Evans' 
Creek, the land being very fertile. He has two 
orchards, vari')us other trees of the smaller fruits 
and comfortable buildings. He makes a specialt\' 
of wheat, and also feeds goodly numbers of cattle 
and swine, besides raising horses and mules. 

Mr. Dick was married in Casey County, Ky., 
Feb. 8, 1860, to Miss Serena J. Stewart. Mrs. 
Dick is a native of the same county in Kentucky 
as her husband, and was born Kov. 13, 1833, a 
night made memorable by a remarkable fall of 
meteors. Her father, Gooldraan Stewart, was born 
in Casey County, Ky., in 1807, and removed to 
Pulaski County, where he carried on farming for 
a time. Later lie returned to Casey County, and 
from there in 1865 emigrated to Andrevv County, 
Mo. He sojourned there, however, only one sum- 
mer, changing then his residence to Platte County. 
In 1882 he eaine to Kansas and purchased a farm 
adjoining the town of Winchester, where he spent 
his last days, dying in August, 1888. He was a 
good citizen and a member of the Christian Church. 

He married for his first wife Miss Nancy Wiles, 
a native of his own State, and wiio died in 1835. 
Of his first union there were born foui children, 
the eldest of whom, George B., died when fifty- 
eight years old; Thomas J., who was in the Jlexi- 
can War under Gen. Scott, is a resident of 
Sarco.xie Township, Jefferson County; Sereuf!,Mrs. 
Dick, was the third child : Bethany married a Mr. 
Dick, and lives in Rural Township. There are 
only two children living of the second union, 
Isaiah C, of Winchester, this Slate, and Mary A., 
(Mrs. Dr. Chilton), of Missouri. 

Eight children have come to bless the union of 
Mr. and Mrs. Dick: Mary A. taught school for a 
time, but is now a leading dressmaker of Topeka; 



Leecy was also a te.acher for a time and is now 
dressmaking with her sister; Elizabeth is at home 
with her parents; George B. has visited California, 
but is now at home; William G., who also made a 
trip to the Golden State, is now "holding down" a 
claim in Oklahoma; Valentine N., who has also 
been on the Pacific Slope, is a resident of Nemaha 
County, Neb.; Henry M. and Selecta are with their 
parents. Mr. Dick is a strong Democrat, pijliti- 
call3', and with his estimable wife belongs to the 
Seventh Day Adventists at Ozawkie. He has been 
a member of the School Board for about ten years, 
served as Justice of the Peace four j'ears and was 
Township Clerk one year. In California he killed 
a bear and a number of deer. Mrs. Dick is a ver^- 
intelligent .and pleasant lady, thoroughly in sym- 
pathy with her husband in all his worthy under- 
takings. The family occupies no secondary position 
in the community. 

—5 #-f# S— 



ALLECK D. BT'TTS, Cashier of the Dela- 
|i ware Bank at A'alley Falls, is regarded as 
^^ one of its most |)romising young men, be- 
,^) ing intelligent and enterprising and giving 
his strict attention to business. Valley Falls is his 
native place and the date of his birth was July 24, 
1861. Of his father, Hon. William C. Butts, a 
sketch appears elsewhere in this vglurae. 

Mr. Butts spent his boyhood years under the 
home roof, receiving careful parental training and 
attending first the common schools. Later ho en- 
tered the State University at Lawrence, where he 
continued until 1880. He commenced his business 
career at the early age of nineteen years and en- 
tered upon his position in the Valley bank as Cash- 
ier. Prior to this he was engaged somewhat in 
f.arming pursuits, and was station agent in the em- 
ploy of the Union Pacific & Santa Fe Railroad. 
He resigned that position in order to enter upon 
his present one. He has been a member of the 
City Council and is serving his third term as City 
Clerk. He is also Superintendent of the City 
Water Works. He has thus entered upon a career 
of usefulness and considering the responsible posi- 
tions in which he !ias been placed, it is quite evi- 



750 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



(lent that he enjo.ys the confidence and esteem of 
his fellow citizens. 

The subject of this sketch was married Aug. 9, 
1883,at tlie bride's home in Lawrence, Kan., to 
Miss Emma J., daughter of Erastus D. Ladd. Mr. 
Ladd spent his last years in Lawrence, dying about 
1872. He was prominent in the ranks of the 
Knight Templars, a lawyer by profession, and offi- 
ciated as Justice of the Peace. Mr. and Mrs. 
Butts are the parents of one child, a sou. Captain 
Todd, born Aug. 12, 1888. They occupy a neat 
home in the western part of the city and also a 
good social position among its leading people. 
Mr. Butts is a Royal Arch IMason in good standing 
and a warm defender of tiie princii)les of the fra- 
ter-nity. He was named b^' David L. Lakin, now 
of Topeka, for himself and Gen. Halleck, he being 
a great ailmirer of tiie latter, and a strong Uuson 
man. 

The Delaware Bank was incorporated under the 
State laws, Sept. 3, 1886, and is the only incorpor- 
ated bank at Valley Falls. It is already doing a 
large business, which is constantly on the increase. 
The President is J. M. Piazzek, the Vice President 
E. M. Hutchins. 



«ww,-\«jiaa/®-^- 



■©^a.'ZfaTri'^'Vrt/^-. 



«=*'REEMON ELMORE. A prominent place 

Pi among the joung business men of Jefferson 
County, is held by the above named gentle- 
man, who is Cashier of the Bank of Winchester, an 
institution which he organized in 1887. It was es- 
tablished with a capital stock of $50,000, and was 
opeiied with J. W. Ferris as President, L. Wilhelm, 
Vice-President, Freomon Elmore, Cashier; and a 
board of Directors composed of J. K. O'Neill, 
W. L. Layson, R. S. Mercer and J. D. Lemon. 
The new institution has been very successful, will 
show a dividend of sixteen per cent for the year 
1889, and in January, 1890, sliows a deposit of 
$4,000. Previous to the establishment of this in- 
stitution, the banking business of the community 
was done almost exclusively in Leavenworth, and 
the first bank of Winchester is the pioneer in the 
town. 

The gentleman wlio is tlic subject of this biog- 



raphy is a native of Pike County, Mo., and a son 
of Freemon Eilmore, Sr., and Martiia (Orr) Elmore. 
His mother was a Nortii Carolinian, a daughter of 
Robert Orr and a granddaughter of James Orr who 
came from Ireland to America, and who was of 
Scotch-Irish descent and of 'the Presbyterian faith. 
The latter was a Revolutionary soldier and took 
l)art in tlie battle of Guilford Court House, N. C. 
Frceinon Elmore, Sr., was a son of Benjamin El- 
more of North Carolina who moved to Pike Coun- 
ty. Mo., witli his family in 1830, being one of the 
early settlers of that county. The marriage of the 
parents of our subject took place Dec. 22, 1831, 
and they reared eight children, of wliom Free- 
mon, Jr., is the youngest. 

Freemon Elmore, the subject of this sketch, was 
born July 13, 1853, and received an excellent 
High School education. He was in ids twenty- 
third year when, in 1876, he came to Kansas, and 
found employment witli Messrs Mclntire& Laj-son, 
of Nortonville, Jefferson County. Tlie firm after- 
ward became McCarty & Layson, and he continued 
in its employ until 1885 when he entered the Bank 
of Nortonville, as Assistant Cashier. After hold- 
ing that position for about a year he moved to 
Winchester and organized tiie bank as it now 
stands, the institution being opened for business a 
few months later. The energy and business tact 
displ.ayed by Mr. Elmore, have been prime factors 
in the success of the institution and bid fair to 
make it ere long one of the chief institutions of the 
kind in Eastern Kansas. 

Mr. Elmore and Miss Rose E. VanNess celebra- 
ted their marriage in Topeka, Kan., and are the 
happj' parents of an infant son, William Leo. 
Mrs. Elmore is a cultured, intelligent and amiable 
woman, well fitted for her duties in life, and de- 
serving the love of her husband and the esteem of 
her many friends. She is a daughter of Daniel and 
Luc)^ (Meet) Van Ness, of Topeka. Her paternal 
grandfatlier, Joseph Van Ness, was born in New 
Jersey and was a son of John P. Van Ness. Both 
Mr. and Mrs. Elmore are members of the Meth- 
odist Church, and they take an active part in tlie 
work of that societ}'. Mr. Elmore belongs to Nor- 
tonville Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., has passed the 
Chairs and represented it in the Grand Lodge of 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



7ol 



the State. His genial nature and intelligent mind 
make liiin a |)leasant companion and he is popular 
in tlie community wliere he has made his home. 



APT. W. P. MoCLURE, Clerk of Kentucky 
II Tt)vvnship, .lefiferson County, is one of tlie 

^^y prominent business men of Thompsonville, 
wiiere he is now engaged in the drug business, and 
where fur a time he also sold groceries. He is a 
practical and well-informed piiarmacist, and a man 
of thorougli education, irreproachable character, 
and pronounced business ability. He won an hon- 
orable and enviable record during the Civil War, in 
the progress of which he experienced several nar- 
row escapes, among them being that of death by 
starvation. 

The paternal ancestrj- of Capt. McClure came 
from Scotland and were settlers south of the Ohio 
River. His grandfather, George McClure, was 
born in ^'irginia and was an early settler in Ken- 
tucky, being a planter while in the Southern States. 
He finally removed to Indiana, locating near \'in- 
cennes, where he purchased land at twelve and a half 
cents per acre, and where prosperity attended his 
agricultural labors. 

The father of our subject was Robert G. Mc- 
Clure. whose birth took place in the Blue Grass 
State in 1793. and who was taken by his parents to 
the Hoosier State when about live years old. On 
reaching manhood he became a farmer and the 
owner of a farm of 200 acres near ^'incennes, 
which he operated until his death in October. 187.5. 
During the War of 1812 he acted as a scout for 
Gen. Harrison. He was Justice of the Peace for 
twentj' years, and served one term as County 
.Judge. In politics lie was a Jeffersonian Demi>- 
erat. 

The maternal grandfather of Capt. McClure was 
Samuel Thompson, who was born in Virginia, and 
located in Indiana in 1805. He was a slave owner 
and took his bondsmen with him from Virginia, 
freeing them when Indiana was admitted to the 
Union; they all, however, remained with him until 
his death. He carried on farming on an extensive 
scale, and was a ver}' prosperous man. His daugli- 



ter, Jane Thora|)son, was also a native of the Old 
Dominion, and her death took place in the Hoosier 
State after she had borne her husband, Robert Mc- 
Clure, eleven children. Of these S. T. and Colum- 
bus are now engnged in farming in Indiana; Jlrs. 
Mar3' J. Richter lives in Knox County, that State; 
so also does George; Napoleon D. lives in this 
county and township; Theodore resides in Knox 
County, Ind.; Charles is deceased; Ellen lives in 
Knox County; the next in order of birth is our 
subject; Margaret and Mrs. America Throne arc 
living in Knox County. 

Capt. McClure was born in Knox County, Ind., 
Jan. 8, 1841, and spent his bo3'hood days on the 
banks of the Wabash, enjoying the sports of a 
hunter with his father, who was expert in bringing 
down game. He had the advantage of good 
schools, and when eighteen years old entered the 
Academy near Vincennes, where he pursued his stud- 
ies until the breaking out of the Civil War. The 
residents of Indiana well remember what a wave 
of enthusiasm and patriotism swept through the 
State when Ft. Sumter was fired upon, and with 
what eagerness the Hoosier lads desired to serve 
their country, and how many devices were re- 
sorted to by those who sought admission to the 
arm\' when parents thought them too younu- to go. 
or their services seemed needed at home. The 
schools and academies were rapidly depleted of all 
who could bear arms and pass the required physical 
\ examination, and sad was the heart of the youth 
j who was compelled to remain at iiome. 
> Young McClure entered fullv into this siiirit of 
fervent desire to aid in the defense of the Union, 
and not long after the breaking out of the war he 
was enrolled in Company H, 51st Indiana Infantry, 
j being mustered into service at Indianapolis, Oct. 
( 23, 1861, as a private in the ranks. Less than a 
I year later he was promoted to the rank of Ser- 
< geant, and in July, 1863, held the highest non- 
commissioned office — that of First Sergeant. In 
February, 1864, he became First Lieutenant and 
the following May was commissioned Captain of 
hisconipan3\ which he was then leading, and during 
the latter part of the war he acted as Major of the 
reaiment and would have been commissioned as 
such had the conflict lasted a few months longer. 



752 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Ill aiUIition to the usual less notable though not 
less important duties of active army life, Capt Mc- 
C'luie took part in the following famous battles — 
Perryville, Stone River, Shiloli and the siege of 
Corinth — during his first year's service. In 18G3 
the command went on a raid, marching from Mur- 
freesboro to Nasliville, thence going by boat to 
K.astport, Miss., then over the country to Tus- 
cumbia, Ala., where they were fitted up with 
mules .and rode on to Rome, Ga., where they de- 
stroyed a great deal of property and three supply 
trains. During this raid the3' engaged in severe 
contests at Day's Gap, Crooked Creek and Blunt's 
Farm. On May 3 they were captured by Gen. 
Forrest, and the confederates wished to try them 
for theft, grand larceny and incendrarism, under 
the State laws, but the Rebel General refused to 
surrender them to the civil government, preferring 
to retain them as prisoners of war. They were 
sent to Richmond via Atlanta, and were in the 
hands of the Confederates alKnit twenty days, five 
being s|)ent on Belle Isle. Capt. McClure was so 
thoroughly worn out and weak from lack of food 
that he fainted, but a comrade procured him some 
bread, and he managed to exist until the captives 
were taken to City Point and paroled, whence tiiey 
reached their own lines. The command was sent 
to Columbus, Ohio, and after drawing new clothing 
went home on furlough. 

Capt. McClure rejoined his command at Indian- 
apolis, thirty days later, and for four months they 
remained at Madison, Ind., guarding the hospital. 
They were then sent to Tennessee, and participated 
in the battles of Dalton and P'ranklin, and the siege 
and battle of Nashville, wintering at Huntsville, 
Ala., being in Eastern Tennessee when Lee sur- 
rendered, and when President Lincoln was assassin- 
ated. After taking part in the grand review of 
Gen. Thomas' army at Nashville, they were sent 
to Texas to guard the frontier, and Capt. McClure 
was at San Antonio from August until he was mus- 
tered out Dec. 13, 186.5. He was then sent to In- 
dianapolis where he received an honorable dis- 
charge, retiring with his ca|)tain's commission 
and a reputation for gallantry that is a proud in- 
heritance. His entire length of service had been 
four years and three months, during whicii time he 



had many narrow escapes from wounds and death. 
Once while on a skirmisli line he was separated 
from the rest of tlie boys, and the enemy's cannon 
being turned loose on him, his escape seemed al- 
most impossible, but he managed to keep behind 
trees and logs and get back to the line unhurt. At 
different times his coat tall and the brim of his 
hat were taken off by canister shot, but the only 
time they drew blood was when the skin was taken 
off the knuckles on his left hand. 

After his return to civil life Capt. McClure re- 
sumed his studies, taking up the scientific course at 
Hanover College, Indiana, and remaining there 
about one and one half years, when his health. 
falle<l and he was obliged to abandon his books. 
In the s])ring of 18G7 he came to Kansas, by rail 
and boat to Wyandotte, and thence on liorseback to 
Perry, and buying a farm in Kentucky Township, 
worked upon it during the summer and taught 
scliool In the winter. His farm comprised 240 acres 
in the northern part of the township, and was in 
his possession until 1877, when he sold and changed 
his location. In 18C8 he started the grocery busi- 
ness in Perry, under the firm name of Stark & Mc- 
Clure, and after carrying it on for sLx months, sold 
and went to Neosha County, where he took up a 
pre-emption claim of 160 acres. On this he l)ullt a 
house and remained there till cold weather, wlien 
he came back to this section to get money to live 
through tiie winter, and while he was away the 
claim was jumped, and he lost it. 

Capt. McClure went to Morris County in 1873, 
and there made the preliminary filings for a home- 
stead of 160 acres, and after paying the necessary 
fees, breaking some ground and putting upashantj', 
he was compelled to leave It, as he could (ind no 
employment there. He went back to his former 
home In Indiana and secured a position as teacher 
for a term of five months. In the spring wlien 
he got back to his claim, he found it had been 
jumped, and a contest was begun for it. He had 
been gone just six months and seven days, so lost 
the property, and the hardest part of the affair to 
him was the fact that the claim was taken b}' an Li- 
diana soldier. After selling his farm in Kentucky 
Township, this county, Capt. McC'lure located near 
ThompsonsvlUe on rented land, operating a farm 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



753 



until 1880, when he built the store which ho Is 
now occupying and engaged in the drug and gro- 
cery business. Six years later he abandoned the gro- 
cery trade, and has since devoted his attention 
exclusively to the compounding and sale of drugs. 

The marriage of our subject took place at 
Thorapsonville, Sept. 3, 1874, the noble-hearted 
and cultured lady who became his bride, being Miss 
Aurelia Brown. She was born in Butler Conntj', 
Ohio, and is the daughter of the Hon. Val. Brown, 
whose sketch may be found elsewhere in this vol- 
ume, and which contains an account of her ancestry. 
Capt. McClure and his wife are the happy parents 
of one child — Valorous Fremont. 

Capt. McClure has been Clerk of Kentucky 
Township for seven 3ear.s. He is a member of 
Corinth Post. No. 238, G. A. R., at Perry, and is 
now Commander. In politics he is an unflinching 
Republican. He is a Deacon of the Presbyterian 
Church at Perry, has been Superintendent of the 
Sunda}'-school, and is a leading member of that 
society. His education, talents and uprightness are 
well-known, and give him a prominent and Influen- 
tial position, especially in his own township, by 
whose residents he is regarded with high esteem. 



-t- 






-j- 



;»ILLIAM M. HEDGE. Among the young 
^1// business men of Jackson Count}-, Tione 
^ show greater ability and enterprise tha;i 
the gentleman above-named, who is a member of 
the flim of Hedge & Brown, whose hardware and 
tin store at Whiting is an honor to that citj- and to 
tiie county. Mr. Hedge was born near Princeton, 
III., Oct. 17, 1850, .and is a son of James and 
Bridget (Pagan) Hedge, who were among the first 
settlers in that portion of the Prairie State. They 
were from County AVest Meath, Ireland, and settled 
in LaSalle Countj^ 111., about the year 1840, after- 
ward removing to the county west, where they re- 
mained unt 11 their death. 

Mr. Hetlge received a good common-school edu- 
cation, and lived in the Prairie State until the age 
of twenty-one, when he started out in the world 
for hims(!lf. coming West as far at Whiting, where 
at that time there were but three dwelling houses. 



He bought a |)lece of prairie land just adjoining 
the town section on the south, it comprising one 
quarter of section 34, and this he brought under 
a state of thorough cultivation, breaking and fenc- 
ing it, building a good frame house, and setting 
out a fine orchard of peach and apple trees. 

In the spring of 1877, Mr. Hedge, In partnership 
with A. S. Hatch, opened a general merchandise 
store in Whiting Village, which they operated until 
the fall of 1878, when our subject sold his interest 
to his partner. The following spring, in company 
with W. E. Brown, he opened the first hardware 
and tin store in the township, and the firm of Hedge 
& Brown has continued to the present time. They 
have always owned the building in which they have 
conducted their business, but in October, 1883, 
met with a serious loss in the destruction of that 
which they then occupied, together with almost all 
the goods then in stock. The building was set on 
fire by a burglar in the adjoining room, which was 
then occupied as a drug store and postofBce. The 
safe was blown open and set fire to the buildintr, 
and it and eight others were destroyed before the 
conflgration could be controlled. Having just re- 
ceived their fall stock of stoves an<l other goods, 
the firm of Hedge & Brown lost a large amount, 
wiiieh the insurance which thev carried failed to 
cover within $5,000. The firm now has a larger 
and much finer building on the same site, and carry 
about 110,000 worth of goods, their sales running 
as high as $30,000 during the season. They employ 
a competent tinner in the shop, and everythin"- 
about the establishment indicates that the proprie- 
tors' aim is to have it rank with the best. 

Mr. Hedge was married on Dec. 19, 1878. to 
Miss Lizzie M., daughter of Michael and Kate 
(Manning) Brown, and a sister of the junior mem- 
ber of the firm. Mr. and Mrs. Hedge have been 
the parents of four children, two of whom died in 
Infancy: P^rnest Brown is now a lad of eight 3'ears, 
and Charles William is four years younger. 

When Whiting was incorporated Mr. Hedge was 
elected as Mayor, and at the expiration of his first 
term was re-elected, and is the only M;iyor the cit}- 
has yet had. The place being strongly Republican, 
and Mr. Hedge a Democrat, his election is quite a 
compliment, and indicates the high oi)lnlon which 



754 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



his fellow-citizens have of his character and talents. 
He has also had the suffrages of the towuship (which 
is also strongly Republican) for their Trustee, and 
was nominated by the Democrats for Sheriff of 
the county. He not only does his part for the 
political body to whicli he belongs, but is identi- 
fied with all enterprises for the good of the town 
and county. He is not a member of any religious 
organization, but is a man of excellent moral char- 
acter, and an attendant with his wife of the Presby- 
terian Church, of which she is a member. 



^^^lEORGE KERR. In noting the prominent 
III _-j members of the farming community of 
^^Jjj Liberty Township, Jackson County, Mr. 
Kerr deserves due mention. He tills a well-regu- 
lated farm of 130 acres on section 18, where he has 
made good improvements and surrounded himself 
and his famil3' with all the comforts of life. He 
is comparatively a young man, having been born 
June 16, 1857, and is a native of Platte County, 
Mo., where he spent the first eight years of his 
life, removing then with his parents to Davis 
County, that State. The father there purchased 
a farm where the family' lived until 1872. John 
Kerr departed this life when his son, George, was 
an infant of eleven montiis. The mother was sub- 
sequently married to Frank Hill, and they came 
to Jackson County, Kan., in 1872, settling in the 
vicinity of Circleville, where the}' now reside. 

Young Kerr remained with his mother until 
reaching man's estate, acquiring his education in 
the comm(>n school and becoming familiar with the 
art of plowing, sowing and reaping. He accom- 
panied the family to Kansas in September, 1872, 
and remained with them until 1875. He then com- 
menced working out on a farm and was thus occu- 
pied four j'ears. In the spring of 1879 he settled 
on a farm on section 18, Liberty Township, where 
he resided five years. Then selling out he removed 
to Pottawatomie County, where he remained until 
the spring of 1889. Returning to the old farm lie 
took up his abode and proposes there to remain for 
some time to come. 

Mr. Kerr was married in Jefferson Township, 



this county, June 20, 1880, to Miss Mary M. 
Clowe. This lady was born in Hocking County, 
Ohio, May 28, 1864, and was consequently a 
maiden of sixteen at the time of her marriage. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Kerr there have been born four 
children, the eldest of whom a daughter, Mintie, 
died in infancy. The surviv^ors are John E., Nel- 
lie M. and Harrison. Mr. Kerr, politically, affiliates 
with the Republican party, but merldles very little 
with matters outside of his farming interests. His 
fields are thoroughly cultivated and he makes a 
'specialt}' of stock-raising. 

The maiden name of the mother of our subject 
was Mary J. Rader, and George was her onl}- child 
by the second marriage. The parents of Mrs. 
Kerr were Elijah B. and Elizabeth (Whitcraft) 
Clowe, who removed from Circleville, Oliio, to 
Jackson County, this State, in 1868; they now live 
on a farm in Jefferson Township. Their family 
consisted of seven children, Mrs. Kerr being next 
to the youngest. Six of these are living. 



^^ILBERT M. LEE. Among the large land- 
(|| ,— - owners and stockmen of Jefferson County, 



II <— owners 
'^^^ none are 



re better worthy a representation in 
a volume of this kind than he whose name heads 
this sketch. He is enterprising and progressive in 
the management of his estate and the business con- 
ducted thereon keeping thoroughly abreast of the 
times in the various machinery used by him, and 
in procuring thorouglily good breeds of animals; 
added to this he is a man of cultivated mind and 
of fine tastes, as vaay readily be learned b\' even a 
cursory view of his magnificent home. 

Tlie dwelling of Mr. Lee is in Jefferson Town- 
ship, and his home farm comprises 1,300 acres, one 
of its prominent improvements being a barn, 61x80 
feet, with 16-foot posts of red cedar and fitted up 
in the most approved manner. The hay-mow has 
a capacity of 100 tons, and is filled b}' machinery 
which carries the hay to its place, each movement 
of the fork conducting a half ton of the fragrant 
mass; the lower floor is fitted with box stalls and 
perfect arrangements are made for cutting and 
mixing the feed which enters the mangers. This 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



755 



flne barn replaces a structure, 30x80 feet, wliicb 
was blown away during the storm of May 11, 1887, 
and for which he received §800 (the full amount 
for which it was insured by the Home Insurance 
Company of New York.) a few weeks after the 
catastrophe. 

Mr. Lee has some flne horses, among them being 
a Gold Dust colt, a splendid Netherland mare and 
'"Joe", a young stallion two years old in June. All 
his equines are threc-niinute stock. His herd of 
twentj' cattle includes a thorouglibred Holstein bull 
"Morris" 712, that was sired in New York, where he 
was bought bj' Mr. Lee, and two imported cows; 
all the sl()Ck in this herd are pedigreed, and the 
cows are such good milkers that six pounds of but- 
ter can be made from six quarts of cream. Mr. 
Lee also breeds thoroughbred hogs of the Poland- 
China stock. 

The subject of this biography was born in 
Wayne County, Pa., Aug. 4, 1835, to Gilbert 
Minor and Phoebe (Ricks) Lee. His parents 
moved to AVisconsin in 1844 and having finished 
his fundamental schooling, the son attended the 
college at Appleton, acquiring a thorough knowl- 
edge of the branches on the college curriculum. 
In 1857 our subject took up his abode in Leaven- 
worth, Kan., and was there engaged in mercantile 
pursuits until 1861, when lie moved to his rur.al 
home. The lady in whom he found united tlie 
qualities which he most highly appreciated in 
womankind, was Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Ly- 
man and Charlotte E. (Ross) Scott, and sister 
of Lucien Scott, of Leavenworth. Kan. His regard 
teing reciprocated, Mr. Lee was united in m:irriage 
with ]Miss .Scott, who has since been his cherished 
companion, and with him enjoys the comforts and 
beauties with which they are surrounded, and the 
comi«nionship of their chosen friends. 

Mr. and iSIrs. Lee live a quiet life on their niag- 
niflcent estate, surrounded by their children and 
grandchildren, in whom the^' take great pride. 
They have but two children, Scott Mortimer and 
Mary E. Their son lives on a fine farm near their 
own, is married and has three children. The daugh- 
ter married J. T. Kirkham and lives on the home- 
stead and has two children. For years it was the 
custom of Mr. and Mrs. Leo to make a trip East 



during the summer, but this became tiresome, and 
now they find their greatest pleasure in their own 
home, where they are to be found summer after 
summer. Mr. Let makes quite a hobby of the cul- 
tivation of flowers, and the beautifnl lawn about 
his home is brilliant with many hned blossoms for 
months. Their roses are especially beautiful being 
carefully trained and cared for by Mr. Lee, and 
each winter carefully housed and protected. He 
is highly respected by his fellow citizens, and his 
character and high financial standing combine to 
render him an influential member of society. Mr. 
Lee served a term of two 3'ears, 't)0-'61 in the 
Legislature of Kansas, and it was through his in- 
fluence during this session that the County Seat of 
Jefferson County was located, Oskaloosa being the 
point. 

- — -i^m—— 



"iw) OHN H. FAULK, contractor and builder, and 
I I mover of buildings, whose home is in Val- 
I ley Falls, Jefferson Count3', is a thorough- 
,^_j/' going and capable man in his business, and 
a master workman at the trade which he followed 
for many ye.ars. He has also had considerable 
experience in agricultural life, and in that line of 
work also he was quite successful. He takes con- 
tracts for building houses, barns and bridges, and 
for sever.al years has done all the bridge work in 
Delaware Township, and he has a full outfit for the 
work of moving buildings. 

Before outlining the history of our subject a few 
lines regarding his progenitors will not be amiss, 
particularly as there are one or two interesting 
circumstances connected with the Iilstc)r3' of the 
past generations. His father, John A. Faulk, was a 
native of New Jersey, and born Jinie 11, 1800. 
He was a son of Andrew Faulk, a soldier of the 
War of 1812, and went with his parents to .Stark 
County, Ohio, during the year in which thutstrug- 
gle began. He married Miss Anna, daughter of 
ilartin Dickerlioof and they had a familj' of thirteen 
children. The present survivors of this large cir- 
cle are: Mrs. Margaret Cross, of Fulton County, 
Ohio; our subject; Andrew, who lives in Circle- 
ville, Kan.; Adam, whose home is in Topeka; 
AVeslej'. a resident of Onega; Mrs. Anna E. Bine- 



756 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



gar, of Texas; Mrs. Lovina J. Jones, of Linn 
County, Mo., and William R., of Atchison, Kan. 
Tiie mother is now living in Circleville, Kan., and 
is in her eighty-fourth yesiv, having been born in 
Huntington County. Pa.. Aug. 17. 180G. 

Grandfather Faulk w.as born in New Jersey, in 
November, 1770, and his wife, who was of Scotch- 
Irish stock, and wlioso maiden name was Monroe, 
was born in the same .State, March 17, 1773. Go- 
ing back another generation in the family line, we 
find John Faulk, who came from Germany to the 
United States about tlie year 1765, and whose death 
took place in 1833, when he had reached the age of 
one-hundred and one years, nine months and nine 
days. His widow survived him exactly one 3'ear, dy- 
ing on the same daj' of the same month, and at the 
same hour in 1834. Her age was ninety-nine years, 
nine months and nine days, both having had the 
same birthday, but he having been three years the 
elder. Our subject well remembers them both. 

The subject of this biography was born in Stark 
(lounly, Ohio, May 2, 1829, and was reared on a 
farm, his advantages for schooling being quite 
meager, and all the instruction which he obtained 
in the subscription schools having been before he 
was ten years old. At that age he was the best 
speller in his county, being able to spell correctl}- 
every word in the old United States spelling- 
book, and also in the Elementary Speller. In the 
spring of 1841 he accompanied his parents to 
Whitley County, Ind., where he remained until 
1857, when he went to Linn County, Mo., where 
he worked at his trade of a carpenter for three 
years. He then returned to the Hoosier State and 
followed his trade in Noble Count}- until 1862, 
when the patriotism which filled his heart forbade 
him remaining longer at home while efforts were 
being made to disrupt the Union. 

On August 18, of that year Mr. Faulk became a 
member of Company F, 100th Indiana Infantry, 
and served until an injury, received while helping 
to unload some barrels of syruj), crippled him and 
compelled his discharge. The accident occurred in 
Georgia, and he was discharged at INIound City, 
111., after having served one year and nine montiis. 
It was over two years before he could lay aside his 
crutch and cane, and the injury left him a perma- 



nent cripple. During his army life he took part in 
some of the most notable conflicts, such as Arkan- 
sas Post, Tallahatchie. Vicksburg, Collierville anil 
Mission Ridge. Three of his brothers were also In 
the Union army, the j'oungest son of the family 
being the only one who did not take up arms in the 
defense of the Union. His brother Wesley^had his 
leg broken while in the service, and the others es- 
caped any serious injury. 

When eompelled to abandon all idea of render- 
ing further service to his country on the field of 
battle, Mr. Faulk returned to Whitley County. Ind., 
where he remained until the fall of 1869. He then 
came to Jefferson Township. Jefferson Co., Kan., 
and farmed a year, after which he removed to a 
place three miles southeast of Yalle}' Falls, whence 
in Februar}-. 1885, he removed into town. 

Although deprived of superior educational ad- 
vantages in his youth, the native abilities of Mr. 
Faulk have not been unimproved, but he has made 
use of ever}' opportunitj- to increa.se his knowledge, 
and is a man of intelligence in various lines of 
thought. He belongs to the G. A. R., and the 
many hardships which he endured in behalf of his 
country give him the hearty respect of his associ- 
ates. He has been a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church since 1849, and his wife united 
with the same religious body the same winter, which 
was a year prior to their marriage. Mr. Faulk has 
always been active in Sunday-school work, has 
taught more or less, and has been Assistant Super- 
intendent and Superintendent for some time. In 
politics he is a firm Republican. 

The marriage of Mr. Faulk and Miss Mary Kitson 
took place Oct. 16. 1850. the bride being a daugh- 
ter of Stephen and Christina ( Lampman) Kitson, 
the former of whom is now deceased. The domes- 
tic virtues and Christian character of BIrs. Faulk 
are well known and ap|)reciated in Valley Falls, as 
they have l)een by her neighbo)s elsewhere. Her 
happy union with our subject has been blessed bv 
the liirth of five children, four sons and one daugh- 
ter. The latter. Elizabeth E.. became the wife of 
J. W. Parish, by whom she had two children, one, 
Anna L.. now living. After the death of Mr. Parish 
his widow married William J. Adams, and bv him 
also had two children, a daughter, Mary S., now 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



757 




surviving. The iiidtlier died Dec. 2, 1888. Three 
of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Faulk .are n)arried 
and living in homes of their own. The youngest, 
Stephen, is still single an<l with his parents. .lames 
married Catherine McCann, lives in Dennison, 
Kan., and has three children — Albert, Leonard and 
Sylvia: Jacob married Catherine Strange and lives in 
Pottawatomie County, Kan. ; their family comprises 
four ciiildren — Oliver, Pearl, Attie and an infant 
daughter. William married Millie Ream and lives 
in Indiana; their famil}- comiirisesone son — Harry. 



LBERT G. PATinCK. Few men in the 
State of Kansas have a more interesting 
personal history than the gentleman whose 
f^'l name heads this sketch. The son of a 

man prominent!}' identified as a pioneer settler, a 
jurist, an editor, and a minister of the gospel, with 
the early Territorial and State history of Indiana, 
lie has, as the result of a long, varied, and honora- 
ble career, made a record well wortiiy of preserva- 
tion in a work of this character. 

Mr. Patrick was born Ma}- 21, 1824, in Salem, 
Washington Co., Ind. His fatlier, Ebenezer Pat- 
rick, was a native of Vermont, and a printer by 
trade, .and his mother, whose maiden name was 
Sarah Ilattabough, was a native of Maryland. In 
1816 his father turned his back on the Green 
Mountain State, emigrated to Indiana and settled 
in Salem. At tliat time the Hoosier State laj', so 
far as the course of civilization had run, on the 
verj' "outside of the world." Mr. Patrick found 
Salem a small place and the country about it 
sparsely settled, but the pioneers were men of pluck, 
daring and enteri)rise, and the rapid increase of 
their numbers soon gave Mr. Patrick a constituency 
sulHciently large to justify him in establishing a 
newspaper in their midst. Associating iiimself with 
Mr. Beebee Booth, father of Hon. Newton Booth. 
ex-United States Senator from California, Mr. Pat- 
rick became the senior partner in tiie lirm of Pat- 
rick <fe Booth, editors and proprietors of the Tocsin, 
Salem's pioneer newspaper, the first numbi-r of 
which made its appearance March 17, 1818. 

At lliat time there were but few papers published 



in Indiana, and the rocsjn soon became "• the news, 
advertising and publication medium for the coun- 
ties of Washington, Jackson, Monroe, Lawrence, 
(Jrange, Floyd," and an area compared with whicii 
the limits now covered by the ordinary country 
newspaper seem very small and greatly circum- 
scribed. Mr. Patrick, who was a practical printer, 
is described as a man of "versatile genius." He 
was industrious, energetic and enterprising, a thor- 
'ough workman, and a terse, vigorous and courage- 
ous writer, able at will to make a most effective 
use of either wit or sarcasm. He continued in the 
newspaper business with varj'ing success and as 
editor of several different pai^ers at Salem until 
1833, when he went to Madison and bought an in- 
terest in the Madison Banner, which he conducted 
until 1835. 

Mr. Patrick then entered the Indiana Confer- 
ence and activel}' connected himself with the min- 
istry of the Methodist E[)iscopal Church, in which 
he continued until his death at Princeton in 1844, 
when about fifty years of age. From a centennial 
sketch published in the Salem Democrat, Feb. 23, 
1876, it is learned that he was an Associate Judge 
of Washington County after Indiana's admission 
into the Union, and that his decisions embodied 
what he believed to be the principles of justice and 
equity and were delivered in plain, simple lan- 
guage. 

Such a man was the father of the subject of this 
sketch wiio, after receiving a fair English educa- 
tion, and learning to set type in his father's ofl3ce 
when quite young, started out for himself in 1839, 
at the age of fifteen 3-ears, as a printer's apprentice 
in the office of T. & J. Dowling, publishers of the 
IVa/jash Courier at Terre Haute. Here lie served 
a regular apprenticeship of three years and in the 
fall of 1842 went to Louisville, Ky., and secured 
work as a compositor in the office of the Gazette, a 
Tyler paper published by James Birncy Marshall. 
He soon began to experience the vicissitudes of a 
printer's life, and to have his wits sharpened and 
his energies aroused by a direct contact with ad- 
versity and misfortune. 

Besides the Gazette, there were at that time two 
other daily papers published in Louisville, the Ad- 
vertiser, a Democratic paper edited by Godfrey 



758 



PORTEAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Pope, and the Journal, a Whig paper conductod 
by the brilliant and witt.y poet-editor, George D. 
Prentice. In .lanunry, 1843 the Gazette and Ad- 
vertiser united under the name of the Kenluckian, 
and young Patrick was retained as a compositor in 
the latter office. Two months later the printers 
were compelled to strike for their wages. Being 
unable to secure any money the striking printers 
were forced to accept in lieu thereof sufficient ma- 
terial to enable them to form an association and 
start a small daily paper bearing the name of the 
Louisville Daily Dime. The first number made 
its appearance in March and was printed on paper 
loaned to the association by George D. Prentice, 
who doubtless little dreamed that from this small 
beginning would spring a paper destined in time 
to absorb his own journal, then as prosperous finan- 
cially as it was potential in political influence 
throughout Kentu(tky and the West. 

The new venture met with favor from the out- 
set, and soon reached a circulation of 1,000 daily, 
and had a fair share of advertising. The revenue, 
however, after the running expenses were paid, was 
ver^' little. Mr. Patrick, who w.is the pressman, 
lodged in the press-room, sleeping on a pile of old 
papers, and his meals were taken at lunch houses, 
where a little money would buy more to eat than 
could be obtained either in the hotels or the more 
pretentious restaurants. Scant revenue compelled 
one member after another to sell out his share in 
the paper, the purchaser being W. N. Haldeman, a 
Main Street stationer and book-seller, who soon ob- 
tained a controlling interest and eventually the 
whole property. He changed the name to the 
Daily Courier, whicii became a prosperous and 
powerful paper, anil soon after the death of George 
D. Prentice, absorbed the Journal and is now 
known as the Courier- Jour naJ and ably and bril- 
liantly edited by Henry AVatterson. 

With but little capital except his experience as 
one of the proprietors of the Daily Dime, Mr. Pat- 
rick went to Bowling Green, Ky., where he secured 
emplo5'ment in the olllcc of the Green Rioer Gazette, 
published by Alexander R. Macy, and where ho 
continued until the fall of 1844. Like his father, 
Mr. Patrick was an ardent Whig and a great ad- 
mirer of Henry Clay, wiio was then running for 



President against James K. Polk, of Tennessee. 
The Keutuckians would believe nothing else than 
that their silver-tongued statesman would be over- 
whelmingly elected, and in and around Bowling 
Green as well as elsewhere throughout the State, 
this feeling took the form of betting and gambling 
on the outcome, until business of all kinds was 
transacted contingent upon the result of the elec- 
tion. Goods and farms were sold to be paid for at 
a certain price if Clay was elected, and not to be 
paid for at all if he was defeated. Young Patrick 
caught the fever ;he was a constant reader of and 
an implicit believer in George D. Prentice's proph- 
ecies of a Whig victory, and became eager to 
make something out of the campaign. Being unable 
to place his money in Kentucky, ^he started to In- 
diana to (ind a Democrat rash enough to give him 
an even bet. He found one, put up $200, and 
when the election returns came in found himself 
"broke." He then worked as a journeyman prin- 
ter until 184(J, when he was induced to take 
hold of the publication of a paper at Greencastle, 
Ind. A failure of promised financial aid compelled 
him to relinquish the enterprise after getting out 
five issues, and he then again returned to the 
"case" and worked in various offices until 1848, 
when he and his brother Chauncey opened a general 
store in Bainbridge. Ind. 

About this time the news of the gold discovery 
in California had begun to excite the people of the 
States and a great tide of emigration was flowing 
toward the land of promise on the Pacific Coast. 
]\Ir. Patrick caught the fever and with nine others 
formed a company and started from Greencastle on 
the 1st of March, 1849, and made the joiirnev 
overland with ox-teams, reaching Hangtovvn (Pla- 
cerville) on the 3d of September. Mr. Patrick 
remained in the Golden .State until the spring of 
1852, when he left San Francisco and made the 
journey to New York by wa3' of the Isthmus. 

Our subject was soon afterward found in Green- 
castle, Ind., at the head of a Whig paper, called the 
Itepithlican Banner, which he was induced to start 
in the interest of Gen. Winfield S. Scott, the Whig 
candidate for the Presidenc3\ By hard work and 
persistent effort he put the paper on a permanent 
basis. After Scott's defeat, which resulted in the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



759 



disintegiation of the old Whig party, Mr. Patrick 
transferred his allegianec to the native American 
])arty,and in 18,")G supported Millard Filltnorc, tlie 
regular candidate of the party for the Presidency. 
His favorite being again defeated ho concluded to 
retire from journalism and politics, for a time at 
least, and accordingly sold his paper and once more 
turned his face toward the setting sun. 

He determined to m.ikc Kansas his home and the 
scene of his future efforts, and soon after arriving 
in Leavenworth, Feb. 12, 1856, he allied himself 
with the Free-State party, this being a natural result 
of the old Whig and anti-shivery principles. Being 
fearless, positive, and out-spoken he soon found 
that his former experiences in Indiana and on the 
Pacific Coast, were tame and uninteresting com- 
])ared with those he was destined to face in his new 
borne. His first endeavor after his arrival was to 
secure a claim, which he did in the course of a week 
or so, buying one four miles southwest of Leaven- 
worth from a man named Tracy, and paying him 
12.50 in gold for it. 

Li March an election took [ilace in Leavenworth 
to fill a vacancy in the City Council and the oppos- 
ing candidates were C. F. Currier, a Free-State 
man and Mr. Beck, Pro-slavery. Mr. Patrick took 
cpiitc an interest in this election and bet $10 with 
one Charley Dunn that Currier would be elected. 
The election took place in Dick Murjihy's saloon 
and when the Judges adjourned for dinner, Mr. 
Patrick saw one of them named Shockley, give 
Murphy the ke3- to the room which contained 
the ballot-box. This led him to watch and he dis- 
covered Murphy rol)bing and stufling the ballot- 
box, and he wrote an account of the jjroceedings 
for a Greencastle, Ind., paper. The article was 
copied into the Leavenworth Herald, the Pro- 
slaverj' organ occompanied by an editori.al denun- 
ciatory of the writer as an emigrant-aid emissary 
and an Abolitionist of the deepest dye, whom tln^ 
"Law and Order" fellows were advised to spot. 
The result was that Mr. Patrick soon found himself 
not only in the midst of trouble but of personal 
danger. Soon after the publication of the. Herald's 
threats, while standing in the door of his hotel one 
day after returning from his claim, he was assaulted 
witli a club by one Jim Lyle. Promptly drawing 



his pistol he soon had Lyle making tracks for shel- 
ter. The affair created considerable excitement 
and for a time threatened to cause a general melee 
between the P'ree-State and Pro-slavery men. That 
night he and his friends, by the urgent request of 
the landlord, left the hotel where they were stop- 
ping and sought shelter with a man named Thomas 
Shoemaker. A mob visited the hotel to wreak 
their vengence on the '• Hoosier Abolitionist" and 
were both chagrined and disappointed to find he 
w;is not there. 

After a few days of peril and danger in Leaven- 
worth, Mr. Patrick concluded to retire to his claim 
and as soon as he could sell it, take his departure 
for a more congenial clime. Not finding a buyer 
for it, he continued to work on it a few weeks, 
when he started for Leavenworth thinking he might 
visit that cit3' with safety. On the way he was 
overtaken bj' a jiarty of mounted Pro-slavery men, 
under Capt. Fred f^mory, and was m.ade a prisoner 
b}' them. The feeling against him as an Abolition- 
ist was strong, and his captors made up tlunr minds 
to hang him, Jim Lyle being their chief instigator. 
A Masonic appeal to a member of the gang had the 
effect of postponing the ceremon3' until after the 
arrival of Capt. Miller and his band, which com- 
prised the very toughest of the Pro-slavery ele- 
ment. Mr. Patrick, had. however, done Capt. 
Miller the favor of loaning him ^40 without inter- 
est, and the latter did not forget the kindness. He 
kept Mr. Patrick safe through the night under a 
double guard, and the next morning tuined him 
over to Col. Richardson. Some of the Pro-siavery 
men were so confident that he would be hung, how- 
ever, that they reported it as an actual occurrence 
in Leavenworth and the report traveler! Eastward, 
and a long account of the hanging was published 
in the New York Trilnnv. In Indiana, where 
Mr. Patrick w.as well-known as an editor, his 
brethren of the quill paid elo(iuent tributes to his 
memory as one of the F'ree-State martyrs of 
Kansas. 

Although saved from the noose b>- Capt. Miller, 
Mr. Patrick was by no means out of danger. Col. 
Richardson, to whom he was delivered at Upper 
Stranger Creek crossing, had oOO men under him 
and was on his way to Lecompton. When the line 



760 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



came to a halt for (iinner, about two hours after 
Mr. Patrick had Ijeen given into their hands, a 
court-martial was organized, before which he was 
brought for trial, the accusation against him being 
that he was a regular spy, eonstantlj' on the road 
back and forth from Lawrence carrjing news to 
and from '■Jim" Lane. His principal accusers were 
Jim Lj'le, Jared and Green Todd, and he was de- 
nied a hearing in his own behalf. He was sentenced 
to be shot and a squad of Kickapoo Hangers were 
selected for the purpose, who marched him off 
about twenty paces and were preparing to carry 
the sentence into execution, when Mr. Patrick de- 
cided as a last resort to try the Masonic '-grand 
hailing sign of distress."' It was recognized b}' a 
surgeon of the Kickapoo companj- and others, and 
resulted in Mr. Patrick's release from present peril 
although he was retained a prisoner. Col. Richardson 
directing that he be kept under guard and delivered 
to acting Governor Woodson upon their arrival at 
Lecoinpton. 

That citj' was reached two days after, ami here 
Mr. Patrick was guarded by some impressed Free- 
State men under the leadership of a man named 
Caldwell but known as "Tennessee," at whose house 
the prisoners boarded. The notorious Jim Ljle 
again made himself unpleasantly conspicuous by 
offering 82.5 to anj' man who would shoot Patrick, 
against whom he had a feeling of personal ani- 
mosity dated from the pul)lication of the account 
of Murphy's ballot-box stuffing exploit. The pris- 
oners were on their way to dinner, and a member 
of a passing companj' of Pro-slaver}' militia, hear- 
ing Lj'le's offer, leveled his rifle at Patrick and 
pulled the trigger. The cap snapped, and for the 
fourth time in a brief period our subject escaped 
from wliat seemed certain death. Highly incensed 
at this act "Tennessee," after seeing the prisoner 
safely iu his house, hastened to Gov. Woodson and 
made a rei)ort of it and under the protection of 
United States Marsh.al Donaldson, Mr. Patrick and 
his fellow prisoners^Rev. Mi\ Byrd -ind a (Quaker 
preacher — were conducted t(j Lawrence. 

The day after his arrival tliere our subject 
joined Capt. Wright's Stranger Creek company 
and a week later en Sunday, Sept. 14, 18.)6, par- 
ticipated in the battle of Hickory Point, this 



county. The battle was decided a draw by the 
combatants, but the L'nited States troops appeared 
on the scene that night and Mr. Patrick and about 
100 others found themselves prisoners of the gen- 
eral government. They were marched to Lecomp- 
ton where they were held by the recently appointed 
Governor. John W. Geary, and indicted for murder. 
Twenty of those first tried were found guilty by 
Judge Lecompte's court and sentenced to five 
years imprisonment in the penitentiary. The others 
took a change of venue before Judge Cato, of 
Tecumseh, but befoi-e the time set for their trial 
there was a general jail deliver}' of all but Mr. 
Patrick and thirteen others, who were tried and ac- 
quitted, Dec. 5, 1856. 

Thorougiil}' satisfied with the adventurous char- 
acter of his experience during his brief stay in the 
Territory, Mr. Patrick decided to leave it. It was 
winter, however, and theilissouri River was frozen 
over, the ice putting a stop to steamboat travel, 
and there were no railroads. Not caring to pass 
overland through Missouri, he concluded to make 
the best of the situation and remain. He accord- 
ingly returned to tin's county, this time on a peace- 
ful mission, and located at Gr.asshopper. (now 
Valley) Falls, a Free-State ton^n laid out in the 
spring of 1855 and in which he arrived Deo. 12, 
1856. In the summer of 1857, at the Free-State 
election for State officers, he was elected Clerk of 
the Supreme Court, and the following fall was 
elected a member of the first Free-State Legisla- 
ture for a term of two years, being sent from the 
counties of Jackson and Jefferson. 

In the spring of 1859, Mr. Patrick started for the 
Pike's l^eak gold fields, but returned to the Falls 
after a month's absence. The next spring he again 
started for the mountains, and spent two years in 
prospecting and mining at the head of the Arkan- 
sas River. AVhen the war broke out he was in 
California Gulch, 150 miles southwest of Denver, 
and could not join the army, although liis heart 
was with the L'nion forces. In 1862 lie entered 
the service and was elected Captain of one of the 
companies of Kearney's "Grasshopper" militia. He 
went to Montana in the spring of 1863, and after 
remaining there two years returned to this State, 
and in the winter of 1866 located at Irving. Mar- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



761 



sliall Count}-. There lie opened a real-estate office, 
believing that as tiie Central Branch of the Union 
Pacific would cross the Blue River at that point, 
the result would lie a large and thriving city. 
Shortly after locating in Irving he was chosen 
Justice of the Peace, and in the fall of 186 7 he 
was sent to the Legislature from Marshall County. 

Not realizing his expectations in Irving. Mr. 
Patrick returned to Grasshopper Falls in the 
autumn of 18G8 and a year later was elected Clerk 
of .lefferson County. In the spring of 1872 be 
deserted the town and took up his residence upon 
and imi)roved a farm si.x; miles and a half distant. 
On Oct. G, of that year he was married to Miss 
Mary Frazier, a daughter of one of tlie original 
settlers and proprietors of Valley Falls. She was 
born in Covington. K\-., Feb. 24, 1842, and died 
Dec. 1, 1877, leaving two children, Simon and 
Albert, now fifteen and twelve years of age respec- 
tively. Mrs. Patrick was a gentle-natured and af- 
tionate woman, beloved by her iuisband and 
respected and esteemed by all who knew her for 
her many gifts and graces of both mind and heart. 

In the fall of 1877 Mr. Patrick sold his farm 
and purchased the Valley Falls A'eio Era and again 
entered the field of journalism. After running the 
slieet a year, he sold out and engaged in stock-rais- 
ing near ^'alley Falls. In the meantime, however, 
he w.as appointed Postmaster of that place bj' 
President. Hayes, and held the ollice for six years. 
In December, 1878, Mr. Patrick married his second 
wife. Miss Eliza Dickey, a daughter of T. ,J. Dickey. 
(.)ne child, a daughter, Kate, is the result of this 
union. 

After resigning the position of Postmaster, Mr. 
Patrick engaged in the real-estate business. In 
November, 1887, lie made a trip to California and 
spent a month visiting the scenes of his former life 
there. In the spring of 1888 he moved to Oska- 
loosa, where he has since been engaged in the lum- 
ber business, ami where he has recenjy opened a 
grocerj' store on the south side of the public 
square, two doors from tiie Jefferson House. While 
at Valley Falls he held tiie office of Township Trus- 
tee for five years and was M.ayor of that city in 
1878. 

Mr. Patrick is one of nine children born to his 



parents, three of whom died in infancy. Of the 
others, Chauncey, the oldest, enlisted in Sol Meri- 
detli's regiment, the lOtli Indiana, serving fir.st as 
Lieuten.ant and afterward as Captain. He had spent 
two years in the California gold fields to which he 
went in 1852. He was married twice and left a 
family, his death taking place at Spencer, Ind., in 
1884. Amanda married Dr. B. A.Allison, of Decatur, 
111., and died in that city in 1879, leaving four 
children. Ebenezer went to California in 1849, 
remaining on the coast until 1854. He also served 
in the 19th Indiana, being enrolled in Company I; 
he died shortly' after the war, leaving a family. 
Catherine is the wife of Dr. S. S. Cooper, a promi- 
nent i)hysician of Topeka, Kan.; they have no 
children. Ellen is the widow of William Allison, 
who died about twenty years since, leaving five 
children; she resides in Spencer. Ind. 



VICHARD D. SIMPSON, proprietor of the 
U Ilillger House at Valle}' Falls, officiates as 
••mine host" of one of tlie most popular 
^^, hotels in that part of the county. It is the 
only first-class public house in Valley Falls and 
Mr. Simpson is a genial, whole-souled man, ex- 
tremely popular with the traveling public. He is 
a Kentuckian liy birth, a native of Madison County, 
and first opened his oj'es to the light May 24, 
1838. 

The immediate progenitor of the subject of this 
notice was Diike W. Simpson, who emigrated from 
Kentucky to Westport, Mo., when his son, Richard 
D., was a small boy. He was in good circumstan- 
ces, financially, a man enterprising and progressive 
in his ideas, and inaugurated the Santa Fe trade, 
engaging extensively and successfully in merchan- 
dising. He stood in the front rank of the com- 
mercial circles of that region and was called upon to 
fill many offices of trust and responsibilitj'. After 
a busy life, he departed hence at Westport, Mo., in 
1853. The maiden name of his wife was Lipscomb ; 
she died at Westport, Mo., in 1841. 

Richard D. Simpson received a liberal education 
and for a few years after reaching man's estate, as- 
sisted his father in his extensive business transag. 




762 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBTTM. 



tions. Afterward he repaired to Nebraska City. 
Neb., and entered the employ of Russell, Majors & 
Waddolls, the famous Government freighters, in 
whose eraploj' he became thoroughly versed in this 
business. He was in due time promoted to the 
post of Wagonmaster, which he held several years, 
and met with a varied and thrilling experience on 
the plains, among the Indians and a cosmopolitan 
people. 

Upon the construction of the Union Pacific 
Railroad. Mr. Simpson became interested as a eon- 
tractor and furnished a large amount of ties and 
bridge- timbers for that road. He came to Kansas 
in 1873, and in 1875, was made Deputy Sheriff of 
Jefferson County, in which capacity he served four 
years. Later he was elected City Marshal of Val- 
ley Falls and in 1882 was elected Justice of the 
Peace and Police Judge. While a resident of Ne- 
braska City, he identified himself with the Masonic 
fraternity in whose prosperity he has ever main- 
tained a warm interest. In politics, he is a Dem- 
ocrat. 

Mr. Simpson was first married in Westport in 
1 8G0, to Miss M. A., daughter of Alexander Majors, 
one of the Government freighters heretofore spoken 
of. Of this union there were born four children, 
Edmoine (deceased), Susan A., Amanda C, and 
Richard D., Jr.; they are all living, making their 
homes in Valley Falls . Mrs. M. A. Simpson de- 
parted this life in Jackson County, Mo., in 1876. 
In May, 1879, Mr. Simpson contracted a second 
marriage w ith Miss Elizabeth C. Fuller. 



^ IjfcARREN BROWN. In the person of the 
\^i subject of this notice we have that of a 
\^^/ man who pressed the soil of Kansas nearly 
thirty-nine years ago, about ten j-ears before it was 
admitted into the Uniom as a State. He has since 
maintained his residence here, and been an inter- 
ested witness of the remarkable changes which have 
transpired, passing through man}' thrilling scenes 
and noting its growth and development. We now 
find him the owner of a comfortable home on sec- 
lioii 11, Rural Township, a man still hale and 
hearty, notwithstanding the labor and hardships 



involved in constructing a homestead from the 
wilderness. 

Mr. Brown was born nearly sixty-eight }-ears 
ago, April 19, 1822, in Onondaga County. N. Y. 
He comes of good New England stock, of Scotch 
origin, and is tiie son of Hugh and Mercy (Gil- 
I more) Brown, the former of whom was a native of 
I ^'ormont, and wiio served as a soldier in the War 
of 1812. He followed farming and met his death 
by drowning when AVarren was but a child. The 
latter lived with an uncle until reaching his majority, 
then emigrated to Illinois and eng.aged in farming 
in Will Count}', vvhere he resided four years. 
From there he went to Ft. Leavenworth and for a 
time was engaged in the Quartermaster's depart- 
ment of a part of the array stationed there, and 
later was in the cmplo}' of the Government as a 
herder of stock; he also assisted in the superintend- 
ency of a farm two j'ears, being also a wagonmaster. 
In this latter capacity he made two trips to Ft. 
Union, New Mexico, being thus occupied until 
April, 1865. That 3'ear he commenced farming 
in Leavenworth County, where he lived a number 
of 3'ears. He came to Jefferson Connty, in 1871 
and took up a tract of partially improved land, 
becoming in due time the owner of 450 acres. He 
parted, later, with some of this, and has now 310 
acres thoroughly improved and in a productive 
condition. 

Mr. Brown was first married, in 1859, to Miss 
Olivia N. Byrn. This lady is a native of Cler- 
mont County, Ohio, and died at her home in 
Leavenworth, Jan. 6, 1868. Four children were 
born of this union, viz: William a resident of 
Leavenworth, this State; Wilson W. of Denver, 
Col.; Samuel R. and Edward P., who remain at 
home with their father. Mrs. Olivia Brown was a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. 

Our subject contracted a second marriage in 
1871, with Miss Isabella Farren, who died March 
8, 1889. She also was a member of the Presby- 
terian Church, with which Mr. Brown was likewise 
identified. Politically, Mr. Brown is a sound Re- 
publican. He has been the architect of his own 
fortune, starting out in life with a limited educa- 
tion and no capital. He has met with reverses, but 
has pursued n steady course of industry and per- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



763 




severance and is now amply provided for in his 
declining years. No man has maintained a warmer 
interest in educational affairs and all the other 
enterprises calculated to benefit the people. He 
served as a member of the School Board during 
his younger years, but h.as never sought office. 
He is looked upon as one of the best farmers of 
.Jefferson County. 

Milo Brown, a brother of our subject, died in 
Will County, III., a number of years ago, leaving 
a family of three children. Samuel and Jane also 
died there. The latter was the wife of John Carl, 
and left two children. Minerva (Mrs. Bundy,) 
also died in AVill County, 111.; Henr}- settled in 
California a number of 3-ears ago, and it is sup- 
posed that he is still living there. 

THOMAS ARMSTEAD. Among the thrifty 
farmers who have made for themselves a 
good record in Ozawkie Township, Jefferson 
County, must be mentioned Mr. Armstead, who, 
from a tract of wild land on section 18, has con 
structed a well-regulated farm of 270 flcres, which 
is now the source of a comfortable income. He 
took possession of this in 1866, when there was 
upon it simply a log house and about twelve .acres 
under the plow. By a course of plodding iudustr3' 
he has brought ninety acres to a good state of culti- 
vation, has the whole enclosed with substantial 
fencing, and has set out an orchard of about 100 
apple trees. His residence, .although not preten- 
tious, provides a comfortable shelter for his family, 
while he has an extra good barn with sheds, corn- 
cribs and all the other necessary outbuildings. He 
usually feeds to his stock most of the grain raised 
upon his farm, and handles good grades of cattle 
and swine, making a specialty of tiie latter. 

Born in Yorkshire, England, Kov. 24, 1842, Mr. 
Armstead is thus in the prime of life and the 
midst of his usefulness. He crossed the Atlantic 
with his parents in 1851. The latter were William 
and Ann Armstead, most excellent and worthy 
people, who are now residents of Kansas, and rep- 
resented elsewhere in this work. Thomas developed 
into manhood at the parental homestead in Ozawkie 



Township, and when .about nineteen years old, 
the Civil War having been in progress for some 
time, he enlisted as a Union soldier in Company I, 
2d Kansas Cavalry, being mustered in as a private 
at Ft. Leavenworth. Soon afterward he was trans- 
ferred to Company H, irjtii Kansas Cavalry, and 
later to Battery A, with which he was sent to the 
Northwest, where he remained until the close of 
the war. He received his honorable dis(;harge in 
December, 1865. 

Retiu-ning now to Jefferson County, Mr. Arm- 
stead resumed farming at the old homestead. On 
the 21st of Jul3', 1867, he was uniteil in marriage 
with Miss Esther, daughter of Moses and Mary J. 
(Hutton) Pittman. Mrs. Armstead w.as born in 
Jefferson County, Iowa, Sept. 22, 1848, and came 
to Kansas with her parents in 1857, they locating 
in Ozawkie Township. The father pureh.ased land 
and built up a comfortable homestead, where the 
familj' lived several years, and where the mother 
died in February, 1879, at the age of fifty-five. 
Mr. Pittman is now a resident of Valley Falls. The 
parental family included six children, all of whom 
are now living. To Mr. and Mrs. Armstead there 
have been born five children, namely: Annie, 
Fanny, Ceorge and Jack, living, and Charles, who 
died at the age of ten 3-ears. Mr. and Mrs. Arm- 
stead are conuecteil with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Armstead. politically, affiliates with 
the Democratic part\-, and is a member of the 
A. O. U. W. at Valley Falls. He likewise belongs 
to the Farmers' Alliance of Ozawkie Township. 

<<¥ OHN N. WILLAUD, a well-known citizen 
of Douglas Township, Jackson County, set- 
^_^ tied in Northern Kansas during its border 
^^/i ruftinn daj's, but being a man of sense, and 
confining himself to his own affairs, he w.as never 
molested. He is more than ordinarilj' intelligent 
and enterprising, and h.as succeeded in his under- 
takings. He has always maintained an active in- 
terest in the growth and development of his 
adopted county, and is accounted one of its most 
useful men. 

A native of Wilson County, Tenn.. the subject 



764 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



of this sketch was born Aug. 29, 1821, and has 
thus passed the sixty-eighth year of his age. He 
was reared to agricultural pursuits, as conducted in 
the South, and received no schooling whatever. 
He, however, by his own eft'orls learned to read 
and write, and has no trouble in transacting busi- 
ness. He remained a resident of his native State 
until 1842, and then, having reached his majority, 
started out on his own account. He first sought 
the Southwest, bej'ond the Mississippi, locating in 
Clinton County, Mo., and later in Platte and Bu- 
chanan Counties. During his residence of thirteen 
years in Missouri he took a trip to California, 
spending two years on the Pacific Slope. 

In the meantime, in 1848, Mr. Wiliard was mar- 
ried in Missouri, and seven years later, in 1855, 
after his return from California, sought the wilds 
of Northern Kansas, "squatting" on a tract of land 
before its survey b}' the Government. This land 
he still owns and operates, obtaining his title to it 
at the Government sale, when the " squatters" 
were given preference to the land at its appraised 
value. Mr. Wiliard first secured 160 acres on sec- 
tion 32, and subsequently m.ade additional pur- 
chases until lie is now the owner of 2!)2 acres, 
lying along the east side of the west fork of Muddy 
Creek, which affords i)lent3' of water and a good 
supply of timber. He cultivates 130 acres, carry- 
ing on farming quite extensivelj', and making a 
specialty of stock-raising. He is particularly in- 
terested in horses, being part owner of an imported 
Percheron stallion, weighing 2,000 pounds, and 
valued at i{i2,500. Mr. Wiliard has some very fine 
colts, besides cattle and swine, graded animals of 
a good breed. 

During the progress of the Mexican AVar, Mr. 
Wiliard served on the staff department, in June, 
1846. He was also employed as a teamster with 
Col. Kearney, and was in the Government employ 
all during the war, receiving for his services a land 
warrant at the close. Returning then to Missouri, 
ho sought the Pacific Slope, and during the late 
Civil War made his way to Kansas and joined the 
inilili.-i. serving witli it during Price's raid, and 
pnriicipated in the battle on the Blue, whirh was 
holly contested, and in whicli a large number of 
I'lliou soldier? were killed. Mr. Wiliard, however, 



escaped unliarmed, and returning to his farm, gave 
to it his undivided attention from that time until 
the present. 

The father of our subject was John Wiliard, a 
native of Virginia, and born near the city of Rich- 
mond. He there grew to manhood, and went to 
Tennessee at an early date, when canebrakc grew 
wild and game of all kinds was plentiful. He en- 
gaged in farming and married Miss Mary E. 
Landes, daughter of William Landes, a native of 
North Carolina and of German descent. Of this 
union there were born thirteen children, John N. 
being the eighth. 

The subject of this sketch was married, in Mis- 
souri, to Miss Harriet F., daughter of John and 
Sarah Cozie. Tlie father of Mrs. Wiliard was a 
native of Holland, whence he emigrated to America 
when thirteen j'ears of age. He afterward acquired 
a good English education, and learned blacksmitli- 
ing, which he followed in connection with farming. 
Of this union there were born three children — 
Caroline and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Har- 
riet Wiliard departed this life, at her home, in 
1853. Mr. Wiliard, in 1857, was married a second 
time to Miss Mary E., daughter of Carvin and 
Elizabeth Norvell. Mr. and Mrs. Norvell both 
died in 1879. The father was a farmer by occupa- 
tion. Of this union eleven children vvere born, 
viz: Sierra Nevada, Frances I., Rosetta, Emma, 
William N., Noah, James N., Mary E., Martha A., 
Charles W., and one who died in infancy unnamed. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wiliard are members of long stand- 
ing of the Methodist Church, and Blr. Wiliard, so- 
cially, belongs to the JMasonic fraternity. He is 
also a member of the Alliance and several other 
temperance societies. Politically', he supports the 
Republican part}'. 



— »*- 



••o»o.-f0JA,.A^..o4o.. 



I I 



mi 



ILLIAM HARRISON BEELER. One of 

the most attractive homes in Jefferson 
County, is that occuijied by this gentleman 
and his family. It is situated on section 6, in 
Kaw Township, and comjirises ninety-seven acres 
of improved land, furnished with all modern con- 
veniences, fertilized by running water, and djs- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



765 



playing the taste of the owner's family in the neat- 
ness and order which pervade it, and in the trees 
and plants which adorn it. Mr. Beeler is the oldest 
settler of Kaw Township now living within its 
bounds, and is widely and favorably known. 

This gentleman of whom we write is of German 
ancestry in the paternal line, and the s[>elling of 
the family name has been changed through some 
mistake or carelessness in days long passed. His 
grandfather, William Beeler, was born in New 
.lerse}-. and took his place among the earlj- settlers 
of Kentucky, in which State he became the owner 
of much land and of many slaves. He was promi- 
nent and influential, held count}' offices at various 
times and possessed considerable means. To him 
was born a son, Richard Beeler, who opened his 
eyes to the light in Xelson County, and who. 
when a j'oung man, bought land and engaged in 
farming in Hardin County. There he remained 
until 185-t, when he sold his property, removing to 
Clay County, Mo., where he spent a year in agri- 
cultural pursuits, and then, in the spring of 1855< 
he became a citizen of Kansas. He selected a 
claim on the Big Muddy, bought it at the land 
sale, and pitching his abode thereon, began a suc- 
ccessful career as a farmer on the western frontier. 
He became the owner of 288 acres of land, which 
he sold in 1884, removing at that time to North 
Topeka, where he now resides. He was quite a 
hunter in his earlier years, and kept the table sup- 
plied with wild meat as long as game could be 
found in the country around about him. He be- 
longed to the Kansas State Militia and was in the 
field during Price's raid. He has now reached the 
ripe age of seventy-seven years. 

Richard P. Beeler took for his wife Miss Margaret 
Castleman a native of La Rue Count}', Ky.,who bore 
him twelve children, of whom the subject of this 
sketch was tlio fourth in order of birth. John, the 
next younger than William H., is deceased. Rob- 
ert and Luther both died in infancy. The other 
members of the family circle reside as follows: 
Mrs. Rebecca Kerr, in Kansas City; James, in Col- 
orado; Isaiah, in Bourbon County, Kan.; George, 
in Jackson County, Kan.; Ambrose, in Pulaski 
County, Mo.: IMis. Sarah K. Tuppen and Mrs. Mar- 
tha lieeler in Los Angeles, Cal.; Mrs. Laura F. 



Samples in Denver, Colo. The mother died July 
2."), 1860. George was in the 11th Kansas Cavalry, 
on the muster roll of Company D, and served the 
same length of time and in the same engagraents as 
did our subject. 

Richard P. Beeler was married a second time 
to Elizabeth Isaacs, and there were born to them 
nine children, namely: Dulcy, Dora, Rush, Deward, 
Mary, Albert, Eva, Araelda, Benjamin. Albert 
died infancj'. 

W. H. Beeler. of whom we write, was born near 
Elizabethtown, Hardin Co., Ky., Sept 12, 1841, 
and reai-ed on a farm there until he had entered his 
fourteenth year, when he accompanied his parents 
to Clay County, Mo., their journey being accom- 
plished by boat. A year later they came by team 
to Jefferson County which has since been the resi- 
dence of our subject and wherein none others now 
remain who came as early as the spring of 1855. 
He assisted his father on the farm, and as there 
was but little schooling here at that early period, 
his advantages in that line were very limited. 
Having remained at home until ISGO, he then began 
working out on farms and operating rented land 
until the fall of 1863, when he entered the Union 
army. 

The date of Mr. Beeler's enlistment w.as Octo- 
ber 25, and his name was placed on the muster roll 
of Company I), 11th Kansas Cavalry. He was 
mustered into the service at Kansas City, joining 
his regiment at Aubrey, Kan., and, that command 
being the one that chased (.^uantrell out of the 
State, he w,as a particip.ant in several skirmishes 
with the followers of that notorious guerrilla. The 
I'rice raid followed, and Mr. Beeler took part in 
the following battles: Lexington, Mo., Oct., li), 
1864; The Little Blue, Kan., Oct. 21; The Big Blue, 
Kan., Oct. 22 ; Westport, Oct. 23; Mound City, Oct. 
25, and Newtonia, Ark. The regiment was tlien 
ordered to Ft. .Smith, Ark., and after remaining in 
camp there for two weeks, went to Olathe, Kan., 
and thence to Ft. Riley, where they remained till 
February, 1865. They were then sent out on the 
plains to guard trains and keep telegraph lines in 
repair, and perform all the duties necessary in In- 
dian warfare. They took part in skirmishes at Ft. 
Laramie, Platte ]}ridge and other points, at one 



i&6 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



time fighting thirteen different tribes of Indians. In 
the fall they came back to Leavenworth, where 
they were mustered out and honorably discharged, 
Sept. 13, 1865. 

Mr. Beeler returned to his home and operated his 
fatlier's farm until 1872, when he bought fifty- 
seven acres of the land which comprises his present 
home, to which lie subsequently added forty acres 
adjoining, and which he has made into a valuable 
and attractive farm. He rents land adjoining his 
own estate and operates about 200 acres, which he 
devotes to general farming and stock-raising. He 
has displayed an energ3- and good judgment very 
commendable, and has bestowed upon his family 
not only the comforts of a pleasant home, but good 
advantages for obtaining an education as they 
grew old enough to need them. 

An important step in the life of Mr. Beeler was 
taken Sept. 25, 1867, when in Oskaloosa, he was 
united in marriage with Sar.ah Frances Seal. The 
bride was born near Cartilage, Jasper Co., Mo., 
March 8. 1849, and was reared and educated in 
her native counts". Her father, James Seal, was a 
native of Ohio, as was her grandfather, and the 
family were of Scotch-Irisli descent. James Seal 
followed farming in his native State for a time, 
then removed to Indiana, and later to Jasper 
County., Mo., where he continued tlio pursuit of 
agriculture until his deatli. His wife bore the 
maiden name of INIartha Doughty, was also born 
in the Buckej^e State and was the daughter of 
Elijah Doughty, a farmer there. In 1859 she took 
her family to Texas, locating on a farm in Fayette 
County, but times became loo lively there for 
their comfort or safety, and they returned to Mis- 
souri in 1861. The following year they removed 
to Kansas by teams, taking up their abode near 
Lawrence, whence, the next 3'ear, they came to 
Jefferson County, locating in Rural Township. 
There the mother remained until 1867, when she 
became an inmate of the household of our subject, 
dying at his home in May, 1869. She was a 
worthy member of tlie Methodist Church. She 
was the mother of nine children — Elizabeth, Wil- 
liam, Eliza, Daniel, James, Joseph. Thomas, Ann, 
and Sarah. William lives in Carthage, Mo.; Mrs. 
Eliza Bishop, in Lawrence; .James, in Cowley 



County, Kan.; Joseph, in Oklahoma; Thomas, in 
Barton Countj-, Mo.; the others are deceased, with 
tiie exception of the wife of our subject. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Beeler seven sons and daugh- 
ters were born — Cora, Oscar, Emma, Elmer, Walter, 
Alvan, and Ivan. Cora has attended the Topeka 
High School, and has been engaged as a teacher for 
three years. The aim of Mrs. Beeler has ever been 
to make her home happ^', to be a true helpmate to 
lier husband, and to rear her offspring to useful 
maniiood and womanhood. 

Mr. Beeler belongs to Meriden post, G. A. R. 
He is a stanch Republican, never failing to cast his 
vote in behalf of the principles that he believes 
will best advance the interests of the Nation. For 
eighteen years he has been School Treasurer and 
still holds that office. Mrs. Beeler is a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Grantville. 



Sf' 



OHN WUNDER is a prominent and wealth}' 
foreign-born citizen of Jefferson Connty_ 
whose industry' and economy have been tlie 
levers by which he has so moved the cir- 
cumstances which surrounded him, as to acquire a 
fine estate and be enabled to exercise the gener- 
osity and benevolence which are prominent traits 
in iiis character. His fine improved farm consists 
of 500 acres, l^ing on section 20, Delaware Town- 
ship, and is devoted to the two-fold work of farm- 
img and stock-raising. He cultivates such crops 
as are usually to be seen on Kansas lands, and 
raises graded Short-horn cattle. Dew Rock Jersey 
Hogs, and Hambletonian and Norman horses. 

A Bavarian by birthright and parentage, the 
eyes of John Wunder first opened to the light, 
Dec. 11, 1834. When three years old he was left 
motherless, but his father, after whom lie was 
named, survived until 1861, his death occurring in 
Lawrence, Kan., after a residence in Missouri of 
about seven years. Tlie parental family consisted 
of seven children, of whom the following survive: 
Conrad, Peter. George, John and Elizabeth (Mrs. 
Fisher). 

The gentleman of wliom wc write was reared upon 
a farm and educated in the common schools of his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



767 



native Kingdom, whence he came to the United 
States in June, 1852, making his first home in 
Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pa., and working 
in a zinc furnace there unti! 1855. He then worked 
in Wisconsin one summer, and in the spring of 
of 1856 settled in Dane County, that State, fifteen 
miles northeast of Madison, where he worked as a 
farm liaud some time, and tiien operated rented 
land. In December, 1859, Jackson County, Mo., 
became his place of abode, and he continued his 
farming operations there until October, 1861, when, 
being in sympathy with the Union, his property 
was confiscated by the rebels, and he was ordered 
to leave the country. His home was but nine 
miles soullieastof Kansas City .and going to Leaven- 
worth. Kan., he took up the occup.ation of freight- 
ing for the Union sutlers, hauling goods from 
Leavenworth to Fts. Scott, Gibson, Smith, Kear- 
nej' and other points. 

After following the occupation of a teamster 
until June, 1863, Mr. Wunder came to Jefferson 
County, and settled on the farm now occupied by 
John Ginder, which was in the Delaware Indian 
Trust Lands. The land was still wild and un- 
broken, except a small field, which was enclosed 
by a rude fence, and upon which a log cabin had 
been built. The acreage was broken, well culti- 
vated and nicely improved by Mr. Wunder, who 
remained upon it until 1880, when he removed to 
Osage County, but after a few montiis' sojourn re- 
turned to Jefferson County and settled on the farm 
which he now occupies, and which has since been 
his home. 

The first marriage of Mr. Wunder took place 
Sept. 15, 1857, his companion being ISIiss Eb.alona 
Olnlein. a native of the Kingdom of Bavaria, 
and a lady of many domestic virtues. She bore 
four children, two of whom are living: John P. 
married Louisa Meyer, and lives in Hock Creek 
Townsiiip, this county; he has one son, Frank F. 
Annie married Harry AVettig, of Delaware Town- 
ship. Mrs. Wunder defjarted this life in January, 
1870, and after remaining a widower until March 
6, 187G, Mr. Wunder became the husband of Mrs. 
Kezlah Cowee, widow of Merrill Cowee, and daugh- 
ter of John and Sophia (Darling) Hook (deceased). 
Mrs. Keziali Wunder was born in Coshocton 




County, Ohio, and came to Kansas with her first 
husband in September, )866, settling in Osage 
County. Mr. Cowee was a native of Greene 
County, N. Y. His wife bore liim three children 
— Edwin, Frank and Nettie — who still remain with 
their mother, who has borne her [jrescnt husband 
one daughter, Ida. 

Mr. Wunder is a member of the I. O. O. F. He 
is a believer in and supporter of the principles of 
the Republican party. Although neither himself 
nor wife hold membership in any religious society, 
they contribute liberally to tlie support of the 
Gospel and to benevolent enter|)rises. Among 
the German citizens of this section of country Mr. 
Wunder is highly honored, and the respect in 
which he is iield is not confined to those of his 
own nationality. 

s^j AMUEL NICHOLS, late an honored resi- 
dent of Jefferson County, and for more 
than twenty years an agriculturist of Norton 
Township, was of Scotch parentage and 
born in Ireland. His parents were William and 
Margaret (Mathews) Nichols, and under their roof 
he remained until he h.ad reached maturity, wiien 
he announced his determination of seeking a liome 
in the New World, and bidding adieu to his friends, 
crossed the broad Atlantic. He settled in Chester 
County, Pa., where lie lived about seven years, 
during that time making the acquaintance of a 
young lady whose excellent qualities and pleasing 
manners won his respect and deep affection. This 
young lady was Miss Jessie A., daughter of George 
and Jane (Hening) Nixon, who was born in Dum- 
frecs, Scotland, and came to America with her 
parents when she was a Lass of sixteen years. 

His regard being reciprocated, Mr. Nichols was 
united in marriage with Miss Nixon, and tiiey es- 
tablished themselves in Reading, where for a short 
time the young husband was employed as a puddler 
in the iron mills. He thought lie would prefer an 
agricultural life, and going to La Salle County, 
111., he purchased a farm near Ottawa, where they 
lived thirteen j-ears. He tlien sold it. and in 1864 
came to Jefferson County, Kan., wiiero he bought 



768 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



a quarter-section of land, which his family now oc- 
cupies. It was somewhat improved, there being 
forty acres of brolven ground in the tract, and a 
little shanty furnishing shelter for the family. Mr. 
Nichols made man}' improvements, among other 
efforts being the setting out of a fine orchard, 
which was destroyed by a wind-storm in 1888. 

After having operated his estate for many years 
and gained hosts of friends bj' his consistent Cliris- 
tian character and useful life, Mr. Nichols laid 
down to rest on the 18th of April, 1887. his dying 
hours cheered bj' the faith in which his fathers had 
lived and died, all having been members of the 
United Presbyterian Church. He had ever lived 
up to the faith which he professed, and had taken 
a great interest in religious matters, helping to 
build the church at Nortonville, and bj' example 
and precept letting his light shine in the circle in 
which he moved. He was greatly beloved by his 
family, and his memory is revered bej-ond measure. 

Mr. Nichols was the father of four children, one 
of whom died in infancy. The living are William, 
George and Margaret. William is married and 
living on the home farm; he has a family of seven 
children; his eldest daughter, Annie, is married to 
Willie Roper, and has one son. George owns and 
operates a farm in Washington County; his family 
comprises seven daughters and one son. Margaret 
is the wife of John Nixon, and lives in Republic 
County, but within two miles of ber brotlier 
George; she is the mother of four daughters and 
two sons. Her family makes up the numlier of 
twent3'-one grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols. 
The children above named are members of the 
Christian Church. 

I^M ICHAEL DINNEN & SON occupy 33.5 
I \\\ acres of valuable land in Jefferson County, 
I ill which is owned by the senior Dinuen, and 
* which the two farm in partnership. The 

estate is located on section 22, Kaw Township, nine 
miles from Topoka, is watered by Prairie Creek and 
is well improved. The residence is a beautiful 
edifice, built on a slope and surrounded by groves 
and orchards. An adequate barn and other out- 



buildings, feed 3'ards, corrall, and other conven- 
iences, are to be seen on the estate. The Dinnens 
raise and feed the best grades of cattle and hogs, 
."xhd have two full-blooded Norman mares and a 
stable horse, half coacli and half Ci3desdale, named 
'•Davy Crockett." 

Michael Dinnen, Sr., was born in Killrue, County 
Limerick, Ireland, in 1832, and is one of a family 
of eight children born to Maurice and Johannah 
(Carroll) Dinneu. His parents were also born in 
County Limerick and both died in their native 
land. His father was in good circumstances and 
was a prominent and influential citizen. He was in 
the leather business, having had a store at Ballau- 
ders, and he also operated a farm. Of the brothers 
and sisters of Mr. Dinnen of our sketch, onlj' one 
is now living. This is Maurice, who resides in 
Cheyenne, Wyoming; Mary, Bridget, Patrick, John, 
Dennis, and an infant unnamed are deceased. 

The elder of the gentlemen of whom this sketch 
treats was principally- reared by his uncle, Michael 
Dinnen, in the town of Killflnnie, and received a 
good education. He remained with his uncle, wlio 
was a farmer, until fifteen j'ears old, when he de- 
termined to seek his fortune in America, and he 
therefore went to Liverpool, where he took passage 
for New York on the sailer "Ambassador." The 
vessel sprung a leak and was wrecked off the coast 
of Ireland, and Mr. Dinnen went home and stayed 
a month. He then returned to the coast, boarded 
the same vessel, which had been repaired in the 
meantime, and six mouths from the time he first 
left home landed at New York, this being on April 
4, 1848. 

Going to Fall River, Mass., Mr. Dinnen found 
employment in the iron roller mills, beginning as a 
boy hand, at §5 per week and working his way un- 
til he ran a furnace of his own, making |;8 a daj-. 
He thorouglily understood the puddling of iror. 
In 1852 he went to Pittsburg, and was one of the 
300 men that broke up the strike at that place. 
He made his residence in Pittsburg until 1854, 
when he went to Wheeling. W. Va., and after a so- 
journ of about two years in that city, went to Kan- 
sas Cit}', Mo., by boat, and procuring work in the 
brick yards, then ere long became a practical brick- 
maker. His desire was to obtain a place of his 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



769 



own and engage in farming, and in tlie fall of 
1 856 he paid a visit to Eastern Kansas, but returned 
to Kansas Cit}' and continued iiis work there until 
the spring of 1859. He then brought his family to 
Jefferson County, located on a wild piece of land 
on section 13, Kaw Township, built a log house, 
and farmed there until 1865, having fortunately 
money enough to carry him through the dry 
year of 1860. 

In 1865 Mr. Dinnen sold his original farm in 
Jefferson County, and bought 530 acres where he 
now lives, which is one of the best farm sites in the 
township and was bought when he had the choice 
of the valley. In 1889, he sold 195 acres, still re- 
taining the remainder which has been already de- 
scribed. He also owns a residence and six lots in 
Oaklawn Park, Topeka. During the rough times 
in the earlier history of this section he often sleiit 
out doors, having to assist in bunting down horse 
thieves and other desperadoes. He belonged to 
the Kansas State Militia and during Price's raid 
took part in the battle at Westport. Soon after 
returning from the raid he was drafted, and imme- 
diatel}' left his wife and little ones in response to 
the call, reporting at Leavenworth, but he was never 
needed or called upon for active service. 

In Fall River, Mass., June 11, 1850, Michael 
Dinnen. Sr., was united in marriage with Bridget 
Murphy, who was born in County Longford, Ire- 
land. Her father, Hugh Murphy, was a prominent 
farmer in the Emerald Isle and came to America in 
1859, from that time until his death living a re- 
tired life at the home of his daughter. Sir. and 
Mrs. Dinnen are the parents of four children, of 
whom we note the following: Catherine is the wife 
of John Sweeney,' General Road Master of the Rio 
Grande Railroad, whose home is at Leadville. Colo.; 
James C. is a prominent farmer of Kaw Township; 
John I. is train master at Helena. Mont.; Michael 
Jr.. was born in Kaw Township, April 18, 1864, 
and is unmarried ; he is an intelligent and enter- 
prising young man am) is a valued assistant in his 
father's employment, and a veritable "chip of the 
old block" in all the sturdy qualities which have 
made his father so successful and so highly re- 
spected. 

Michael Dinnen, Sr., has always been greatly in- 



terested in educational affairs and was instrumental 
in building the first school house in the township, 
which was made of logs and stood near his present 
home. He has served on the School Board for 
nine years, although he declines all other offices. 
He belongs to the Democratic party and is one of 
its most active members; for the past thirty j-ears 
he has been delegate to County Conventions and a 
member of the Central Committee, and has sat in 
some dozen State Conventions as a delegate. He 
is a devout Catholic, holding membership in the 
church at Newman, of which he has been a Director 
for years. He is highly regarded b}' every one 
who knows him and considered one of the most 
useful members of the community in which he 
resides. 




DAM C. HURD. This gentleman is one of 
the old settlers of the State and also an 
earl}' settler of Jefferson County. He is 
largely engaged in farming, owning 21 1 
acres on section 17, and 240 on section 9, Kaw 
Township, and in addition to his farming he paj's a 
good deal of attention to the dairy business, keep- 
ing forty cows. His estate is located within seven 
miles of Topeka, and is finely improved, supplied 
with a well-built house, barn and other necessary 
buildings, beautified by orchard and groves, and 
furnished with adequate feed yards. He uses the 
latest improved farm machinery in carrying on his 
agricultural work, and the water needed upon 
his place is brought from mother earth by two 
wind mills, with large tanks from which the liquid 
is piped to various points as convenience demands. 
The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
Samuel Hurd, who was born in Vermont and be- 
came one of the first settlers in Allegany Count}', 
N. Y.. going thence when their way had to be cut 
through the forest. He was a soldier in the Mexi- 
can AVar. His wife w^as a daughter of Batman 
Fitzsimmons, a Revolutionary soldier. 

The father of our subject, Fitzsimmons Hurd, 
was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., ami upon at- 
taining sutlieicnt age adopted his father's occupa- 
tion of farming, being so employed in Allegany 
Count}' for some years. In the year 1847 he 



>^ 



770 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



removed to Michigan and located in Hillsdale 
County, where he bought a farm which he then 
operated for five years. His wife dying at that 
time he returned to his native State,whence in 1857 
he came to Kansas and settled on a claim in Jack- 
son County. After remaining there two years he 
went to CarroUton, Mo., and engaged in the mer- 
cantile business, continuing until the spring of 
1862, when owing to the excitement engendered by 
the Civil War, he was compelled to flee from the 
rebels, leaving everything which he possessed ex- 
cept the horse upon which he rode. He came to 
Jefferson County, Kan., and in the spring of 1863 
he enlisted in tiie 15th Kansas Cavalrj", although 
above the age of military service. He served as 
Sergeant of Company F, and on detached duty as 
dispatch carrier, until injured b}' the falling of a 
horse upon him, when lie was mustered out on 
account of disabilit}-. He returned to Jefferson 
County and the latter years of his life were spent 
with our subject, his death occurring in 1874 at the 
age of sixty-four 3'ears. In politics he was a 
Democrat, and belonged to the Methodist Epis- 
copal Churcli. 

The mother of our subject bore the maiden 
name of Annie .Sortore, and was a native of New 
York State and daughter of Jonatlian Sortore, 
who carried on a blacksmith shop on the Gene- 
see River. The Sortore famil}^ were from South 
Carolina. Mrs. Fitzsimmons Hurd died in Michi- 
gan in 1852. She had borne six children, of 
whom our subject is the oldest: Sophia, now Mr?. 
LaFon, lives in Oklahoma; Samuel died when a 
child: Mrs. Carrie Rogers lives in New York; Insco 
is deceased; Mary now Mrs. Peck, lives in Musca- 
tine, Iowa. 

A. C. Hurd was born near Scio, Allegan3' 
Co., N. Y., Jan. 14, 1839, and was eight years 
old when he accompanied his parents to Hills- 
dale County, Mich., where he helped his father 
improve a farm from the wilderness, having the 
advantages of the district schools. After the 
death of his mother, he accompanied the other 
members of the family to New York State, and a 
few years later came to Kansas with his father, 
their journey being performed by water on tlie Al- 
legheny, Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers to 



Leavenworth, and tiience b}' teams to Topeka. 
Upon reaching the latter point, young Hurd struck 
out for himself and went to Indianola, where he 
obtained employment in a saw and grist mill and 
where he continued working for five j-ears. Dur- 
ing this time he saw and did business with a great 
many Indians and learned to understand them, and 
to speak some of their language, especially that 
used by the Kaw and Pottawatomie tribes. 

In August, 1862, Mr. Hurd enlisted in Company 
L, 5tli Kansas Cavalry, and was mustered into ser- 
vice at Leavenwortli, remaining in tiie fort some 
time and being sent out on several raids. He was 
afterward stationed at Blue Springs and Independ- 
ence, Mo., with a batter3% thence scouting be- 
tween Sedalia and the Arkansas River, hunting 
bushwhackers. Mr. Hurd had been acting as Ser- 
geant, and being well versed in artillery tactics he 
was stationed at Olathe, Kan., to complete the for- 
tifications and drill a company in tlie use of ar- 
tiller)', and he remained in command there for a 
time. 

After being mustered out of service at Leaven- 
worth, July 1, 1865, Mr. Hurd came to this countj^ 
and bought the ferr^' across the Kaw River on the 
Jefferson and Shawnee County line. He ran the 
ferry for seven j'ears, farming some in connection 
therewith, in 1870 buying eighty acres of the farm 
which he now occupies and locating upon it tw-o 
J'ears later. It was then a raw piece of land with- 
out improvement, and that its owner has been more 
than ordinarily successful in his life as a Kansas 
farmer is proven bj' the amount of land which he 
now owns, and its flue condition as to productive- 
nesss and improvement. Mr. Hurd has been largely 
engaged in wheat-raising, and saj's that he was 
obliged to quit it for general farming as it was 
"busting" him. 

In Johnson County, Kan., Feb. 25, 1865, Mr. 
Hurd was united in ma'riage with Miss Eliza 
Enochs, a native of Ohio, who had come to tiiis 
State the j-ear before her marriage. She was the 
daughter of David Enochs, a farmer in Kaw Town- 
ship, and possessed manj' of those qualities which 
make home happy. She bore her husband six chil- 
dren — Fitzsimmons, Leonora, Amy, Alta, Etta (the 
latter twins), and Colonel D. All of the chil- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



771 



dren are yet at home except Leonora, who is the 
wife of AV. (t. McHenry, a mechanic- residing in 
Kaw Townsliip. The wife and mother departed 
this life in March, 1882. 

Mr. Iliird has been a useful citizen, not only in 
a private capacity but in public office, having 
served on the School Board for years; been Town- 
ship Clerk several years; and Township Trustee 
for sis years. Although reared to a belief in the 
principles of the Democracj', he is a Kepublican 
always, having decided the political question when 
a young man in Indianola, from disputes held and 
words used between the two parties daring those 
early Kansas days. He has been a delegate to the 
county convention and is a member of the Repub- 
lican County Central Committee. Mr. Hurd is an 
active and liberal member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church at Grantville, and it is needless to 
state that he has many warm friends wherever his 
character is known. 



<¥/ ORENZO NORTHRUP, M.D.. one of the 
I (® pioneer physicians and surgeons of Valley 
jALi^ Falls, has. since his settlement here in 1855i 
tilled a high position in the affections of his fellow- 
citizens. He began the practice of his profession 
in this region when the Indians roamed up and 
down the valley in the daytime, and the wolves 
howled constantly at night. The country, in its 
wild and unsettled condition, presented a not very 
cheerful outlook to the new comer, but he was a 
man of undaunted courage, and maintained his po- 
sition amid the manj^ thrilling scenes which suc- 
ceeded his first settlement here. In addition to the 
duties of his profession, he found lime to interest 
himself in the welfare of the people around him, 
olBciating as a member of the School Board and 
otherwise making himself useful in local affairs. 

At that time when, as the country became set- 
tled up, a school district was divided, those thrown 
into the new district were repiired to establish a 
residence of thirty days before they could vote at 
a school election. This naturally led to consider- 
able illegal voting. Upon a question arising as to 



law requiring a lliirtj- days residence in the District 
in order to entitle him to vote, the State Superin- 
tendent of PuIjIic Instruction, Prof. McVicker. sus- 
tained the decision of Dr. N'orthrup. who was work- 
ing vigorously in order to have a commodious 
school building erected, which project was being 
met with considerable opposition. The s[)irit of 
enterprise prevailed, however, and resulted in the 
present beautiful and well-ap|iointed structure 
which is now the pride of the people of Delaware 
Township. Dr. Norlhruj). as a member of the 
Building Committee, was largely instrumental in 
making the building what it is. He was likewise 
one of the early members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, to which he has given a liberal sup- 
port. No enterprise deserving of success and en- 
couragement has been denied the aid of Dr. 
Norlhrup, who has taken a more than ordiuar}' in- 
terest in the growth and developement of this 
section of countrj', which he chose as his abiding 
place thirty-five years ago. 

A native of the town of Jefferson, Schoharie Co., 
N. Y., Dr. Northrup was born at his father's old 
homestead May 10, 1819, in the same house where 
his ten brothers and sisters had also first opened 
their eyes to the light. Israel Xorlhrui). the father, 
was a lifelong farmer, and spent his last years in 
New York. The maiden name of the mother was 
Sally Baile_v. She died in New York. Grand- 
father Baile}' was a musician in the Revolutionary 
War. There are living onlj- three of the children 
born to Israel and Sally (Bailey) Northrup. of 
whom Lorenzo is the eldest. Ills sister, Jerusha, 
(Mrs. AVhile) is the wife of James White, a iniller 
b3' occupation, and living in New York. Anseu 
is a resident of Apulia, that State, and a farmer by 
occupation. 

Lorenzo Northrui) completed his studies in the 
aeademj' at Homer, and in 1839 began reading 
medicine under the instruction of Dr. Farrington, 
of Ashtabula. Ohio, to which State he h.ad emi- 
grated. He devoted himself faithfully to medical 
study forthree years under different preceptors, and 
in the fall of 1842 entered the medical department 
of Willoughby College, from which he was gradu- 
ated. He commenced the pr.actice of his profession 
in Revenna, Portatre County, with a capital of fifty 



772 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



cents. His first case was straighteuing the eyes of 
a cross-e,yed boy, a stepson of a resident phj-sician. 
The latter was so elated over the success of the 
operation, that he advertised it in the local paper, 
and the fame of Dr. Northrup as an eye specialist 
was thus assured. He arose at once in his pro- 
fession, securing a lucrative practice. Soon after- 
ward, however, he removed to Stark County, 
locating in Limaville, a short distance away, After 
practicing there for a time, he, in 1850, joined the 
caravans journeying to the newly discovered gold 
fields of California, and established a hospital in 
Illinoistown. He practiced a short time, until the 
wet season, then returned to his old haunts in the 
Buckeye State. 

Sojourning in Ohio, this time until 1855, Dr. 
Northrup now turned his attention to what was 
then Kansas Ty., where lie decided to make his 
future home. Coming to Jefferson Count}-, he 
looked upon the present site of A'alle}' Kails when 
it was only marked bj' a single house and which 
house has long since disappeared. He has wit- 
nessed the erection of every building since put up 
in the town, and has watched its growth and pro- 
gress with the warmest interest. He served as 
Director in the first school distritt four years, and 
assisted in the erection of the first school house in 
Jefferson County, contributing thereto with his 
own money, and hired a teacher at his own expense, 
allowing all the neighborhood children to attend 
whether they paid or not. The teacher, however, 
proved an individual interested in his work, and 
collected tuition from all, so that Dr. Northrup 
was released from his self-imposed contract. The 
Doctor was at one time the Mayor of Limaville. 
In 1869, Dr. Northrup repaired to Chicago, 111., 
and took a course of lectures in Rush Medical 
College, from which he was graduated with high 
honors. Later he attended a post-graduate course 
in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, which af- 
forded him instruction and experience of incalcu- 
lable value. 

Dr. Northrup was married in the fall of 1844, at 
Elsworth, Ohio, to Miss Jane, daughter of James 
and Hester Brook. The latter was a first cousin of 
Daniel Boone, the noted pioneer and Indian fighter 
of Kentucky. Mr. Brook departed tliis life at 



Goshen, Ohio, and his estimable wife died at Bur- 
lin about 1850. Esther, the eldest child born of 
this marriage, is the wife of Americus Frazier of 
Valley Falls; Elmer married Miss Hattie Crain, 
and is a resident of National City, Cal.; they have 
one child, a son. Raj-. Kirkland married Miss 
Hattie Eastman, and is a practicing physician of 
I'alco, this State; they have a son also named Ray. 
Daniel B. married Miss Fanny Bogues, and is a 
leading physician and surgeon at San Diego, Cal.; 
they have two ciiildren, Genevieve and Daniel B., 
Jr.; the latter, in 1888, took the premium at a 
bab}' show at San Diego as being the happiest, 
noisiest .and sauciest infant in the crowd, and was 
nominated by acclamation as a future Governor. 
Katy is the wife of AVilliam White of Leavenworth, 
and she, following in the footsteps'of her brothers, 
has likewise named her only child Ray. In 
August, 1868, he went to California, where he 
sojourned six months, in the meantime following 
his profession. 

Mrs. Northrup died at San Diego, Cal., Jan.4,1 888. 
The bereaved husband brought her remains to his 
home at Valley Falls for burial, and in his loss was 
tendered the sympathies of the entire community. 
The departed wife and mother was a consistent 
Christian, a member of the Friends' Church, and 
one who possessed all the womanl\ virtues. In 
Ohio, Dr. Northrup was a member of the Alliance 
(Stark County) Medical Society, a flourishing asso- 
ciation in which he was officiating his second term. 



<* W. ROBERTS. While Kansas was still a 
Territory, and Oskaloosa in its infancy, l)ut 
already the county seat of Jefferson Count}, 
the gentleman whose name initiates this 
sketch established the Oskaloosa Independent. This 
valuable public journal during the thirty years 
since that time has been in continued chaige of 
some member of the family. The founder of the 
sheet is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, 
and, in Warren County of that State, had, for 
about ten years, been engaged in the publishing 
business, when he determined to remove to a section 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



773 



farlliei' west. After establishing liis new enterprise 
he, ill -Till}', 1862, brought his family to Osi<:iloosa. 

The Indeppiulmt lias been the official sheet of 
Jefferson Count}- and of the city during almost the 
entire periotl since its establishment. Its list of 
subscribers is surpassed by that of very few weekly 
papers in Kansas, and the plant is a superior one, 
including a commodious stone and brick building, 
and such presses and other conveniences as fairly 
entitle it to be considered as one of the best 
equipped country offices in the State. A wise 
gleaning of the news of tiie da)', a terse and vigor- 
ous speech on topics of public interest, and a dis- 
criminating judgment regarding the needs of tiie 
people, are manifested in ils columns, and it is 
recognized as one of the leading papers of the 
State, and one of her permanent institulious. 

.Since July, 1882, the Iiulependetit has been in 
charge of F. H. Roberts, a son of the founder, and 
a young man whose early trtiining, habits of thought, 
and the characteristics of mind inherited by him, 
esi)ecially lit him for the position of editor and 
publisher. It is confidently expected that the pub- 
lication will grow in power and influence, that 
in the advancing thought and extended knowledge 
of the age, it will ever keep abreast of the times, 
and retain the position it now holds .as a part of 
llie press of a great commonwealth and a grand 
Nation. 

— *^* 'E^iS^- ^^-—^ 

\fi'OHX GOOD, a prominent farmer of Potta- 
watomie County, resides on a fine farm of 
160 acres of land on section 2, Rock Creek 
Township. It has been his home since 1870i 
he having previously lived in Putn;yn County, 
Ind. He was born in AV.ayne County, Ind., Oct. 
25, 1833, and when four years of age, was taken by 
his parents to Clay County, where he grew to ma- 
turitj'. He received a fair English education in the 
common schools, and a fine practical training on the 
farm, and when ready to commeiice for himself, 
wa.s eijuipped with tlie recjiiisite amount of know- 
ledge, theoretical and practical, in addition to a 
fine robust constitution, wliicii was of gieat use to 
him in his subsequent struggles to secure a foothold 
jn the. at that lime, far West. Wben the parents of 



^ 



Mr. Good removed from Clay to Putnam Count)', 
Ind., he .accompanied them and resided there until 
he located in Kansas. While a resident of the lat- 
ter county, he became acquainted with the lady 
who was destined to become his partner through 
life, and their marriage was celebrated in Putnam 
County in 1856 on the 12th daj' of November. 
The maiden name of Mrs. Good was Sarilda .J. 
Rogers. .She was a daughter of Sanford Rogers, 
and was born Oct. 19, 1840, in Hendricks County, 
Ind., and lived there until fourteen years old. when 
she accompanied her parents to Putnam County, in 
the same State, where she finished her education, 
and remained until her marriage as stated above. 

Mr. and Mrs. Good began housekeeping on a 
farm in Putnam County, Ind., and continued to 
make that their home, being employed in agricul- 
tural pursuits until 1870, when they emigr.ated to 
Kans.as. Mr. Good took up a homestead of eighty 
acres, and set to work to improve it. His first care 
was to provide a dwelling for his family. That be- 
ing done, he at once began breaking up the soil and 
putting in a crop. By persevering industry he 
soon had his place fairly well improved, and then 
he enlarged his farm by buying the rest of the 
quarter section adjoining his homestead. He con- 
tinued to improve bis place, each year adding some- 
thing new, until now he has a productive and finely 
cultivated farm with all necessary buildings, fences, 
a good orchard and first-class stock. All the work 
required to bring the place up to its present con- 
dition was performed by Mr. Good himself, with- 
out aid from an3''one else, and is an illustration of 
what can be accomplished by pluck and persever- 
ance. 

Mr. Good has been too busy to pay much atten- 
tion to polities, but he does his duty as a free man 
by casting his ballot for his favorite candidate, and 
has himself held the office of constable for four 
years. His political principUs coincide with those 
of the Democratic party, to which he adheres. 

To our subject and his wife have been born ten 
chiidren. of whom seven have survived the ills of 
childhood, and are .at present pursuing their way in 
life, doing their dut)- in .all relations to the best of 
their abilitj'. being Mary A. (Mrs. C. Carlson). 
Lewis, Martha J. is Mrs, C. Whitber, George, 



774 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Ci'nthia, Henry and Elmer. The 3'Ounger four 
are yet under the parental roof and assist to keep 
Mr. Good from feeling his loneliness, caused by the 
death of his wife in 1880, as much as he otherwise 
would, were it not for the comfort and cheer which 
their presence brings to the home. Mrs. Good de- 
parted this life, as indicnted above, Sept. 13, 1880, 
but her loving famil3' are comforted bj' the sweet 
thought that " their loss is her gain." She was a 
faithful Christian woman, and the entire faniil}' are 
held in high regard by their neighbors and ac- 
quaintances. 



-n^^i 



'SSSSiiiLiS 



^^ir-jn. 



'|[_^AKRY HAGAMAN, Cashier of the Onaga 
^ Exchange Bank, also conducts a thriving 
insurance business at this place, and is num- 
bered among its energetic young business 
men. Tiie bank is under the proprietorship of 
Messrs. (xeorge Trout and Lewis B. Leach, and is 
one of the most reliable institutions of its kind in 
Pottawatomie County. It was established in 1883 
by Henry Storch, and on the 11th of .July, 1887, 
passed under its present management with a capital 
of §40,000. This has since been increased to %&0,- 
000. Mr. Hagaman has been cashier of the bank 
since 1886, operating for one year under Mr. 
Storch. The business career of Mr. Hagaman in 
Onaga. commenced as clerk for the Arm of Storch 
<fe Landon. general merchants, in September, 1884. 
He had then but rcceutlj- been graduated from the 
lUisiness Co.'lcge at Emporia, although he had prior 
to this officiated as clerk tliree yea;s in Carterville, 
Southwest Missouri. He is a native of Minnesota, 
having been born in Albert Lea, Sept. 14, 1865. 
His father, Francis JL Hagaman, was a native of 
New York State, and traced his ancestry to Hol- 
land. He was born near Amsterdam, and his 
mother having died when he was nine j'ears old, he 
left home, and from that time was dependent upon 
his own resources. He made his way subsequently 
to Michigan, and later lo Wisconsin, where he 
learned the trade of a blacksmith. In one of these 
St.ates he was married to Miss Jennie ]5rownsill. 

The mother of our subject was a native of Eno-. 
land, and emigrated with her parents to America 



when a child of nine years. Shesubsequentl3' lived 
in Michigan and "Wisconsin until her marriage. 
Afterward the Hagaman famil}' lived for a time in 
the Badger State, and later removed to .Stephenson 
County, 111., where the father followed his trade 
until the outbreak of the Civil War. Then in 1862 
he raised Company I, which was made a part of 
the 14th Illinois Cavalry, and assigned to the Army 
of the Cumberland. Mr. Hagaman received a 
Captain's commission, and participated with his 
regiment thereafter in many important engage- 
ments until on account of illness he was obliged to 
return home. Later, however, he rejoined his regi- 
ment, and after serving two and one-half years, was 
given an honorable discharge. He suffered a broken 
nose, but otherwise escaped unharmed, and was 
never captured bj' the enemj'. Upon retiring from 
the army, he repaired to Minnesota, following his 
trade at Albert Lea. until 1884. That year he 
went to Canon City Col., where his death took 
place at the age of sixty j'e.ars. He was a life-long 
Democrat, politically, and a warm defender of the 
principles of Masonry with which he became 
identified mauj- years prior to his decease. The wife 
and mother is still living, making her home with 
her son, Vernon, at Carterville, Mo.; she is now 
fifty-seven years old, a lady of many estimable 
qualities and a consistent member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 

The subject of this sketch was the third of 
a family of four children, and also the eldest of 
two sons. All are living and three are married. 
Harr3', like his brothers and sisters, was well reared 
and educated .and began la3-inghis plans for the fu- 
ture earlv' in life. He was bright and ambitious 
and found friends wherever he went. On the lltli • 
of September, 1889, he was married, in Sherman 
Township, Pottawatomie Count3-, to Miss Effie 
Carl. This lad3' was born at Crown Point, Ind., 
June 13, 1868, and was the daughter of Nathaniel 
S. and Mar3- (Norton) Carl who, for the past five 
3-ears, have been living on a farm in .Sherman 
Township. Mr. Carl besides engaging in farming 
has operated considerably as a railroad contractor. 
Mrs. Hagaman completed her studies at Wyanet, 
III., and since coming to Kansas emplo3-ed herself 
as a teacher in the public schools, roostl3- at Wa- 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



775 




mego. Both she and her husband are popular in 
social circles. 'Sir. Ilawaraan, politically, is a 
sound Republican and socially, belongs to Onaga 
Lodge, No 68 K. of P. in vviiich he is Post Chan- 
cellor and meml)cr of the State Grand Lodge. He 
has tilled all the other Chairs of his Lodge and has 
a fine understanding of the working of the Order, 
of whose principle? he is a warm admirer. 



f-IIOMAS O'CONNOR. hi common with 
other countries, Lcland has contributed her 
full quota to the population and develop- 
ment of the Great West. Her sons have been found 
almost uniformly thrifty and industrious, and some 
of the finest farms in Pottawatomie County have 
been opened up b\- tiiem from the pi iraitive soil. 
The subject of this sketch, one of the leading fann- 
ers of Clear Creek Township, was born in County 
Kerr}', Jan. 18, 1845, and is the son of Mortimer 
and Ellen (Carroll) O'Connor. The father was 
likewise a native of County Kerr}-, and was for 
many years engaged successfully as a merchant in 
the old country. He came to America in 1878, 
and settled in Kansas with his son, our subject, and 
died in Pottawatomie County in 1888, in the sixty- 
eigth year of his age. The mother is still living. 
and makes her home with her son Thomas. 

The parents of Mr. O'Connor had a family of 
sixcliildren, only two of whom are living — Mary, 
the wife of Daniel Heffarman, of Peabody, Mass., 
and Thomas, our subject. The latter was eighteen 
years old when emigrating to America, and settled 
in Peabody, Mass., where for fifteen years he was 
engaged in teaming and as a currier. In the mean- 
time he was married, and having become the head 
of a family was anxious to provide for his chil- 
dren in a manner better tiiat he could do in the 
older States. Accordingly, in 1878, he set out for 
Kansas, and upon his arrival in Pottawatomie 
County, purchased the west half of the northeast 
quarter of section 21, in Clear Creek Township, 
whereon he has effected the usual iinpi'ovements, 
.and of which he still retains possession. He has a 
good story and a half house, a large barn, and the 
oUh.t necessary buildings. Most of the land lias 



lieen lirought to a good state of cultivation, and 
besides this Mr. O'Connor owns eighty acres else- 
where on the same section, and the same amount 
on section 22. He keeps large numbers of live 
stock, and is usually successful as a grain-raiser, 
and with other crops. 

Mr. O'Connor was married in Peabody, Mass., 
in June, 1872, to Miss Honora Cummings. Mrs. 
O'Connor is likewise a native of County Kerry, 
Ireland, and is now the mother of nine children, 
viz.: Nellie, Mortimer, Richard, Honora, Thomas, 
Mary, John, Pklward and Bessie. Mr. O'Connor 
takes an active interest in the establishment and 
maintenance of schools, and is Clerk of the Board 
in District No. 74. Both he and his estimable wife 
are devout members of the Catholic Church. Thej' 
have pleasant home surroundings, and are held in 
high esteem by their neighbors. 



— V 



-♦?s- 



^ 




UGUSTUS F. HISER. Peaceful as are 
]i the Germans under some circumstances, the 
training of the youth is such as to make 
vvgy their spirit essentially martial and warlike. 

This is conspicuously shown in the statues and 
other decorations of the German capital, which is 
the Mecca toward which all their eyes are turned, 
and which is to the entire P^mpire a t3^pe of the 
grandeur and gloiy they desire. This has been 
especially true since the days of the first Napoleon, 
and every true German from that day to the close 
of the Franco-Prussian war, looks foiward with 
ardent desire to the days when the Empire should 
be revenged for the indignities they have suffered 
at the hands of France. Though almost from in- 
fancy his home has been in America, he of whom 
we write looks back upon his German ancestors 
with pride, and hi™.self possesses the courageous 
spirit of the race which would lead him to "do and 
dare" in military life, should the need arise. 

Before outlining the history of our subject, a 
few words regarding his progenitors will not be 
amiss. Ilis father, Henr}' Hiser, was born in Asa- 
back, Hanover, Germany. Dee. 18, 1823, whence 
the family afterward removed to Holzhausan. Hesse. 
Gevraanv. There Henry Hiser was married to 



776 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



Sophia Shafer, a native of that town. Tlie father 
of Sophia (Shafer) Iliser was a soldier in the Ger- 
man arm}- for eighteen years and served through two 
two wars. While fighting against Napoleon, at Wa- 
terloo, he was once wounded in tlie foot by a sabre 
cut. lie moved his family to America in 1852, and 
settled in Virginia, where his death occurred June 
28, 1866. He had two sons, both of whom were in 
the Confederate Army during the late war. One 
of them, Augustus Shafer, was discharged and 
came to Kansas in 1870, dying in Wilson Count}', 
in 1872. The other, Fardnond Siiafer, is now living 
in Charleston, S. C. 

The parents of our subject were married in 
1848, and some four years later came to America 
with the bride's father, settling with iiim in \'ir- 
ginia. In the spring of 1860 they moved to Ohio, 
and three years later changed their place of abode 
to Illinois, whence, in 1870, they came to Kansas 
and settled in Louisville Township, Pottawatomie 
County. In 1880 tlie}' removed to Oregon, but 
in tlie fall of the same year, returned to this State 
and located in Belvue Towiisliip. There the mother 
died Dec. 29, 1884. The father is still living on 
the old homestead, and his present age is sixt_v- 
seven years. Of the six children born to them 
five still survive. 

Augustus F. Hiser, of whom we write, is tlie eldest 
of the [larental fainil}-, and was born in Holzhausan, 
German}-, April 2'J, 1849. Having come to Amer- 
ica at a very early period of his life, his education 
has been obtained here and it is as thorough as the 
common schools will afford. He began life for 
himself when tn-enty-five years of age. His first 
experience in this State was in 1869, when he ob- 
tained work on the Inion Pacific Railroad, which 
was then building the round house at Wamego. 
He has been a fireman both on a locomotive and 
stationary engine. He started in life empty hand- 
ed and now owns a fine property in Louisville 
Township, Pottawatomie County, where he carries 
on general farming and gives some .attention to 
raising horses, cattle and hogs. The estate com- 
prises 270 acres of improved land on section 24, 
about fifty acres of it being in good timber. All 
of the improvements on the place have been made 
by Mr. Hiser, as it was wild and unbroken land 



when he took possession of it. He held the office 
of School Director five years and was twice elected 
Justice of the Peace. He is now serving his second 
term. He was married Sep. 17, 1874, to Mrs. 
Mary L. Vieu. 




fLFRED M. FOWLER. Among the citi- 
zens of Jefferson County few are more 
lii pleasantly located or more prosperous than 
(^ this gentleman, whose home is in Kentucky 
Township, where he owns a large and valuable 
farm, having marked imjirovements, and where he 
is extensively engaged in the stock business and 
farming. He is one of the oldest settlers of this State, 
to which he came with an ox team in the fall of 1859, 
having to pick his way through the timber and 
across the trackless prairie, where the tall wild 
grass grew as high as the top of the bows of the 
wagon, and where the direction was easily lost. 
Like that of early settlers in his State, his home was 
devoid of the comforts which now surround him, 
and his success has been purchased by much toil 
.and frequent privations. 

Edward Fowler, the grandfather, and Mathew 
Fowler, the father of our subject, were both born 
in North Carolina, and at an early period in the 
history of Kentucky, the former settled on a farm 
in that State, which he improved and operated 
until his death. Mathew F'owler was also a farmer 
and a hunter, as were all the pioneers in the Ohio 
Valley, and he likewise engaged in flat-boating, 
acting as a pilot on the Green, Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivers to New Orleans, whence he would I'eturn to 
his home on foot through swamps and canebrakes. 
On his twenty-ninth trip to the mouth of the Mis- 
sissippi, in the year 1833, he lost his life. In try- 
ing to stop a boat he caught the limb of a tree, 
which sprung with him, and as he let go he struck 
the edge of the boat and injured his back so that 
he died soon after he was t.aken home. In politics 
he was a Democrat, and in religion he was a Bap- 
tist. 

Our subject was but four years old when his 
fatliPi' [lied, and lie and the other children were 
reared by the mother, She liore the maiden name 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRA.PHICAL ALBUM. 



of Lydia Bush, and was born in A'iiginia. as was 
her father. Henrj- Bush, who moved to Kentucky 
in an early d.av. there continuing liis occupation 
as a farmer and a hunter. In 18.50 Mrs. Fowler 
moved to New Albany, Ind., wliere slie remained 
until her death. Like her deceased husband, she 
wa.s a member of the Baptist Church. The parental 
famil}- comprised seven children, the tliird born 
having died in infancy. Landon B. is now living 
at Payson, 111.; he was in an Illinois regiment 
from the beginning till the close of the war as 
bridge carpenter. Parmelia, now ]\Irs. .ShetHer, is 
living in Indiana; ^Irs. Margaret J. Cattrell lives 
in New Albany, Ind.; AVilliam N. lives in Harri- 
son C'ount}^ Mo., and during the war belonged to 
the Missouri militia. The next in order of birtli 
was our subject. The youngest member of the 
family is Mrs. Nancy Spenser, of New Albany. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Hart 
('ounty, Ky., April 7, 1829, and lived there until 
of age. His schooling was obtained at the sul)- 
scription schools in a log house, and was some- 
what limited. When sixteen years old he left 
home and began working on a farm by the month, 
continuing so employed until 184!), when he jour- 
neyed to Indiana by team and found employment 
in the shipyards at New Albany. After five years 
spent in this occupation he returned to his native 
count}' an<l then went to Bowling Green, where on 
Feb. 9, 1854, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Mar}' A. Crow. He bought a farm of 230 acres in 
that county (Warren) and operated it until the lat- 
ter part of May, 1858, when with two yoke of oxen 
he started Westward, crossing the Mississippi at 
St. Louis and the Mi.ssouri at St. Charles. Buying a 
farm in Harrison County, Mo., he operated it until 
the fall of 1859, when he determined to become a 
ciiizen of Kansas. 

Leaving his former place of residence on the 7th 
of October, Mr. F'owler started with an ox-team, 
heading for Lawrence, but w.as unable to keep 
the direction across the prairies, owing to the lack of 
way-marks, and the great height of the prairie grass. 
On the morning of October 17, he had reached 
the hill north of the ()resent site of Perry, whence 
he was able to determine his future course, and 
whence he made bis way, the same day to his ob- 



jective point, crossing the Kaw at Leeompton. For 
three years he occupied rented land, and then pur- 
chased a trad about two and a half miles from the 
cit3', which he improved ami cultivated until the 
spring of 1865, wlicn he came to Jefferson County, 
Kentucky Township. 

Mr. Fowler belonged to the Kansas State Militia 
during the war, and was actively engaged during 
the (_^uantrell and Price raids, taking part in the 
contest against the latter near Westporl. On the 
morning of August 22, 1863, he heard firing, aiid 
in corai>any with A. B. Wade and Whit Thurbor 
started for Lawrence, leaving home without arms. 
(Juantrell's forces were making their raid on Law- 
rence, and on the approach of the three comrades 
fired at them, and caused them to whirl back across 
the bridge, whence they witnessed the raid, the 
burning of the town, and saw Jim Lane's house set 
on fire. Mr. Fowler then joined Gen. Lane's reg- 
iment in pursuit of (^uantrell. 

On moving to this township, Mr. Fowler bought 
205 .acres of land and began its improvement, the 
first dwelling of the family being an old log house 
on the banks of the Kansas. In 1869. he i)ut up 
his present residence which was the first brick 
house between Lawrence and Topeka. He now has 
a barn 34x56 feet, and granaries, cribs, etc., suf- 
flcfently numerous and commodious for the wi^rk 
of the farm. A fine windmill and tank supply 
liquid refreshment to the herds which are bought, 
fed, and shii)ped in large numbers. Mr. Fowler 
breeds full bloodeil Poland-China hogs, and raises 
from sevent\-flve to 150 per year. Three teams 
are required to carry on the work of the estate, 
which now com[)rises about 400 acres on the Kan- 
sas bottom land where wheat and corn are the 
principal grain crops. The estate is neatly fenced 
by hedge and wire, and contains an orchard of 
about ten acres, while walnut groves furnish re- 
freshing shade for stock and human beings. 

The parents of Mrs. Fowler were James and 
Jennie (Rector) Crow. The father was born in 
Tennessee but settled in Warren County, K}'., and 
there engaged in farming, becoming quite well-to- 
do. He was mysteriousi}' killed for some old feud. 
When found where he had been chopping, the lop 
of the tree lay on him, but it was evident that he 



778 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



harl been killed by an ax and placed in that pecu- 
liar position. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fowler are the parents of eight 
children. James M. is farming in this township, is 
married, and the fatlier of a family. Alice, who 
died at the age of twenty-four years, was the wife 
of Charles Hoffman. George W. is in the employ 
of the Northern Pacific Railroad, at Minneapolis, 
Minn. Lucy J., who died when twent3'-four years 
old, was the wife of Mathew Jones. Woodford is 
assisting in the management of the home farm, and 
is quite jjrouiinent among the young men of this 
county. Gertrude is at home. Bourbon is attend- 
ing the Gem City Business College at Quincy, 111. 
Thomas P. is at home. 

Mr. Fowler has always taken an interest in edu- 
cational matters, and has been .School Director for 
fourteen years. He is active in political affairs, 
giving his vote and influence to the Democracy. 
He stands well in the community as an honorable 
and intelligent man and a reliable citizen. His 
wife belongs to the Baptist Churcii, and her good 
qualities are recognized by a high measure of re- 
gard. 

^ T. SMITH. The gentleman with whose 
name we introduce this sketch first set foot 
upon the .soil of Kansas in 1876, and two 
3'ears later estaljlished himself as a farmer in 
Mill Creek Township, purchasing 160 acres of land 
on section 2. He has wisely maintained his resi- 
dence upon tlie same place since that time, and by 
the exercise of industry and economy has built up 
a fine homestead, bringing the land to a very pro- 
ductive condition and erecting substantial modern 
buildings. His land lies in the bottoms, and is 
well-watered by the Vermillion River. It is con- 
sidered one of the finest tracts in Pottawatomie 
Count}-. It bears little comparison to its condition 
when taken in hand bj' Mr. Smith, who commenced 
at first principles in the construction of a farm, and 
whose labors have uniformly met with success. 

In reviewing the personal histor}' of an individ- 
ual the mind involuntarilj' reverts to those from 
wiidin he drew his origin. The subject of this 
sketch is the offspring of escelleut ancestry, being 



tlie grandson of Thomas G. Smith, a native of 
Skaneateles, N. Y., who was descended from old 
Yankee stock, and who settled in the Empire State 
during the pioneer days of Onondaga County. 
Thomas G. upon reaching man's estate, whieli he 
attained in his native county, occupied iiimself as a 
foundryman, and finally became owner of an iron 
manufactory', giving employmenttoa large number 
of men. He also had an interest in the Erie 
Canal, and was connected with other enterprises 
wliich resulted in his becoming quite wealthy. He 
likewise owned large tracts of land hi the vicinity 
of Bethanj', Genesee Co., N. Y., to wliich he finally 
removed and there spent his last days, dying at 
the house of one of his younger sons, of whom lie 
had five. He was then sixty-eight years old. 

The paternal grandmother of our subject bore 
the maiden name of Burist. .She was born and 
reared in the same town as her bnsljand, and 
was likewise descended from a highly respecta- 
ble family. She accompanied her husband to 
Genessee County, and survived him tliree years, 
dying at the age of sixty-eight. She was a lady 
possessing all the Christian virtues, a devoted wife 
and mother, a kind and hospitable neighbor, and 
universally beloved. Besides the five sons already 
spoken of there were four daughters. The eldest 
son and second child was George B., the fatiier of 
the subject of this sketch, who was likewise a native 
of Skaneateles, N. Y., and born Sept. 13, 1815. 
The brothers and sisters of the latter all lived to 
mature years, married and reared families. The 
youngest, Leonard T., is one of the prominent 
railroad men of Leavenworth, Kan., and occupies a 
leading position among the stock-raising interests 
of this State. Indeed, the entire family are well- 
to-do, stirring business men and good citizens. 

George B. Smith was a lad of thirteen years 
when his parents removed from Onondaga to Gen- 
esee Count}-, N. Y., settling near Bethany, where 
he attained to his majority. Subsequently he es- 
tablished himself in Linden as a foundryman, and 
associated himself with a partner. Under the firm 
name of Smith ife Bosworth they conducted an ex- 
tensive business for eighteen years. Mr. Smith 
retired in 1863, and afterward made his home in 
Linden, He -wag the owner of a large farm near 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



779 



the town. He departed this life on the flrst Sunday 
in November, I860. He was a man of decided 
views, an active local politician, belonging Ut the 
Democratic part3', and exercised no small influence 
in his community. 

The maiden name of tlie mother of our subject 
was Betsey E. Stewart. She was born at Bethany 
Center, N. Y., about 1830, and died on the old 
home farm near Linden, N. Y., in August, 1870. 
Her parents were James and Elizabeth Stewart, the 
former of whom was a native of Scotland and the 
latter of Ireland. Both emigrated to the I'nited 
States earlj' in life, and they were married in 
Genesee County, N. Y. The father carried on 
farming near Bethany Center, becoming the owner 
of 320 acres of land, from which lie built up a 
valuable estate. There he witii his e.xcellont wife 
spent his last days, passing aivay before attaining 
to an advanced age. The property which they left 
continues in the possession of their descendants. 
Both were active members of the Presbyterian 
Church, and the}- were greatly respected in Ihoir 
community, (irandmother Stewart was especially 
beloved for her amiable trails of character and her 
many virtues. 

J. T. Smith was the elder of the two children born 
to his parents, and first opened his eyes to the 
light Dec. 1. 1853. lie received a practical edu- 
cation in the schools of his native township, and 
when a young man of twenty j'ears, accompanied 
by his sister, Ida P.. left his native State and took 
up his residence in Owasso, Shiawassee Co., Midi., 
where he sojourned eighteen months. Next he 
went to Coldwater, Bivinch County, where he so- 
journed one year. Miss Ida then returned to 
Batavia. N. Y.. and .1. T. located in Lincoln. 111., 
where he remained one year. He then returned to 
his native State, and from there, in 1876, came to 
Kansas to look over the country. He then went 
back to New York State, and two years later 
crossed the Mississippi to stay. 

In Attica, N. Y., on the 14th of November, 1878, 
Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
C. Vincent. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of Har- 
ris Vincent, a well-known resident of Attica, and 
received careful home training and a good educa- 
tion in her native city. She only lived a short 



time after her marriage, her death occurring March 
28, 1879, at her home in Mill Creek Township. 
She was a lady greatly beloved by her hiisliand and 
friends, who still hold her in lender remembrance. 
She had for some years been a consistent member 
of the Congregational Church. __ Mr. Smith is 
identified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to 
Blue Lodge, No. 118, at Onaga. In politics, he is 
an uncompromising Democrat. 



f, ENS JENSEN. The subject of this notice, 
one of the most thrifty farmers of Whiting 
Township, may be properly classed with its 
self-made men. as he began life at the foot 
of the ladder and is now well-to do. He is in the 
prime of life, having been born July 12, 1842, in 
Denmark, where he spent his early years and ac- 
quired as good an education as his native place 
alTordod. He was reared to farm pursuits and 
trained to habits of industry which have followed 
him all through life. His bo3'hood and youth 
passed in a comparatively uneventful manner and 
in the twenty-fifth jear of his age he was married 
ISIay 4, 1867, to Miss Cecelia Charlotte Sophia 
Ericksen. 

A year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Jensen 
emigrated to America and proceeding to Chicago, 
III., landed in that city on the loth of June. T.ey 
resided there one year and there their eldest 
daughter, Hannah Amelia, was born. Mr. Jensen 
in Chicago was employed in a steam-heating estab- 
lishment. He finally decided upon seeking the far- 
ther West and coming to Kansas located in Silver 
Lake where he secured a section job and remained 
obout one year. At the expiration of this time he 
moved to Pottawatomie Count}', upon a homestead 
claim having upon it a small house which he occu- 
pied about three years. In the meantime he 
bought a couple of ponies and in the fall of the 
year had everything prepared for a comfortable 
winter when a prairie fire, from which they were 
unable to defend themselves, swept everything 
away with the exception of a little bedding and the 
few things which they carried to a potato patch. 



780 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



After tliese were placed there Mr. Jensen and liis 
wife returned to tlie house, endeavoring to fight 
the fire but found that their efforts were fruitless. 
In the meantime before the}- reached it the straw 
lick upon which their three children lay was on 
fire. B3' almost superhuman efforts they saved the 
children and the ponies. 

The Jensen family now went into Whiting 
Township, Jackson County, where there was a colony 
of their countrymen who assisted them to live 
through the winter. In the spring Mr. Jensen 
rented forty acres of ground which he planted with 
corn and this the grasshoppers destroyed, leaving 
them with dreary prospects for another long win- 
ter. Mr. Jensen, however, had u steer which he 
sold for ^20, taking his pay in cornmeal and old 
clothes. He continued renting thereafter until 
able to purchase eighty acres of land from the 
railroad company for which he paid about §900. 
In five years he sold it for 12,300 and then pur- 
chased IGO acres east of Whiting. 

This property, however, was not satisfactory and 
Mr. Jensen sold out the first year for just what he 
paid and purchased the farm which he now owns 
and occupies for $3,500. This lies on section 6 
and is one of the finest bodies of land in Whiting 
Township. Mr. Jensen has effected good improve- 
ments, greatly enhancing its value since taking- 
possession of it. He has planted a large number 
of apple and other fruit trees, besides building fen- 
ces, and lias all the laud under a good state of cul- 
tivation. 

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs- Jensen 
seven cliildren, one of whom, Jennie Cecelia, was 
taken from the home circle at the age of eleven 
years, ten months and twenty-one days. Her re- 
mains were laid to rest in the cemetery atXetawaka. 
The surviving children are Hannah Amelia, Mar- 
tin. Ella Christina, Mary, Peter Christian and Clara. 
They have each been given a good education and 
are an interesting and intelligent group. Mr. Jen- 
son and his estimable wife are members in good 
standing of the Lutheran Church. Politicallv, 
.Mr. Jensen is a sound Republican. 

Airs. Jensen is the daughter of Eriek Christian 
MurLonson, who was tlie son of Morten Erickson. 
^jhe comes of a race of intelligent and well educa- 



ted people, her paternal grandfather having been a 
successful teacher and spending his entire life in 
his native land. Her father was a tailor by trade. 
well read and well informed; he died in Denmark. 

~^. ^-^ ^ 




RICHARDS. This gentleman is well 
known in Pottawatomie County and vici- 
nity as one of the "cattle kings." He not 
only deals heavily in cattle, but is also en- 
g.iged in breeding Norman horses, the valuable 
imported equine "Vermont"' now being at the head 
of his stud, that place formerly having been filled 
1)3' "Tony." He also owns an imported Belgium 
horse of much value. He now has 100 horses on 
his farm, and the estate is stocked with all the 
cattle it will carry, his specialit3' in the latter stock 
being Short-horns and Herefords. Mr. Richards is 
one of the oldest settlers in this county, where his 
landed possessions now amount to 4,000 acres. His 
beautiful home is in Westmoreland and he is a lead- 
ing citizen of the citj'. He is one of the original 
and heav}' stockholders of the First National Bank, 
and has, since the 1st of January, 1884, when the 
institution was organized, been its President. 

It may be that Mr. Richards imbibed his love for 
horse flesh with the air he breathed in his ehiid- 
hood, as he is a native of the State wdiich is so fa- 
mous for its horse flesh. His birth took place in 
Anderson County, Ky., Nov. 4, 1834, and until the 
age of eight years his home was in that State. His 
parents then removed to Putnam County, Ind., 
where he grew to manhood on his father's farm, as- 
sisting in the labors thereon as his strength would 
admit. In the Hoosier State ou March 15, I860, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Frances A. 
Plummer. who has been his valued helpmate and 
encouraging associate in the trials of their earlier 
married life, and the enjoyments of their later 
years. 

The same spring in which he was married, Mr. 
Richards came to Kansas, first stopping in Brown 
Count}'. The same year Mr. Richards moved to 
Nebr.aska and erected a log hut about 10x12 feet, 
aiid there he endured the usual hardships of the 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



781 



pioneer. Mr. Richards occupiefl himself in making 
rails, and not .1 day was so Ijad but what he was 
able to work. This house was destroyed by fire in 
the I'all of 1863. thej' losing all their property, but 
their neighbors came to their rescue and they soon 
were on their feet again. The next 3ear lie came 
to this county, which was then very new. He took 
up a pre-emption claim of KiO acres of raw land in 
Pottawatomie Township, ten miles south of where 
AVestmoreland now stands. He erected a log house 
and im[)roved the land as fast as he could. In 
186,5, he removed near Westmoreland in what is 
now Rock Creek Township, buying, improving and 
selling land, and also buying and selling stock. In 
the latter business he was one of the very earliest 
dealers in this part of the county. He came to this 
State in time to see all of the grasshoppers, .and ex- 
perience the hardships entailed by destructive in- 
sects, droughts, and storms, but by persevering 
effort and ability, has risen far above the discom- 
forts of those early years. He built up a fine home 
on section 14, Rock Creek Township, where he now 
owns over 2,000 acres of land, the rest of his large 
landed possessions being in other parts of the 
count}'. He with his sons has control of the entire 
acreage. He lived on his farm until 1888, when he 
moved into the city in which he had previously been 
interested and with whose business he had been iden- 
tified. He is not onl^r thoroughly respected here, 
but is widcl}' and favorably known far be^'ond the 
limits of the count}-, as a man of unswerving in- 
tegrity, and business talents of no mean order. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been blessed by the 
birth of nine children, two of whom have been re- 
moved by the hand of death. Their names are as 
follows: Alice B. died in 1863, aged two j-ears and 
five months; Archie T. at the age of nine months; 
Bettie G., now Mrs. J. L Rogers of Marion, Kan.; 
William I.; Nannie C. now Mrs.Burkett; Albert A.; 
John F. ; C. Ella; and Guy Garfield. The wife and 
mother was born in North Carolina, in February, 
1835, and accom|)anied her parents to Indiana, 
where she lived until her marri.age. 

The gentleman of whom we write is a son of 
William Richards, who was born in Virginia, and 
going thence to Kentucky, tiiere married Miss 
Rebecca Bogus. They lived in the Blue Grass 



State for some time and then removed to Indiana, 
where Mr. Richards continued his occupation of 
farming in Putnam County. There he died at the 
age of eighty. six, having survived his wife many 
years, she having departed this life when our sub- 
ject was small. 

Mr. Richards of whom we write, has been ever 
interested in the cause of education, .and iielped to 
organize School District No. 4, and erect the school 
house when but few families lived in the neigh- 
borhood. He has no political aspirations but al- 
w.ays supports the Republican ticket. He and his 
wife are members of the Christian Church, of which 
he is a Deacon and Trustee. 



x^ HARLES B. KNIGHT, Assistan 
l( at Springside, also conducts a s 

^^(' eral merchandise at that point. 



HARLES B. KNIGHT, Assistant Postmaster 

store of gen- 
and superin- 
tends the operation of a good farm comprising 240 
acres of laud on section 18, Clear Creek Township, 
to which he intends returning in the spring of 
1890. This latter place he purchased in 1887. He 
was .at one time the owner of 400 .acres, and quite 
extensively eng.aged in the breeding of high-grade 
Norman horses. He has since disposed of a por- 
tion of this land, and in July, 1889, exchanged 
eighty acres for a stock of general merchandise; 
then removing to Springside, he put up his present 
store building. He is a wide-awake and energetic 
individual, and is nsuallj- successful in whatever he 
undertakes. 

The subject of this sketch was born near Mt. 
Vernon, Ind., Oct. 19, 1861, and lived there until 
a lad nine years of age. He then came with his 
father's family to Kans.os, proceeding b}' boat to St. 
Louis, Mo., and thence by rail to St. Joseph, where 
they sojourned one month. Thence the}' journeyed 
to Frankfort, and shortly afterward the father 
homesteaded a tract of land upon which the family 
settled and where Ch.arles B. developed into man- 
hood. In the meantime he attended the district 
school and m.ade himself useful on the farm, also 
learning carpentering from his father at odd times. 
He was bright and ambitious beyond his }ears, and 



782 



PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM. 



at the age of fifteen commenced to operate his 
father's farm of 240 acres on shares. He likewise 
commenced raising full-blooded Short-horn cattle 
and Berkshire swine, in which he was very success- 
ful. He also engaged in feeding and shipping- 
cattle. In 1«82 he purchased eighty acres of land. 
and four years later doubled his possessions. Sub- 
sequently lie purchased the present homestead. 

On the seventh of November, 1887, Mr. Knight 
was united in marriage with Miss Helen R. Miteli- 
ell, at the home of the bride in Spring Creek Town- 
ship. Mrs. Kniglit is the daughter of Rev. A. I. 
and Eunice (Van Dyke) Mitchell; tlie former was 
a native of Maine, and received a thorough educa- 
tion, being graduated from an Eastern college. He 
traces his ancestry back to the Puritans, who 
crossed the AtLantic in the "Maytlower" in 1G20. 
His ministerial labors began when he was a young- 
man, and subsequently he was a missionary in llli 
nois and Iowa. In 1881, he came to Kansas, and 
for a few years was a resident of Morris County. 
He then retired to the home of his son Edward in 
Spring Creek Township. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Knight there has been born one 
child, a daughter — Ethel. Mr. Knight, politically, 
is a Reiniblican, dyed in tlie wool. He has served 
as School Director in his district, and is promi- 
nently identified with the I. O. G. T., being an 
active advocate of temperance. The father of our 
subject was David Knight, a native of the citj^ of 
London, England. The paternal grandfather, James 
Knight, likewise a native of England, emigrated to 
America and located near New Albany, Ind. Later 
he removed to Posey County, and settling near 
Mt. Vernon, engaged as a gardener until his deatii. 

David Knight was a boy of seven years when he 
accompanied his parents to America, and later spent 
his youth in New Albany, Ind. He learned the 



trade of a ship-carpenter, and in due time op- 
erated as a contractor and builder. He accompanied 
the family to Mt. Vernon, Ind., wliere lie followed 
carpentering and farming comljined, until the out- 
break of the Civil War. During the first year of 
this struggle he enlisted as a Union soldier in the 
53d Indiana Infantry, in which he served ten 
months, and then being crippled, received an honor- 
able discharge from tlie hospital, and returned to 
Mt. Vernon. In 1870 he came to Kansas and 
homesteaded IGO acres of land in Clear Creek Town- 
ship, Pottawatomie County, which he operated in 
connection witli farming until 1886. Then remov- 
ing to Blaine he established a wagon-shop which 
he is still conducting. He is an active Republican, 
and a member in good standing of the Congrega- 
tional Church. 

The maiden name of the mother of our suliject 
was Mary Moore. She was born in New Albany, Ind., 
and is tlie daughter of Andrew Moore, a native of 
Ohio. The latter when twentj'-one 3'ears of age 
began dealing in furs, traveling over the West, and 
in this manner accumulated quite a fortune. He 
finally located near Mt. Vernon, Ind., and turning 
his attention to farming, resided there until his 
death. His father came from Ireland and settled 
at an early date on a claim near the present site of 
Cincinnati, Ohio. He fought in the Indian Wars 
and was killed by the savages on his own place. 
Mrs. Mary (Moore) Knight was given an excellent 
education, being graduated from an Indiana col- 
lege. She tauglit school for seven years prior to 
her marriage, and also followed her profession con- 
siderably afterward. There were born to her and 
her husband three children, viz.: Charles B., the 
subject of this sketch; Jesse S., who operates a farm 
on the Blue River, and Andrew A., a resident of 
Blaine. 



--^ 







^i<si3-< 



Abel, Arcli D 4gQ 

Adams, John ^3 

Adams, lohn Q ■•■ 39 

Adams, W 559 

Aitken.T. K 57" 

Albert, I., M. " 3" 

Allen, Benjamin J- 3*' 

Allen, E. M 3'9 

Allen, W. A 30i 

Allen, W. B 484 

Allen, WW =74 

Allen, William W .416 

Anderson, Charles E 382 

Anderson, Elmer D 382 

Anderson, William S 382 

Anderson, Rev. Swan 3'° 

" Anthony, George T '36 

Arganbright. Jesse "4 

Armstead, Thomas ■■■763 

Arnold, Hon. J. W ■■•29= 

Arnold, John 4*8 

.-^ronson, John '85 

Arthur. Chester A 99 

.•\iiU, Emanuel '37 

Ayers.I.M '°^ 

B 



I'.adgley,!.. L "<> 

liaker,Hon. C.N 548 

Il.ilsley, J.W.,M.D 7=6 

Hanks, Joshua 455 

Barry, J. J, Jr '89 

Basyc, A. J ^S' 

P.ayne, Thomas 45° 

Keck.Capt. M.M 34= 

Beeler.W. H 764 

Kelden, Irving 1* 323 

Bender, David 3=9 

Bentley,\V,lliam '42 

Benton, Hon. W. R 508 

Berg, B ■■ 3" 

Belts, Charles E 555 



Bickhart. Fred 246 

Bishop, H. P 230 

Blaney, G. J .215 

Blaylock, J. S 720 

Blossom, William A 172 

Boettcher, Ferdinand 281 

Boh. John ?33 

Bolman, G. T 245 

Bouton,J.J 509 

Bouton. L. H 70s 

Bovver, Philip A 717 

Bradshaw.B.H S54 

Brady, H. H 183 

Brassbridgc, G. W 197 

Breneman, W 422 

Brewer. Stephen 3&6 

Broderick, Hon. Case 444 

Brill. A. H.,M. D 587 

Bronson, Hiram 304 

Brous, J. H 463 

Brown, D. T., M- 1) egi 

Brown, I. B 510 

Brown, J. B 526 

Brown, J.N soo 

Brown, M. N 648 

Brown, R K 7=4 

Brown, Samuel 458 

Brown. Hon Val 658 

Brown, Warren 762 

Brown, W. E 398 

Bniton, Mrs. Rebeeca 742 

Buchanan, James 75 

Buman, R. R 701 

Bumgardner, A 470 

Bmlcr. H. J 566 

Butts, H. D 740 

Butts, Hon. W. C... 744 



Campbell, William 744 

Carharlt, E. 1... M. D 729 

Carney, Thomas "5 

Carpenter, J. S 212 

Carler.J T 6" 

Cawood, J. U 7>5 

Chabin. A. W 507 



Chadwick, James I) 318 

Chase, Hon. William 374 

Chevis,T, J '94 

Chitwood, Shelby 599 

Chrisman, Hon. R. R 680 

Chubb, J 467 

Clawer, Dow Coj 

Cleveland, Grover S 103 

Clowe, E.B 395 

Cochran, Allen C 519 

CockrclUS. B 186 

Combs, M. S iSo 

Cook, R. M 180 

Cooncy , James 186 

Coppinger, W. B 698 

Cowan, A. M., M.I) 592 

Cowell, C. J 659 

Cox, D, V 539 

Crawfcrd, Samuel J itg 

Crosby, R. H 609 

Crowl, Hon.L. B 222 

Crumbaker, W H 409 

Curry, S. H 674 



D 



Dachenhausen, Frederick 498 

Dailey, A. P 480 

Dailey, John 2QI 

David, James. 644 

Davis, Charles 676 

Davis, D. L ..■ 694 

Davis, John J 228 

Davis, J. M 7"i 

Davis, W. R 7" 

Dawson, A, M.D 593 

Deardorff, John 631 

Dearin, Simeon 303 

Degraw, G. W 445 

Dcgraw, Joseph 199 

Dick, John F 612 

Dick, S. A 748 

Dickson, Hon. Peter 43° 

Dinnen. I. C 727 

Di»nen, Michael, Sr 7^8 

Dixon, W. F 403 

Dodson, Alfred 5.39 



Dodson, W. A 506 

Doolittle, H. .M 591 

Downey, Thomas 295 

Doyle, E. J 5,5 

Dunn. Stephen H 715 



E 



Early. Samuel 419 

Eddy.T. 1 449 

Ellerman, F. H 660 

Ellioit. Jesse E aoo 

Elliott. L 47S 

Elmore, F 750 

Engle. E. C 588 

Estcp, J. W 247 

Eubanks, G. T 447 

Evans. F.ji 713 

Evtchison, S. A 489 



Falin. Charles J 282 

Faline, Malker 225 

Farrow, J. W, , M. D , 322 

Faulk. John H 755 

Fenn, A. D an 

Fiegener, Herman 258 

Fillmore, Millard tj 

Fisher, William Ross 170 

Flagg, E. D 651 

Foley, Michael 300 

Force, J. S 493 

Forrester. G. W 378 

Forsyth, Alexander 746 

Fortune, Thomas B ..227 

Fowler, A. M 776 

Fowler, J- M 601 

Fowler, Sylvester .266 

Frazel 1 , J a mes A . D 390 

Frederksen, C 534 

Frey, J. H 221 

Frowe, E. T 273 

Funchess. H. P., M. D 497 



INDEX. 



G 



Gard.W.U IT) 

Gardiner, J. B 27' 

Gardiner, T.W 663 

Garfield, James A 95 

Gay. Thompson 693 

Gibbons, John 175 

GiUman, C. H 621 

Ginter, John 652 

Gish, A 614 

Glick, George W 143 

Good. John 773 

Goodman, William D 700 

Gragg, Zachariah 745 

Graham, C.W 400 

Grant, U. S 87 

Gray, G. W (>79 

Gray, William 189 

Gregory, William, M. D ?o8 

Green, Nehemiah 123 

Green, T. C 549 

Greene, A. A 53^ 

Grinter,J.C t'62 

Grinter, J. M 576 

Grinter, Lorenza D 671 

G rover, Hon. O.J 426 

Gurtler, Wesley 474 



H 



Hadley,J. M 413 

Hafer, Benjamin 337 

Hagainan, Harry 774 

Haines, J. C ..5^0 

Harding, Elijah toi 

Karman, George 544 

Harman, N. H 622 

Harmon, William F 705 

Harmon, A 545 

Haims, John D 270 

Harris, E 293 

Harris, Stephen ^14 

Harrison, Benjamin 107 

Harrison, William 368 

Harrison, William Henry .... 51 

Hart, L. D 483 

HartweU, George W 389 

Hart well, M. N 253 

Hartwich, F 653 

Hartwich.H. F 395 

Harvey, James M 127 

Haub, Henry -ztS 

Havermale, Lewis 217 

Hayes, C. B 454 

Hayes, R. B 91 

Haynes,A.D .577 

Haynes, Hon. Robert P 524 

Hazen, W. B 219 

Heathmaii, H 490 

Hedge, William M 763 

Hemphill, James R 661 

Hill, Joseph ,. ...198 

Hill, Norman 373 

Hill. W. F 256 

Riser, A. F 775 



Hixon, Jacob 207 

Hoaglin, W. S 477 

Hoenshel, E. J .304 

Hoferer, Michael ... 308 

Hoffman, Charles 734 

Holm. C. A j35 

Holm, J- E 2q6 

Home wood, D 278 

Hoover, H 597 

Hoover, Isaac 269 

Hoover, M. S 747 

Hosier, A. R 643 

Hosier, Samuel 707 

H udson, Rev. B, F 700 

Humphrey, Lyman U 151 

Hurd. A. C 769 

Hurd, W. J 421 

Hutchins, Hon E. M — 580 

Hynian, A 515 



Ingram, W. J . . . . 
Ingraham, M. V. 



.683 

.226 



Jackson, Andrew 43 

Jefferson, Thomas 27 

Jenner, J. F., M. D 376 

Jensen, Jens 779 

Johnson, Alford 446 

Johnson, Andrew 83 

Johnson, A. V 231 

Johnson, C. M 721 

Johnson, E, S ^66 

Johnson, Hon. J. A , 161 

Johnson, L R 446 

Johnson, J. R 736 

Johnson, J. W 214 

Johnson, N. P 229 

Jones, E. P 418 

Jones, Milton 741 

Jones, M. Z 164 



K 



Karns, George 689 

Karr.E. P 647 

Kavanagh, M . J 190 

Keeney, R. H ,.566 

Keller, H.,Jr 610 

Keller, Hon. J, H 349 

Kelly, John 202 

Kendall, A. D ..591 

Kerr, George 754 

Kester, J. A 716 

Kirby. Henry 567 

Kilts, D. B 353 

Kiein. Robert 457 

Knapp, A. C. . . . 391 

Knight, C. B ..781 

Knoll, Henry 4S0 

Knouse, Ed 547 



Kn lid so 11, A 24 T 

Knudson, K 388 

Koentz, J. P., M. D 496 

Kolterman, A. F 203 

Kolterman, Ernst 433 

Kolterman, William 530 

Kricr, Rev. P. A 554 

Kroiise, Henry 440 

Kunkcl, C.W 494 

Kunkel, J. P 527 



Lackey, John A 377 

Lafontain, F 686 

Latta, John C 399 

Lauer, John 157 

Lawless, James 557 

Lee,G. M 754 

Leonard, Hugh 281 

Lewis, Edgar 347 

Lewis, E. S 495 

Lewis, Wesley . ,. 313 

Licklyter, Eli 184 

Lincoln, Abraham 7tj 

Little. Robert 178 

Locke. Hon. D. C 34S 

Logan, CD -- -3 J2 

Lon^enecker, John G 208 

Lutz.John 412 



M 

Mackay, George H 168 

Madison, James ... 31 

Mark, James Q 34 ^ 

Marks, E. F • 393 

Marshal], T. W 675 

Marshall, W. A 402 

Martell. 1. J 35^ 

Martin, John A 676 

Martin. John A 147 

Martin, Sidney W 204 

Maxell, G. O 218 

Maxson, Russell 632 

Maxwell, M. M 594 

May, James M 550 

McBride. Frank 250 

McCartney. R. K 710 

McClure, John ■ .730* 

McClure, R. M f'4S 

McCIiire, W. P 751 

iVIcCoin, A. W., D, D 54 

McComas, I 520 

McCoy, Capt. Charles 694 

McCoy. William 608 

McHenry, Andrew J 654 

McKeever, W. C 404 

McKelvy.J. C. 303 

McKowen, A 380 

McMahon, W. T., M. D.... 249 

McPherson, George H 635 

Mendenhall. John F 666 

Merriit, Hon. A C 193 

Meskimen, Allen 517 

Meyer, Henry F 443 



Milam. M. S 36g 

Millard, J. L 43a 

Miller, C 479 

Miller, Daniel 306 

Miller, Jacob .613 

Milligan J.S.T 505 

Mills, T. D 381 

.Mitchell, J. R 740 

Mohler, George 307 

Moll, John C 427 

Monroe, A 516 

Monroe, lames 35 

Monroe, O. P 163 

Moore, H. R 485 

Moore, R. C 286 

Moore, T. P. 330 

Morelli. Fredericko . . 696 

Morgan, Alfred 414 

Morin, John 599 

Morris, Charles E 236 

Morrow, Jacob 182 

Morrow, T. J .177 

Myers, L. M 434 



N 



Necktiman, Tobias 294 

Nelson, O. F 437 

Newman, Alfred 460 

Nichols, Samuel 767 

Nichols, L. D 435 

Niehaus, H.. 47-. 

North r up, J. C 647 

Northrup, Lorenzo, M. D. ..771 
Nuznian, F. C 411 



o 



O'Connor, Thomas 775 

Orendorf.J. M 732 

Osborn. Thomas A -131 

CShea, William 399 



Parmenter, W ^g^ 

Parrotl, J. W 3S4 

Patrick, A. G 757 

Paulsen, R 540 

Pearsall, Rev. A. L. 731 

Peck, Carlton «;57 

Pendroy,John R 7^3 

Perkins, S -^24 

Pierce, Franklin 71 

Pierce, Hon. Thomas 565 

Pigg.C.C... 469 

Pitcher, Henry .201 

i loughe. L S 624 

Polk, James K 59 

Pomeroy, A. B 547 

Pope, W. C 410 

Powors, M. B '.^67 

Porter, J ■ A 336 

Price, James H 619 



INDEX. 



Price, W. B 294 

Priest, W. I 358 

Pructt,G.C 476 

Prunty,J.L 301 

R 



Rabenstorf, John 187 

Randall. E. M., Sr 166 

Ream, Hon S. E 543 

Reckards,M 68g 

Reed. John H 45? 

Richards, A 7S0 

Richardson, E. F., M. D ...414 

Riederer, Jacob 4^5 

Riederer. J. P 188 

Roach, Hon. T. K 325 

Roberts, A. H 215 

Roberts, F. H 772 

Roberts. J. W 772 

Roberts. H. R 664 

Robinson, A. \V 642 

Robinson, Chailes u t 

Robson, John • 259 

Rogers, E. W 600 

Rosdahl, N 37* 

Rose, E. D 327 

Rose, W. C 739 

Ross, John E 529 

Ross, Henry 578 

Ross.S. W., M. D 384 

Rowles, J. V 168 

Rudy, Samuel 465 

Rudy.T. 1* 465 

Russell, A. M 672 

Ryberg. A 277 

s 

Salter, Caspar 253 

Sarber, R. H .407 

Sargent. W. W ...361 



Schirmer. Henry 260 

Scholes, A. B 213 

Scliwartz, A 401 

Scott, Adam ... 185 

Selby, J. W 223 

Sharp, G. R 508 

Shaw, A. P 432 

Shedd, Charles 5:^5 

Shehi. C. W 219 

She hi, George W 263 

Shehi, Harrison 299 

Shehi, Hon. J. H ■■•■344 

Sherman, E. M 196 

Sherman, Hiram 538 

Shiner, J. W 256 

Shirley, M. M ... 712 

Shirley, J L 73=; 

Shove, Henry W 205 

Siddens, A 365 

Sigrist, Mark us ■ 582 

Simkins. Rev. J. W... 396 

Simpson, R.D 7O1 

Smith, A. D., M. D 310 

Smith, U. M 620 

Smith, Frank .- . ...440 

Smith, Finley M 165 

Smith, F. M 4S6 

Smith, George 363 

Smith, J. T 778 

Smith, Rezin 703 

Smith, W. H 555 

Smyth, M. H., M. D 169 

Snooks, Irving 358 

Snyder, J. H 5^5 

Spangler, H. W 66g 

Stanley, Henry 488 

Statler, J. A 611 

Stark. F. M 721 

Stark, N. J 634 

Stephenson, Samuel 5S9 

Stevens, C. K 331 

Stewart, J. W.,M. D 239 

Stine.John L 448 

.St. John, James S 270 

St. John, John P 137 



Stover, S. M 255 

Strawn, Samuel 657 

Stream, G. C 447 

S\imner,W. H 359 

Supple. William 572 

Swanson, C. J 603 



Taylor, Zachary.. 63 

Teehan, Cornelius . 222 

Teeter, S. M 569 

Teske, F 704 

Tcrrel, Rev- J 718 

Tidier, John \V 264 

1 homas, John 473 

Thompson, H.J 3^4 

Thompson, C. L 581 

'1 hompsoii, M 309 

'I'hornburrow, John 233 

Tingley. Joseph 247 

Tolin, R. J 733 

Turner. R. S 670 

Tyler, John 55 

U 

Urbansky, A 340 

Urquhart, George 257 

Utz, Robert N 656 



Varaita, James M G33 

Van Brunt, L. L 425 

Van Buren. Martin 47 

Van Druff, Joshua R, 708 

Van Gaasbeek, Frank 602 

Van Gaasbeek. Hon. Geo. ...738 
Voge, Henry W 346 



W 



Walbridgc, C. B (ls6 

Walker, Hon. E 317 

WaUh, J. DeWitt 7o3 

Walsh, M. J a66 

Ward, Isaac 731 

Washington, George 19 

Watkins, G. T 503 

Weatherford, J. H 743 

Wcatherford Wm. S 743 

Weddle, I. Y 283 

Weeks, W. R ,,7 

Weible,G. C 320 

Wekh, Joseph agg 

Welen, Jacob 404 

Weller, E. A 453 

Wells, Hon. Welcome 513 

Welsh, J. J 284 

Wheat,G. G 338 

Whceler,J. F 428 

Whims, J 356 

White, George W 558 

White, S. Q 484 

Wible, William H 638 

Wilbers, Herman. .' 322 

Wilhoit, J. W., M. D 523 

WilUrd, J. N 763 

Williams, A. H 237 

Williams. C. H 35.; 

Williams. Hon. J. L 338 

WiUits, E. I 575 

Willits, L. B 575 

Wilson, S. S 68a 

Witts, John 379 

Wolverton, E 420 

Woods, Madison 487 

W under, John 766 

Y 

Young, Henry 351 




i^ 



V fioh. John 53t 

-^ Bumgardner, A 471 

r_ Frederiksen, C 531 

^.-Grinter, J. M 573 

H.irrison, William 369 

Hill. Norman B 3*9 

Holm, J. E. iV lire 333 



/Holm. J. F. 297 

•^Hoover, Henry 595 

Hurd, A. C 279 

- Kolterman, William 531 

^-'Krouse, Henry 441 

Logan. C. D 333 

Ma.xwell, M. M 595 



-^^ay, James M 551 

V McKeever. W. C 405 

t— Niehaus, H 471 

v^orter, James A 333 

"'Rosdahl, Nils 369 

l- Schirmer, Henry af^i 

^Shehi.Gcoige W 261 



^Shehi, Harrison 297 

t Smith, Frank 441 

■ Supple, William 573 

■-^ Welen, Jacob 405 

v'^'elch, Joseph 297 

W^ible. William H 639 

.Willits, L. B 573 



INDEX. 




-H^*-^-* 



Adams, John as 

Adams, John Q 38 

Anthony, George T 134 

vArthur, Chester A 08 

vAyers Isaac M 606 

Bolman,G. T 244 

-Bolman, Mrs. Jane E 244 

>Brin, A. H 584 

. Brill. Nancy E 585 

vBuchanan, James 74 

-■ Carney, Thomas 114 

V Cleveland, G rover S 102 

Crawford, Samuel J 118 

-- Deardorff", John 628 

. Deardorff, Mary A 629 



Fenn, A. U 210 

, Fillmore. Millard 66 

^Flagg. E. D., M. D 650 

Force, Jeiemiah S — 492 

-^ Garfield, James A 94 

- Gibbons, John • -174 

^ Click, George W 142 

Grant. Ulysses S 86 

. Gray,G. W 678 

-■ Green, Nehemiah 122 

- Harrison, Benjamin 106 

Harrison, William H 50 

Hart. L. D 482_ 

v-Hartwell , G. W 388 

. Harvey, James M 126 



Hayes, Rutherford B 90 

Humphrey. L. U 150 

■ Jackson. Andrew 42 

- Johnson, Andrew. 82 

Johnson, John A 160 

^ Jefferson. Thomas 26 

" Karns, George 688 

'" Karns, Caroline 688 

K. Kitts, David E 352 

Lincoln, Abraham 78 

. Madison, James 30 

V Martin, John A 146 

Merritt, A, C ., 192 

Merritt, Mrs, El via C 192 

.Monroe, James 34 



^ Osborn, Thomas A....M .. 130 

^ Pierce, Franklin 70 

'- Pierce, Thomaj ^63 

V Pierce, Mrs. A.E 562 

Polk, James K 58 

L Ream,S. E... 542 

- Robin=on , C no 

- Spang ler. H. W 668 

St. John. JohnP 138 

Taylor Zachary 62 

■' Tyler. John 54 

L Van Brunt, Mrs L. L 424 

Van Buren. Martin 46 

^Valker. Elijah 316 

. Washington. George 18 

- Watkins, G. T 502 

^Wilhoit. J. W., M. D 522 

L Wells, Hon. Welcome. 512 

, Wells, Mrs. Eliza 512 



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